Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
| This term was used to describe an entire complex of proanthocyanidin complexes found in a variety of plants including pine bark, grape seeds, lemon tree bark, peanuts, cranberries, and citrus peels. The term "pycnogenols" has been replaced in the scientific community by the terms proanthocyanidins, oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs), and /or procyani-dolic oligomers (PCO). In the United States, Pycnogenol® is a registered trademark of Horphag Ltd of Guernsey, UK, and refers to the procyanidolic oligomer (PCO) extracted from the bark of the French maritime pine. |
David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG
See book keywords and concepts |
 Collectively, mixtures of proanthocyanidin dimers, trimers, tetramers, and larger molecules are known as oligomeric procyanidins (OPCs).
Fruit-bearing plants are high in oligomeric procyanidins, and heartwood and bark are rich sources of unusual proanthocyanidins. OPCs, called "pycnogenols" in the commercial supplement market, are available in extracts of grape seeds and the bark of the maritime pine.82 It should be noted that the word pycnogenol is a commercial term and not an accepted chemical descriptor.
Fig. 7.77. |
The Life Extension Editorial Staff
See book keywords and concepts |
 GRAPE SEED-SKIN EXTRACT
The effects of the proanthocyanidins found in grape seed-skin extract on immune dysfunction were studied in mice. The proanthocyanidin enhanced in vitro inter-leukin-2 production and natural killer cell cytotoxicity. In vitro, grape seed-skin extract has been shown to have antioxidant action 50 times greater than vitamin E and 20 times greater than vitamin C (Bagchi et al. 1997). The antioxidant protection of grape seed-skin also extends across the blood brain barrier to the brain and spinal nerves (Bagchi et al. 1998). |
Joseph E. Mario
See book keywords and concepts |
 Grape seed extract has proanthocyanidin B2-3-0 Gallate, more active an antioxidant and free radical scavenger than its relative Pycnogenol. Grape seed extract has approx. 15% Procyanidin dimers of Vitamins Bl, B2, B3, and Folic acid in free form; 20% Trimers and Tetramers, and 65% Procyanidolic Oligomers of which 70% are lost, 45% in stools, 19% in urine and 6% exhaled as carbon dioxide, with 28% retained in the body after 24 hours. |
| Take Selenium and Sulfur anti-peroxidants; Vitamin E for Enzyme P-450 anti-peroxidant, because polyunsaturated Fatty acids are easily oxidized to peroxides without Vitamin E and the other Antioxidants Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and Glutathione-Peroxidase, Bioflavonoids Pycnogenol and proanthocyanidin, many vitamins, minerals, proteins and enzymes.
Take Vitamins A; B-Complex, 100mg.B2; B3; B5; 50 mg. Vitamin B6 3timesaday; B-12; 30 mg. Folic acid; blood pressure cleanser/regulator 1000 mg. |
The Life Extension Editorial Staff
See book keywords and concepts |
| Proanthocyanidin. proanthocyanidin possesses extraordinary antioxidant properties that may be of value in reducing the inflammation associated with pain (Li et al. 2001). For chronic pain, start with 100 mg twice a day for 4-6 months and then reduce the dosage by half.
Foods That Fight Pain
Until recently, most people did not think that food had much to do with pain. Many physicians still do not see the connection, but little by little physicians are realizing that there is often a connection between pain and what we eat. |
Josef A. Brinckmann and Michael P. Lindenmaier
See book keywords and concepts |
 Other constituents include epicatechin, the catechin dimer proanthocyanidin A2 and tannins [1—3]. A number of proanthocyanidin trimers, isolated from the husks, have been structurally identified [4].
Indications: The drug is used only rarely. It is occasionally employed in folk medicine as an astringent for diarrhea and hemorrhoids. Externally, decoctions are (rarely) used for ulcers and skin disorders (lupus). The drug was formerly considered to be an antipyretic and a substitute drug for Cinchonae cortex for treatment of malaria. The extract is used industrially in tanning. |
Joseph E. Mario
See book keywords and concepts |
| Grape Seed extract contains aPycnogenol not found in Pine bark, proanthocyanidin B2-3-0 Gallate 93-95% gallic esters, more active against free radicals. This powerfulBioflavonoidantioxidantprotectsCollagenandElastin in capillary walls from free radical damage, inhibits their breakdown by enzymes (with Catechin); prevents the oxidation of Vitamin C, useful for Collagen formation, and spurs Collagen synthesis; realign skin Collagen (Catechin), improve skin elasticity, protect from ultraviolet rays (improve skin cell survival from 50% to 85%). |
Michael T. Murray, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 The term "pycno-genols" is now considered obsolete in the scientific community to describe these compounds giving way to the terms proanthocyanidins, oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs), and/or procyanidolic oligomers (PCO). In the United States, the term Pycnogenol® is a registered trademark of Horphag Research, Limited, Guernsey, UK and refers to the PCO extracted from the bark of the French maritime pine.
Masquelier patented the method of extracting PCO from pine bark in France in 1951 and from grape seeds in 1970. |
David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG
See book keywords and concepts |
| Inhibition of the adherence of P-fimbriated Esherichia coli to uroepithelial-cell surfaces by proanthocyanidin extracts from cranberries. The New England Journal of Medicine 1998; 339:10854 [letter].
Diuretic Collinsonia canadensis, Eupatorium purpureum, Zea mays
Demulcent Zea mays
Antilithic Collinsonia canadensis, Eupatorium purpureum
Antispasmodic Dioscorea villosa, Viburnum prunifolium, Zea mays
18
THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
It should come as no surprise that nature is rich in plants that nurture the reproductive system or in some way address the process of conception and birth. |
Mark Blumenthal
See book keywords and concepts |
 Recent research suggests significant antioxidant activity for this extract, based primarily on its proanthocyanidin content. Currently, Pycnogenol® is used primarily to help prevent edema formation of the lower legs (Gulati, 1999) and capillary bleeding, especially in cases of retinopathy (Spadea and Balestrazzi, 2001). Pycnogenol® has been shown to prevent platelet aggregation in smokers (Putter et al, 1999) and in cardiovascular patients (Wang et al, 1999). |
| Inhibition of the adherence of Pfimbriated Escherichia coli to uroepithelial-cell surfaces by proanthocyanidin extracts from cranberries [letter]. New EngJMed 1998;339(15):1085-6. Jackson B, Hicks L. Effect of cranberry juice on urinary pH in older adults. Home
Healthcare Nurse 1997;15(3):198-202. Jepson RG, Mihaljevic L, Craig J. Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections
(Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library. Oxford: Update Software 2001. Kahn DH, Panariello VA, Saeli J, Sampson JR, Schwwartz E. Effect of cranberry juice on urine. J Am Dietetic Assoc 1967;51(3):251-4. |
Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson
See book keywords and concepts |
 The phytochemistry of cranberry is not well documented. The proanthocyanidin constituents may be important for the antibacterial activity of cranberry. Some studies have suggested that an unknown high-molecular-weight constituent may also be important. Anthocyanins, acids (e.g. citric, malic and quinic acids) and carbohydrates (including oligosaccharides) are also present.
Pharmacological effects and clinical efficacy
In in vitro studies, cranberry cocktail (containing cranberry juice, fructose and vitamin C) and proantho-cyanidins have been shown to markedly inhibit adhesion of E. |
James F. Balch, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 The term "Pycnogenol" describes an entire class of bioflavonoids that are composed of polyphenols or proanthocyanidin complexes. Pycnogenol can also be referred to as oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs).
Bioflavonoids—"Bio" is the Greek prefix indicating a relationship to life. "Flavo" is a Latin prefix indicating the color yellow. "Flavone" is the chemical from which the natural colors of many vegetables are derived.
Polyphenols—The term "polyphenols" (many phenols) is described above at the beginning of this chapter. |
Mark Blumenthal
See book keywords and concepts |
| A-type proanthocyanidin trimers from cranberry that inhibit adherence of uropathogenic P-fimbriated Escherichia coli. J Nat Prod
Chem 2000b; 63(9): 1225-8. Fourcroy J. Personal communication to K. Dinda; 2000.
Gibson L, Pike L, Kilbourn JP. Clinical Study: Effectiveness of cranberry juice in preventing urinary tract infections in Long-Term Care Facility patients. J Naturopathic M^1991;2(l):45-7.
Guthrie N. Effect of cranberry juice and products on human breast cancer cell growth [abstract]. San Diego, CA- Proc Exp Biol 2000;April 14-18., San Diego, CA. |
James F. Balch, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Both the seeds and the skins of grapes contain proanthocyanidin, which is the molecule responsible for the protective and healing benefits, proanthocyanidin is a specific class of bioflavonoids found in a wide variety of plants, including purple, white, red, and green grapes, as well as pine bark, lemon tree bark, hazelnut tree leaves, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, and others. The most concentrated of these is in the seeds of the white and green grapes. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Only the grape seed extract contains the gallic esters of proanthocyanidins (in particular: proanthocyanidin B2-3'-0-gallate).1'23 These compounds are the most active free radical-scavenging PCOs. They are found only in grape seed.
• It is far more economical to extract PCO from grape seeds than it is from pine bark. As a result, the grape seed extract provides greater value at a lower price. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
| The term "pycnogenols" has been replaced in the scientific community by the terms proanthocyanidins, oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs), and /or procyani-dolic oligomers (PCO). In the United States, Pycnogenol® is a registered trademark of Horphag Ltd of Guernsey, UK, and refers to the procyanidolic oligomer (PCO) extracted from the bark of the French maritime pine.
Masquelier patented the method of extracting PCOs from pine bark in France in 1951, and from grape seeds in 1970. |
Josef A. Brinckmann and Michael P. Lindenmaier
See book keywords and concepts |
| Oligomeric proanthocyanidin fractions obtained from the bark, possess high cell proliferation activity against human keratinocytes. Human skin keratinocyte differentiation was not influenced [11, 12]. Preparations made from leaf and bark are also in used in cosmetics as facial lotions.
Side effects: In susceptible patients, gastric irritation may occasionally occur. In rare cases, witch hazel tannins may cause liver damage.
Making the tea: Pour boiling water over 1—2 g of finely cut dried leaf. Steep for 10 min and then strain. For mild diarrhea, drink one cup 2—3 times daily. |
| Isolated proanthocyanidin A2 from horse chestnut bark has demonstrated protective effects against UV damage, an effect primarily due to its strong antioxidant properties (for a recent review, see [3]).
Side effects: None known for the dried bark. In the patch test with isolated aesculin, a case of contact dermatitis has been reported [5].
Making the tea: Pour cold water over one-half teaspoonful of finely cut or coarsely powdered dried bark. Bring to a boil, decoct briefly, and then pass through a tea strainer. For diarrhea, drink one cup 2—3 times daily. |
C. P. Khare
See book keywords and concepts |
 Pycnogenol is a registered trademark in the United States for a bioflavonoid, proanthocyanidin, extracted from the bark of the French maritime pine tree.)
As a folk medicine in the West, the ashes of burnt pine boughs are sprinkled over the skin of young children afflicted with measles, mumps and chickenpox. It is claimed that the itching soon ceased and the rash cleared up of its own accord.
Caution
Taxus baccata Linn. (Taxaceae) should not be accepted as a substitute for Abies webbiana, as advised in The Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I. |
Josef A. Brinckmann and Michael P. Lindenmaier
See book keywords and concepts |
| A number of proanthocyanidin trimers, isolated from the husks, have been structurally identified [4].
Indications: The drug is used only rarely. It is occasionally employed in folk medicine as an astringent for diarrhea and hemorrhoids. Externally, decoctions are (rarely) used for ulcers and skin disorders (lupus). The drug was formerly considered to be an antipyretic and a substitute drug for Cinchonae cortex for treatment of malaria. The extract is used industrially in tanning. |
The Life Extension Editorial Staff
See book keywords and concepts |
| Some of the best antioxidants include vitamin E, vitamin C, coenzyme Qiq (CoQiq), proanthocyanidin and other flavonoids from grape-seed, tocotrienols, ginkgo biloba, and melatonin (see the section on A
Word About Bleeding for possible contraindications to vitamin E and ginkgo biloba in certain situations). The presence of these substances in a cell can prevent free radicals from forming or can minimize damage of interrupting an oxidative chain reaction.
A combination of these antioxidants, such as that contained in a potent multivitamin, may be best. |
Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien
See book keywords and concepts |
 Effect of a novel IH636 grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on acetamino-phen-induced nephrotoxicity. Journal of the American College of Nutrition 1998a; 17: abstract 49.
12. Bagchi M, Balmoori J, Bagchi D, et al. Protective effects of vitamins C and E, and a grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) on smokeless tobacco-induced oxidative stress and apoptopic cell death in human oral keratinocytes. Paper presented at the Fourth Annual Meeting of the Oxygen Society; November 22, 1997; San Francisco, CA.
13. Facino RM, Carini M, Aldini G, et al. |
Gary Null
See book keywords and concepts |
| Pycnogenol is the bioflavanoid proanthocyanidin extracted from pine bark and grape seeds. It is a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger, known to exhibit anticancer activity.
Pycnogenol protects the brain by fortifying the blood vessel walls. It's protective against stroke and dementia. Pycnogenol keeps collagen elastic, and softens blood platelets for more efficient movement through the vessels.
Take a minimum of 400 mg of pycnogenol per day.
Grape Seed Extract, Grape Skin Extract, Red Wine Concentrate. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler and David Rorvik
See book keywords and concepts |
 PRECAUTIONS
Grape seed proanthocyanidin supplementation should be avoided by pregnant women and nursing mothers.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Grape seed proanthocyanidins are available in products called grape seed extracts. These products contain grape seed procyanidins as well as catechin and epicatechin. Typical doses are 50 to 100 mg daily. Products called OPCs or PCOs (procyanidolic oligomers) are typically grape seed extracts.
HOW SUPPLIED
Capsules — 40 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg Tablets — 40 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg
LITERATURE
Bagchi D, Garg A, Krohn RL, et al. |
| Acetaminophen-induced programmed and unprogrammed liver-cell death was dramatically prevented and reduced in mice treated with a grape seed proanthocyanidin extract. Exposure to the extract for seven days prior to acetaminophen administration was notably more effective than pre-treatment for three days. The extract significantly counteracted acetaminophen-promoted apoptotic DNA fragmentation.
In another animal model, grape seed proanthocyanidins were shown to increase resistance to myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury. |
Heather Boon, BScPhm, PhD and Michael Smith, BPharm, MRPharmS, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
 ANTI-CANCER ACTIVITY
In vitro screening tests have suggested that the proanthocyanidin fraction of cranberry has potential anti-carcinogenic (anti-cancer) activity.28
ADVERSE EFFECTS
None reported.
CAUTIONS/CONTRAINDICATIONS
None reported.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
None reported.
DOSAGE REGIMENS
Prevention of urinary tract infections
ž juice: 150-600 mL cranberry juice daily.7'24
ž capsule: 300-400 mg concentrated cranberry juice capsules twice daily.29
Note: Cranberry juice should not be used as a substitute for antibiotics in acute urinary tract infections. |
The Life Extension Editorial Staff
See book keywords and concepts |
| Bilberry, from the genus Vaccinium Myrtillus Fructus, is a proanthocyanidin that has historically been used in various eye conditions, including glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa. Both nutrients may help to restore microcapillary circulation to the eye. After taking ginkgo and bilberry for a month, add 400 meg of the mineral selenium, 500 mg of the amino acid glutathione, and 500 mg of alpha-lipoic acid every day.
Inositol
Inositol nicotinate is a member of the B vitamin family. |
Email this page to a friend
