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PINE BARK EXTRACT (OPC)
DESCRIPTION : Pine Bark extract is a bioflavonoid- rich, potent extract which is used for fighting free radicals and maintaining capillary health. It is very similiar to grape seed extract, with a high content of proanthocyanidins (see active properties). Proantho-cyanidins are found in many foods, but freezing, cooking and canning deactivate them. Sales of proanthocyanidins in France alone are $100 million per year.
PHYSIOLOGY : Free radicals do damage in the capillaries in two ways: (1) by inactivating a compound called a 1-antitripsin, whose role is to restrain the enzymes that break down collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, and (2) by turning the fats in the cell membranes rancid (lipid peroxidation). Proanthocyanidins protect both the 1-antitripsin and the lipids by neutralizing the specific types of free radicals most likely to damage them, and may also directly inhibit the damaging enzymes. Collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid make up much of the inner wall and supporting matrix of the capillaries; when they are in good shape the capillaries stretch to let red blood cells through the tight places and do not let the fluids in the blood leak out. Pro-anthocyanidins have shown a marked tendency to accumulate in tissues with high contents of glycosaminoglycans (complex amino sugars), such as capillary walls and skin. This may also apply to cartilage and synovial fluid. Proanthocyanidins have also shown antimutagenic effects in vitro at high concentrations (250 mcg/ml).
HISTORICAL USES : Pine Bark extract is used for
its free radical fighting capabilities, and for a variety of conditions
related to capillary health and permeability. It is synergistic with
vitamin C_ which is more potent and absorbed more rapidly when used
together with Proanthocyanidins. Proanthocyanidins have been indicated
for:
• poor distribution of microcirculatory blood flow in the brain and
heart;
• altered capillary fragility and permeability (in diabetes mellitus);
• chronic arterial/venous insufficiency in the extremeties;
• altered platelet aggregation and other characteristics of blood flow
in capillaries;
• breakdown in the elastic fibers of the capillaries (collagen and
elastin) due to free radical and enzyme action;
• microangiopathy of the retina, edema of the lymph nodes, varicose
veins and other symptoms of the problems listed above;
• the cumulative effects of aging and reducing the risk of degenerative
diseases.
ACTIVE PROPERTIES : Proanthocyanidins (also known as leucoanthocyanidins and pycnogenols) are a form of polyphenol, which is in turn a form of bioflavonoid. Proanthocyanidins are at least 15 to 25 times more powerful than vitamin E in neutralizing the iron and oxygen species free radicals that attack lipids.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE : 100 to 200 mg daily for 7 to 10 days, then 60 to 100 mg daily, or as desired. Usage ranges from 30 mg per day (venous-lymphatic insufficiency) to 300 mg per day (eye stress from use of video display terminal) in studies reporting significant results.
TOXICITY, CAUTIONS & CONTRA-INDICATIONS : Proanthocyanidins are almost completely non-toxic both in acute dosage (LD50>4,000mg/kg in rats & mice) and high long-term dosage (no toxic effects at 60 mg/kg/day for 12 months in dogs and 6 months in rats). They have no potential for causing mutations or birth defects, and have no adverse effect on fertility, pregnancy or nursing.
