Proanthocyanidins
are antioxidants that are widespread in nature. Their modern use
as antioxidants dates to the maritime pine tree bark (Pinnus
maritima). More recently, they have also been produced from
an extract from grape seeds ("grape seed extract"). They
are excellent antioxidants, at least 20 times more potent than Vitamin
C in some situations.
The world first
learned of their beneficial effects when a Frenchman, Jacques Cartier,
led a party of explorers into what is now the St. Lawrence gulf
in Canada, in 1535. The explorers were very sick at the time, suffering
from symptoms of scurvy. Native Americans told them that they should
drink a tea made from the Anneda tree (a relative of the Prunus
maritima tree). This recommendation returned the explorers to
vigorous health.
Proanthocyanidins
can be called a bioflavonoid (the yellow-colored substances from
plants). Bioflavonoids enhance absorption of Vitamin C, and are
also both powerful antioxidants and free radical scavengers. Some
beneficial effects of bioflavonoids include strengthening capillaries
and regulating their permeability. This may be why they help with
retinal degeneration. They also help with ulcers, probably due to
the same mechanism, and are effective with some cases of asthma.
They have been documented to help with diseases such as bacterial
infections, cancer, hypertension, viral infections, arthritis, diabetes,
and many other disorders. Their antibacterial effect may be due
entirely to their ability to strengthen cell wall membranes, and
not by any direct antibacterial properties. Proanthocyanidins will
pass the blood-brain barrier and nurture dysfunctional neurons.
Some people
now believe that the Proanthocyanidins from pine bark (Pycnogenol®)
are actually superior, and are more potent that from grape seeds.
The research behind this recommendation comes mostly from French
researchers, especially Professor Masquelier, who published studies
from 1983-1993. These studies showed both sources to be effective,
but that the Proanthocyanidins from grape seed were more bioavailable
that from pine bark and better free radical scavengers. The OPC's
from grape seeds are far less expensive than pine bark sources,
which makes them more cost effective.
We offer both
products to allow you to choose the one you prefer. No matter what
source one employs to produce Proanthocyanidins, the caretaker needs
to be aware that these are complex phytochemicals having a large
number of different compounds in each of the various products. It
is likely that certain disorders would respond better to one source
of Proanthocyanidins, while a different disorder to another one.
|