Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien
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 This special form is known as gallic esters of pro-cyanidins (especially proanthocyanidin B2-3'-0-gallate).20 This hypothesis cannot be confirmed until more research is available on pine bark extract.
Major Constituents
Procyanidolic oligomers (PCOs) (also called oligomeric procyanidins, or OPCs)
Safety
Grape seed extract is considered nontoxic and has been extremely well tolerated in clinical trials.
• Side effects: Side effects are rare. Those reported in clinical studies included mild stomach upset, dizziness, or itchy rash.
• Contraindications: None known. |
| Antioxidant grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) and a DNA repair modulator 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB) protect doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity in vivo. Paper presented at the 38th Annual Meeting of the Society for Toxicology: March IS, 1999; New Orleans, LA.
16. Bagchi D, Krohn RL, Garg A, et al. Comparative in vitro and in vivo free radical scavenging abilities of grape seed proan-thocyanidins and selected antioxidants. The FASEB Journal 1997a; 11 (3): 4.
17. Masquelier J. Procyanidolic oligomers (leucocyanidins). Parfums Cosmetiques Aromes 1990;95:89-97.
18. |
the Editors of PREVENTION
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 Pine bark contains proanthocyanidin, one of
Cause: Macular degeneration is a condition of aging in which the macula, the central part of the retina in the back of the eye, begins to deteriorate. Exactly why this occurs is unknown, but heredity, a breakdown of circulation in the eyes, vitamin deficiencies, and exposure to sunlight are thought to be some of the contributing factors.
Incidence: More than 13 million Americans have experienced at least some symptoms of macular degeneration, making it the leading cause of vision loss among older people. |
The Complete Book of Alternative NutritionSelene Y. Craig, Jennifer Haigh, Sari Harrar and the Editors of PREVENTION Magazine Health Books
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| That's because antioxidants themselves can sometimes become free radicals, so we need compounds to buffer the free radicals once the antioxidant has scavenged them, and those are bioflavonoids, such as proanthocyanidin."
"By using a combination of antioxidants, bioflavonoids and chelated minerals, we have been able to reduce people's free radical levels within five weeks," he observes. "Although reducing free radicals doesn't make you feel better per se, people do notice that they have more endurance, so they can push further before crashing. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D.
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 Collectively, mixtures of proanthocyanidin dimers, trimers, tetramers, and larger molecules are referred to as procyanidolic oligomers, or PCOs for short.12
Although PCOs exist in many plants as well as red wine, commercially available sources of PCOs include extracts from grape seeds and the bark of the maritime (Landes) pine.12 This chapter reviews these benefits of PCOs from grape seeds and pine bark.
History and folk use
In 1534, French explorer Jacques Cartier was leading an expedition up the Saint Lawrence river. |
Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien
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| Inhibition of the adherence of P-fimbri-ated Escherichia coli to uroepithelial-cell surfaces by proanthocyanidin extracts from cranberries (letter). New England Journal of Medicine 1998; 339(15): 1085-1086.
14. Kahn HD, Panariello VA, Saeli J, et al. Effect of cranberry juice on urine. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 1967; 51: 251-254.
15. Foster S, Tyler V. Tyler's Honest Herbal: 4th ed. New York and London: Haworth Herbal Press, 1999: 127-129. |
Linda B. White, M.D.
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 The Rid-of-'Roids Diet
Foods rich in fiber and in proanthocyanidin and anthocyanidin, two compounds that improve the health of blood vessels, can help prevent future hemorrhoids and help current ones heal. Blackberries, blueberries, and cherries are among the foods that contain these ingredients. If constipation is a factor, you may want to consider a fiber supplement, such as psyllium seed husks (1 tablespoon per day) mixed with water or juice. If your diet is less than healthy, add a good multivitamin to ensure that you're getting all of the important blood-vessel-healing nutrients. |
Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien
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| One laboratory study suggests that the proanthocyanidin portion of cranberry extract (and other Vaccinium species such as blueberry and lingonberry) may have anticancer activity.9 Another laboratory experiment showed that cranberry has antioxidant effects. In the study, flavonoid compounds from cranberry prevented the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which has been linked to heart disease. |
Larry Trivieri, Jr.
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 Ivker reports that proanthocyanidin, or grape seed extract, is also effective in treating hay fever. He notes that in, France, it has become the most commonly recommended natural remedy for allergies. He also recommends the bioflavonoid quercetin to all his patients with hay fever.
Herbal Medicine: Dr. Sherman reports that nettle (Urtica dioica) has the ability to clear the sinuses and can greatly reduce the symptoms of hay fever. Tincture of licorice is also often recommended (1A to one teaspoon should be taken in warm water twice daily, five days a week). |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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 Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol is an extremely powerful antioxidant consisting of the bioflavanoid proanthocyanidin that can be extracted from pine bark and grape seeds. Studied since the 1950s, many have suggested pycnogenol may be the most potent antioxidant yet discovered, far surpassing even vitamin E and vitamin C in strength. Peer review studies indicate it is indeed a proven free radical scavenger and anti-oxident that has been shown to exhibit anticancer activity. |
Andrew L. Stoll
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 Grapes and grape leaves contain reservatol, and grape seeds contain the antioxidant proanthocyanidin. Coenzyme Q10, a potent antioxidant in every cell, is found in spinach, peanuts, and sardines. Green tea and even black tea contain important antioxidants called tannins, which are polymers of phenolic compounds.
Antioxidants capture free radicals (highly reactive compounds
224
The Omega-3 Connection with "free" electrons), which are dangerous to the omega-3 essential fatty acids. The more double bonds the omega-3 has, the more vulnerable it is to oxidation. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D.
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 Collectively, mixtures of proanthocyanidin molecules are referred to as procyanidolic oligomers, or PCO for short. PCOs exist in many plants and are found in red wine. In addition, commercially available sources of PCO include extracts from grape seeds and the bark of the maritime (Landes) pine.
The primary uses of PCO extracts are in the treatment of venous and capillary disorders, including venous insufficiency, varicose veins, capillary fragility, and disorders of the retina such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. |
Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien
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| 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. Pho-toprotective action of procyanidins from Vitis vinifera seeds on UV-induced damage: in vitro and in vivo studies. Fitoterapia 1998; 69(5): 39-40.
14. Joshi SS,Ye X, Liu W, et al. |
Michael Tierra
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 Cat's-claw is also a rich source of proanthocyanidin (pycnogenol), which is a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger. By detoxifying the gastrointestinal tract, cat's-claw is also helpful in fostering the replenishment of friendly bacteria. Cat's-claw is available in Planetary Formula's Cat's Claw Combination.
Dose: Cat's-claw is available in dried and powdered form made into gelatin or compressed capsules. It can also be made into a tea using 1 tablespoon of the bark simmered in 1 cup of water. Take 1 cup three times daily or the equivalent dose in other forms. |
Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC
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 Inhibition of the adherence of P-fimbriated Eschericia coli to uroepithelial—all surfaces by proanthocyanidin extracts from cranberries. New Engl J Med 1998; 339: 1005-6.
4. Avorn J, Monane M, Gurwitz JH, et al. Reduction of bacteriuria and pyruria after ingestion of cranberry juice. JAMA 1994; 271: 751-54.
5. Leaver RB. Cranberry juice. Prof Nurse 1996; 11(8): 525-26 [review].
6. Brown DJ. Herbal Prescriptions for Better Health. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1996, 57-61.
Cranesbill
1. Tilford GL. Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler and David Rorvik
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 The cytotoxic effects of a novel IH636 grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on cultured human cancer cells. Mol Cell Biochem. 1999; 196:99-108.
Zhao J, Wang J, Chen Y, Agarwal R. Anti-tumor-promoting activity of a polyphenolic fraction isolated from grape seed in the mouse skin two-stage initiation-promotion protocol and identification of procyanidin B5-3' -gallate as the most effective antioxidant constituent. Carcinogenesis. 1999; 20:1737-1745. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
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| Grape seed extracts are available which contain 92-95% PCOs while the pine bark extracts vary from 80 to 85%. proanthocyanidin b\is shown in Figure 106.1.
HISTORY AND FOLK USE
In 1534, French explorer Jacques Cartier lead an expedition up the Saint Lawrence River. Trapped by ice,
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General description 899 Chemical composition 899 History and folk use 899 Pharmacology 900 Clinical applications 901 Dosage 901 Toxicity 901
Cartier and his crew were forced to survive on a ration of salted meat and biscuits. |
| Collectively, mixtures of proanthocyanidin dimers, trimers, tetramers, and larger molecules are referred to as procyanidolic oligomers or PCOs for short. The PCOs are discussed in Ch. 106.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Flavonoids, as well as vitamin C, were discovered by Albert Szent-Gyorgyi (1893-1986), one of the most respected and honored biochemists of the 20th century. Szent-Gyorgyi received the Nobel Prize in 1937 for his discovery of some of the properties of these molecules.
It was during the process of isolating vitamin C that Szent-Gyorgyi discovered the flavonoids. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
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| Collectively, mixtures of proanthocyanidin dimers, trimers, tetramers, and larger molecules are referred to as procyanidolic oligomers, or PCOs for short. Although PCOs exist in many plants as well as in red wine, commercially available sources of PCO include extracts from grape seeds and the bark of the maritime (Landes) pine.
The primary uses of PCO extracts are in the treatment of venous and capillary disorders including venous insufficiency, varicose veins, capillary fragility, and disorders of the retina, e.g. diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. |
Ronald L. Hoffman, M.D.
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 British doctors found then that the proanthocyanidin pigments in bilberry preserves could improve night vision.
Since problems with blood circulation may be a factor, vasodilators have been proposed for treatment of macular degeneration. One might also consider chelation therapy as a means of enhancing microcirculation of the retina. Researchers are also now looking into macular implants to repair macular degeneration. There is research into immune-modulating and growth-modulating drugs that might prevent or repair damage to the retina. |
J. E. Williams, O.M.D.
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 There have been no proven cases of toxicity with quercetin supplementation, and though there is some concern that quercetin may pose a cancer risk, no human studies or clinical evidence have confirmed this.
• Proanthocyanidin: Originally called pycnogenol by its discoverer, Jacques Masquelier, a professor at the University of Bordeaux, France, oligomeric proanthrocyanidin complexes (OPCs), also called procyanidolic oligomers (PCOs), were first extracted from pine bark in 1951 and later from grape seeds in 1970. They have powerful antioxidant activity. |
Donald R. Yance, j r.,C.N., M.H., A.H.G., with Arlene Valentine
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 The most active anticancer constituent of cranberry is proanthocyanidin, which has an antioxidant capability ten times greater than that of vitamin E.16 Never buy cranberry juice sweetened with sugar or corn syrup. It is very simple to make your own (see chapter 14). Get a guide book and learn about the areas of the country and seasons when various berries are available. In August, for instance, blackberries are everywhere in southern Oregon as well as in the Northeast. Go on a berry-picking hike—it's fun and a great way to begin to become more involved with nature. |
James F. Balch, M.D.
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 Jacques Masquelier was the person who coined the term "Pycnogenol," which also can be referred to as oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs).
Pycnogenol is not one chemical, but a complex of at least forty different substances extracted from the bark. All of these substances are water-soluble flavonoids that occur naturally in plants. The advantage of Pycnogenol is that it has a wide and important variety of many different micronutrients in one supplement. Pycnogenol is well absorbed and readily bioavailable, considered nontoxic, and is well tolerated. |
| Grape seed extract proanthocyanidin seems to yield the greatest concentration, at least 10 percent higher than that obtained from pine bark.
The product Protovin from Omega Biotech appears to be the most potent of all of the grape seed extracts, possibly because of the as-yet-unknown mineral content found in the grape seeds (possibly linked to the volcanic explosion in the Mount Saint Helen's epic some years ago). The grapes presently used in the grape seed extract at Omega Biotech are from this Washington-based vineyard. |
| What he found was a mixture of bioflavonoids, including catechins and flavons, but with one particularly potent element called proanthocyanidin. He coined the term "Pycnogenol" to describe the mixture, took out a patent, and began marketing it in Europe in the mid-1950s.
What Does Pycnogenol Do?
Being water-soluble, it works primarily in the watery portions inside the cell and between cells, not in the fats of the cell membranes. "Pyc" is especially good at neutralizing the hydroxyl radical, the superoxide radical, singlet oxygen, and the dangerous chemical peroxynitrate. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D.
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| Cherries, hawthorn berries, blueberries, and other dark red-blue berries are rich sources of anthocyanidin and proanthocyanidin. These flavonoid molecules give the fruits their deep red-blue color, and are remarkable in their ability to prevent collagen destruction. Flavonoid-rich grape seed and hawthorn extracts are the best herbal recommendations for gout.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are basically varicose veins of the rectum. They may be near the beginning of the anal canal (internal hemorrhoids) or at the anal opening (external hemorrhoids). |
| In addition, feeding proanthocyanidin extracts to animals has resulted in the reversal of atherosclerotic lesions, as well as decreases in serum cholesterol levels.14
Flavonoids contained in hawthorn extracts appear to offer significant prevention, as well as potential reversing effects, in the treatment of atherosclerotic processes, which are still the major causes of death in the United States.
High blood pressure
Hawthorn exerts a mild blood pressure-lowering effect that has been demonstrated in many experimental and clinical studies. |
Donald R. Yance, j r.,C.N., M.H., A.H.G., with Arlene Valentine
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| They contain a group of flavonoids referred to as proanthocyanidin oligomers, PCOs for short. PCOs, also called OPCs, demonstrate a wide range of pharmacological activity, including antioxidant actions that are fifty times greater than vitamins C and E. Grapes, as well as many berries and some nuts, contain a phytoalexin component called resveratrol that has shown cancer chemopreventive activity. Resveratrol has been found to act as an antioxidant, antimutagen, and antiinflammatory. |
J. E. Williams, O.M.D.
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| No side effects or interactions are attributed to proanthocyanidin supplementation.
Antioxidant Amino Acids and Whey Protein
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and enzymes and are necessary for the structural components of the body and the maintenance of life. Proteins make our muscles, tissues, and organs, and even compose part of our bones. |
Linda B. White, M.D.
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| OOD POISONING. OVEREATING. Antibiotics, stimulant laxatives, and
1 other drugs. Viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Megadoses of vitamin C. An attack of nerves. Any one of these things can send you running for the nearest toilet.
Make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible if you develop the following symptoms. If none of these apply to you, you can probably manage your diarrhea at home.
ž Your diarrhea lasts longer than a week or becomes recurrent.
ž You have fever, bad abdominal cramps, or blood, mucus, or pus in your stools. |
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