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With high levels of oligomeric proanthocyanidin, which is 50 times more potent than vitamin E and 20 times more potent than vitamin C, grape seed extract is an antioxidant and free-radical scavenger par excellence.
Source
In the past several years, extracts of the seeds of wine grapes (Vitus vinifera) have become very popular in various dietary supplements.
Look for grapeseed extracts alone, or in combination with other ingredients in antioxidant, skin, venous support, or eye products. Trade names such as Activin® and Vinox® have popularized these extracts.
The term pycnogenol, while somewhat interchangeable with PCOs, is now used almost exclusively with the PCOs derived from the French Maritime Pine bark.
Function; Reasons For Use
Best known for its antioxidant properties, some assays show grapeseed extract to be several times "better" than vitamin C or E in this respect. The active component is thought to be the molecules referred to as PCOs (procyanidolic oligomers), or OPCs from the original French description of these molecules. The actions of PCOs include decreasing capillary permeability (vitamin "P"), inhibiting the breakdown of collagen, and free radical scavenging.
Grape seed extract is rapidly absorbed and distributed throughout the body, even across the blood-brain barrier. It has also shown to have anti-inflammatory and antimutagenic (anti-cancer) properties.
Grape seed extract also offers free radical protection in cells with limited blood flow, such as linings of inflamed joints, elastin and neurons. It protects elastin from age-related degradation.
Grape seed extract has the ability to decrease capillary fragility (weakness - leading to bruising), atherosclerosis and diabetes.
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Grape Seed Extract (Pycnogenol) can help with the following:
KEY | | May do some good |  | | Likely to help |
GLOSSARY
Anti-inflammatory (Antiinflammatory)
Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms, without directly acting on the cause of inflammation, e.g., glucocorticoids, aspirin.
Antioxidant (Antioxidants)
A chemical compound that slows or prevents oxygen from reacting with other compounds. Some antioxidants have been shown to have cancer-protecting potential because they neutralize free radicals. Examples include vitamins C and E, beta carotene, the minerals selenium and germanium, superoxide dismutase (SOD), coenzyme Q10, catalase, and some amino acids.
Atherosclerosis
Common form of arteriosclerosis associated with the formation of atheromas which are deposits of yellow plaques containing cholesterol, lipids, and lipophages within the intima and inner media of arteries. This results in a narrowing of the arteries, which reduces the blood and oxygen flow to the heart and brain as well as to other parts of the body and can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or loss of function or gangrene of other tissues.
Bioflavonoid (Bioflavonoids, Flavonoid, Flavonoids)
Vitamin P. Any of a group of colored flavones (crystalline compounds) found next to the peel in many fruits. Essential for the stability and absorption of ascorbic acid.
Bruise (Bruised, Bruising)
Injury producing a hematoma or diffuse extravasation of blood without breaking the skin.
Capillary
Any of the smallest blood vessels connecting arterioles with venules and forming networks throughout the body.
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Collagen
The primary protein within white fibers of connective tissue and the organic substance found in tendons, ligaments, cartilage, skin, teeth and bone.
Diabetes Mellitus (Diabetes, Diabetic, Diabetics)
A disease with increased blood glucose levels due to lack or ineffectiveness of insulin. Diabetes is found in two forms; insulin-dependent diabetes (juvenile-onset) and non-insulin-dependent (adult-onset). Symptoms include increased thirst; increased urination; weight loss in spite of increased appetite; fatigue; nausea; vomiting; frequent infections including bladder, vaginal, and skin; blurred vision; impotence in men; bad breath; cessation of menses; diminished skin fullness. Other symptoms include bleeding gums; ear noise/buzzing; diarrhea; depression; confusion.
Elastin
A protein that is similar to collagen and is the chief constituent of elastic fibers.
Free Radical (Free Radicals)
A free radical is an atom or group of atoms that has at least one unpaired electron. Because another element can easily pick up this free electron and cause a chemical reaction, these free radicals can effect dramatic and destructive changes in the body. Free radicals are activated in heated and rancid oils and by radiation in the atmosphere, among other things.
Liver (Hepatic)
The largest and one of the most complex organs of the body, the liver is responsible for much of the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is the site of much of the body's detoxification. It is connected very closely with digestion and the regulation of blood sugar, among many other functions. Found behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, it has many important functions such as removing harmful material from the blood, making enzymes and bile that help digest food, and converting food into substances needed for life and growth. Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver.
Meniere's Disease (Menieres, Meniere's, Ménière's)
An affliction of the middle ear characterized by vertigo, nausea, vomiting, tinnitus and progressive deafness.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Parkinson's Disease (Parkinson's)
A chronic, slowly-progressing disease of the nervous system characterized clinically by the combination of tremor, rigidity, extreme slowness of movement, and stooped posture. It is characterized pathologically by loss of dopamine in the substantia nigra.
Proanthocyanidin (Proanthocyanidins)
Also called procyanidin, it is a powerful antioxidant that chemically belongs to the class of bioflavonoids. Pycnogenol from grape seed and pine bark extracts is an example. Berries, such as hawthorn berries, cherries, blueberries, and blackberries and, to a lesser extent, red wine, are natural sources.
Pycnogenol
A trademark for specific bioflavonoids extracted from pine bark.
Venous
Pertaining to the veins.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
A water-soluble antioxidant vitamin essential to the body's health. When bound to other nutrients, for example calcium, it would be referred to as "calcium ascorbate". As an antioxidant, it inhibits the formation of nitrosamines (a suspected carcinogen). Vitamin C is important for maintenance of bones, teeth, collagen and blood vessels (capillaries), enhances iron absorption and red blood cell formation, helps in the utilization of carbohydrates and synthesis of fats and proteins, aids in fighting bacterial infections, and interacts with other nutrients. It is present in citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries, potatoes and fresh, green leafy vegetables.
Vitamin E
An essential fat-soluble vitamin. As an antioxidant, helps protect cell membranes, lipoproteins, fats and vitamin A from destructive oxidation. It helps protect red blood cells and is important for the proper function of nerves and muscles. For Vitamin E only, 1mg translates to 1 IU.
Last updated: Apr 13, 2008
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