Proanthocyanidins ( Pycnogenol )

Plant based compounds called the proanthocyanidins - often shortened to "OPCs" for oligomeric proanthocyanidins and sometimes PCOs for procyanicolic oligomers - are part of the bioflavonoid family of organic compounds. The chemical term "pycnogenol" is also given to these compounds by some scientists. The strong antioxidant effect of these plant based proanthocyanidins comes in handy in supplements; these compounds also help stabilize collagen within the body. These compounds also help in the maintenance of elastin. Collagen and elastin are the two principal proteins used in the formation of connective tissue, as well as in the structure of all blood vessels and muscle fibers in the human body. Supplemental proanthocyanidins are said to help reduce the edema in tissues following a face lift surgery, decreasing the recovery time by 15.8 to 11.4 days in a double-blind research - this may be due to their effect on the structure of the blood vessels. Though, the results from research are still hazy and in the preliminary stages, the proanthocyanidins seem to have an anti-mutagenic activity in the body - this property could be very useful in treating diseases.

In double-blind research, as little as two fifty mg tablets a day were given to test subjects, the proanthocyanidins were seen to have a measurable effect on capillary strength. French clinical researchers studied women with chronic venous insufficiency in a double-blind study, doses of one hundred fifty mg a day of the supplement aided in inhibiting all symptoms of the condition. In another double-blind French study, the use of a total of just three hundred mg a day or one hundred mg taken thrice a day by patients resulted in beneficial effects in just four weeks of continual supplementation.

Doses of proanthocyanidins at two hundred mg per day for a period of five weeks significantly improved various aspects of vision in otherwise healthy and normal people, measured as improved visual performance in the dark as well as visual acuity after exposure of the eye to a glare. The proanthocyanidins have definite antioxidant effects in the body, and while this requires further study, this singular property of the proanthocyanidins may be what separates it from all other plant based bioflavonoid compounds.

Sources of proanthocyanidins

Many plants contain the proanthocyanidins and can serve as good sources for the supplement. However, the richest sources for the supplement are pine bark, grape seeds, and the skin of grapes. These flavonoids can also be found in other plants such as the bilberry, the cranberry, the black currant, as well as in green tea and black tea in significant amounts. Most herbal stores sell nutritional supplements containing the proanthocyanidins sourced from a variety of plant extracts. These products are either used alone or often sold in combination with other plant based nutrients, especially as herbal extracts, and in capsules, and tablets. Any of these can be used as supplements.

Deficiencies and susceptibility

As far as humans are concerned, plant nutrients including all flavonoids and the proanthocyanidins are not considered to be essential nutrients. Their absolute absence in the body will not induce a state of deficiency. The value of the plant nutrients like proanthocyanidins lies in their many benefits for human health and well being. These beneficial effects will only be available to someone who consumes a wide variety of plants and plant based nutrients.

Usual dosage

As far as the average human diet is concerned, consuming supplemental flavonoids including the proanthocyanidins can be a significant source for antioxidants for a person. Supplemental proanthocyanidins at fifty to a hundred mg daily is ideal according to most nutritionally oriented doctors. The best dosage amount or the optimal dose is not clear yet and requires further study.

Side effects and cautions

There are no adverse effects associated with any of the flavonoids. Side effects with proanthocyanidins are simply absent even after prolonged supplemental use. Excess amounts tend to be expelled in the urine as these supplements are water soluble and taking large doses of these compounds is unlikely to be harmful.
There is an added benefit to proanthocyanidins supplementation, they are antioxidants similar to the vitamin C, and their presence in the body may result in conservation of the vitamin C stored in the body.

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