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 ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants are important protectors of health because they provide
electrons that neutralize "free radicals"--molecules with
unpaired electrons which have the power to cause degenerative and
life-threatening diseases.
Free radicals are produced from normal oxygen metabolism within the
body, and from
 exposure to certain chemicals, environmental pollutants,
sunlight, radiation, burns, cigarette smoke, drugs, alcohol, viruses,
bacteria, parasites, dietary fats, and more.
The antioxidants known today are vitamins C and E, beta carotene,
selenium, bioflavonoids and bioflavanols.
THE PCO BIOFLAVANOID COMPLEX
Bioflavanoids are natural plant components that strengthen and protect
living tissue. "Proanthocyanidin" is one of the names used to
describe a powerful bioflavonoid complex known as Procyanidolic
Oligomers (PCO). "Pycnogenol" was the name originally given to
this complex by Dr. Jacques Masquelier, the first to scientifically
discover it and the first to patent an extraction process for it from
the bark of maritime pine trees. "Pycnogenol" is now a
trademarked name for PCO products extracted from pine bark.
PCO extracts have been scientifically studied and medically used in
Europe since the 1950s. Scientifically documented, observed benefits
include:
- Enhanced capillary strength and vascular function, which helps the
heart and decreases: PMS problems, bruising, edema from injury or
trauma, varicose veins, leg swelling and retinopathy.
- Enhanced immune resistance.
- Increased peripheral circulation, improving vision.
- Reduced adverse allergic and inflammatory responses.
- Reduction in skin aging and loss of elasticity.
The PCO bioflavanoid complex was recently discovered to be 20 times more
potent than vitamin C and 50 times more potent than vitamin E as an
antioxidant. The advantages of PCO include:
- It is bioavailable and immediately absorbed from the stomach into
the bloodstream.
- It is distributed to virtually every organ and tissue, and remains
in the body for up to 72 hours.
- Not only does it neutralize free radicals themselves, but it also
conserves and regenerates vitamins C and E. Vitamin E is a powerful
free radical scavenger, but it is quickly used up. PCO and vitamin C
work synergistically to regenerate vitamin E.
- PCO is one of the few antioxidants that crosses the blood/brain
barrier to protect neural tissue.
- PCO extracts have been proven to be completely safe.
SOURCES OF PCO
The PCO complex is found in many types of foods, but usually only in
extremely small amounts. Some of the best sources of PCO are seasonal
fruits such as grapes, blueberries, cherries and plums. The PCO is found
mainly in the peels, skins, or seeds. Food processing and storage is
detrimental to PCO availability.
The PCO bioflavanoid complex can also be found in the barks of the lemon
tree and the Landis pine tree, as well as the leaves of the hazelnut
tree.
The highest known concentration (95%) of the PCO complex is found in
grape seeds, and the second-highest (80-85%) in pine bark.
GRAPE SEED VS. PINE BARK
Many researchers (including Dr. Masquelier), physicians and patients
have found grape seeds to be superior to pine bark both in concentration
and antioxidant effect. In his extensive research into both sources, Dr.
Masquelier discovered that the strongest antioxidant component contained
in grape seed PCO--gallic esters—is missing from the PCO of pine bark.
(Grape seed extract is also more economical than pine bark.)
THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS OF PCO
One of the first benefits of PCO observed by doctors as early as 1950
was its anti-inflammatory action. This is produced in part by the
antioxidant effect, and by inhibiting the release and synthesis of
certain compounds that promote inflammation, such as histamine, serine
protease, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes.
PCO selectively binds to the connective tissue of joints, preventing
swelling, helping heal damaged tissue, and lessening pain.
The anti-histamine action of PCO is mediated by an inhibiting effect
on the enzyme histidine decarboxylase which is responsible for the
production of histamine. This is enhanced by PCO's ability to block
hyaluronidase, the enzyme that facilitates the release of histamine into
body tissues.
This action is related to the antihistamine effect, as well as PCO's
ability to strengthen cell membranes of basophils and mast cells, which
contain the allergic chemicals, thus preventing over-reaction or
hypersensitivity to pollens and food allergens. Many allergy sufferers
have reported significant relief using
grape seed
extract. (See
"Dosage.")
Ulcers induced or aggravated by stress are known to be related to
excessive secretion of histamine in the stomach lining. PCOs help heal
ulcers by reducing histamine secretion and by binding to and protecting
connective tissue in mucous membranes.
Experimental studies have recently discovered that oxidation of LDL
cholesterol is a key factor leading to hardening of the arteries and
heart disease. The antioxidant effect of Vitamin E has been shown to be
a potent inhibitor of this oxidation—and PCO has been shown to be 50
times more potent than vitamin E. PCO has also been shown to prevent the
stickiness of blood platelets that can lead to blood clots and strokes.
Patients taking
grape seed extract PCO have reported reduced blood
pressure and cholesterol levels.
Recent studies have shown that drinking wine has a protective effect
against heart disease (considered the solution to the mystery of how the
French population can indulge in a high-fat diet and have one of the
world's lowest incidences of heart disease). And in February of 1995, a
study published in "Circulation," the journal of the American
Heart Association, showed that six glasses of grape juice were as
effective as two glasses of wine in preventing heart disease. This study
offers convincing evidence that PCO from grapes, rather than the
alcohol, provide wine's protective benefits to the circulatory system.
Although not a cure for cancer, experimental evidence has been
available for a long time showing that antioxidants greatly reduce the
incidence of all types of cancer. One study showed that the risk of
developing cancer is 11.4 times greater for those with low levels of the
antioxidants vitamin E and selenium. PCO is a more potent antioxident,
and also protects cellular DNA from oxidative damage and cell mutations
which can lead to cancer. (See "Dosage.")
Dentists and their patients have reported that PCO provides healing
and preventive benefits to the teeth and gums, evidently through its
anti-inflammatory effects, free radical deactivation, and connective
tissue protection.
Clinical studies have shown that antioxidants can halt cataract
progression. PCO has a strong affinity for the portion of the retina
that is responsible for visual acuity. It prevents free radical damage
and reinforces the collagen structures of the retina. In clinical trials
of patients with various types of retinal disease, including macular
degeneration, all patients given PCO showed significant improvement
following therapy. Health professionals monitoring the effects of PCO
have reported that it also has helped in the prevention and treatment of
glaucoma.
PCO products help protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation damage
that leads to wrinkles and skin cancer. Because it stabilizes collagen
and elastin, PCO can help improve the elasticity and youthfulness of the
skin. PCO strengthens the connective tissue of the skin and fat
chambers. People taking
grape seed extract PCO have noticed that it
helps tonify their skin and reduce cellulite, stretch marks, and old
scars. There is speculation that cellulite may be a sign of bioflavanoid
deficiency.
Some physicians have reported that patients with multiple sclerosis
(MS) have improved while taking PCO. MS is a syndrome of progressive
destruction and hardening of the myelin sheath that surrounds the
nerves. Current research indicates that MS may be caused by an allergic
or autoimmune reaction. Many studies have demonstrated that patients
with MS have reduced activity levels of the antioxidant enzyme
glutathione peroxidase.
The ability of PCO to reduce the progressive symptoms of MS may be due
to its potent antioxidant and anti-allergic qualities. Plus, PCO has the
ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, where it may protect the
brain's nervous tissue from oxidation. This effect may explain why
patients taking PCO often report improved mental clarity.
Asthma and emphysema have also been found to benefit from the use of
PCOs.
Asthma is largely caused by an allergic reaction within the bronchial
tubes that leads to bronchial constriction and excessive mucous
excretion. Due to its ability to inhibit histamine and other
inflammatory chemicals, PCO has been found effective in the treatment of
asthma.
Grape seed extract PCO has also been found to reduce the coughing,
wheezing, weakness, mucous and recurring respiratory infections usually
associated with emphysema. Apparently, PCO reduces the inflammation and
damage to the air sacs of emphysema patients.
Anecdotal reports from people using
grape seed extract
credit it with
helping the following conditions: Allergies; arthritis; asthma; blocked
coronary arteries; poor circulation; high cholesterol; diabetes (insulin
dependence); edema; glaucoma; headaches; hemorrhoids; joint
inflammation; legs jerking at night; enlarged prostate; skin: brown
spots, cellulite, excema, itching, psoriasis, sagging, old surgical
scars, spider veins.
BIOAVAILABILITY
PCO is water-soluble and extremely well-absorbed. Within 60 minutes of
consumption it is absorbed and distributed throughout the body. It has a
long "half life" of seven hours, meaning that after seven
hours, one-half of the original dose is still found to be functionally
available within the body. Unlike most antioxidants, PCO can cross the
blood-brain barrier and thus protect the brain from the effects of free
radical damage associated with aging.
SAFETY
PCO from grape seeds has been found to be non-toxic, even at
extraordinarily high doses. In one year-long study, dogs were given a
daily dose equivalent to a 150-pound human taking 19,800 mg daily, with
no adverse effects reported. Laboratory tests have also found PCO to be
non-carcinogenic, non-teratogenic (does not cause birth defects), and
non-mutagenic (does not cause cellular mutations).
Millions of people have used
grape seed extract (since 1970 in Europe)
without any side effects whatsoever. However, nausea or stomach upset
has occasionally been reported. In rare instances, allergic reactions in
the form of a temporary skin rash have occurred in sensitive
individuals.
The manufacturing procedures for the control of the production of PCO
from grape seeds must comply with international standards of quality and
safety. Independent laboratory tests ensure freedom from pesticides,
solvents, or chemical residues.
DOSAGE
A recent symposium in Europe gave a general guideline for taking one
milligram of PCO per day for every pound of body weight for the first
week, enough to saturate the body tissues. Then the amount may be
reduced to as little as one-half that amount. This reduced dosage would
be for general protection, not for specific health problems, which may
require higher doses.
Effective dosage varies with the severity of the condition. It is always
wise to consult a knowledgeable practitioner on dosage for specific
conditions. As an example, allergies may require 100 to 200 mg, two to
three times per day for a few days until the body builds up a sufficient
quantity to stabilize the condition. As an adjunct to cancer therapy,
150-200 mg, four times per day might be taken to enhance immune
response. As previously stated, dosages far greater than that have been
shown to have no toxic effects.
STANDARDIZED EXTRACTS
The standard concentration for
grape seed extracts
is 95% PCO. Purchase
products which state on their label that the contents are standardized
(i.e., certified by analytical procedures) to contain at least 95% PCO.
(Sources for the above article include "Grape Seed Extract:
Procyanidolic Oligomers (PCO)," by Clark Hansen, NMD.)
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