Unlock the power of seeds and bark

Better Nutrition, July, 2000 by J. Jamison Starbuck

A condition known as chronic venous insufficiency is very common, particularly in the elderly and in people with circulatory disorders. Typical symptoms for people suffering with chronic venous insufficiency include swelling, pain and itching in the lower legs. OPCs again, seem to offer relief, often in doses as low as 100 mg/day. OPCs are also a useful therapy for varicose veins and capillary fragility.

OPCs for Better Vision

In France, OPCs from both pine and grape seeds have been marketed for decades as medicine for eye conditions. As in heart disease, it is OPCs' antioxidant activity that makes them effective in treating eye disorders. These compounds can be used in the treatment of disorders of the retina, conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. OPCs are also well known as a therapy for both preventing and reducing cataracts.

OPCs for Brain Power

Although being called a "fathead" isn't usually much fun, there is some truth to the moniker. As much as 60 percent of the human brain is actually fat, and, as such, is at risk for the destructive process known as lipid peroxidation, or the oxidation of fats. When lipid peroxidation occurs, free radicals are created -- and, of course, lots of free radicals on the loose can cause damage.

Free radicals have been tied to a variety of diseases, including conditions of the brain like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, dementia and tardive dyskinesia. According to some specialists, attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may also be, at least in part caused by lipid peroxidation in the brain.

A 1998 study published in General Pharmacology showed a protective effect of OPCs against both brain and liver lipid peroxidation in mice. Though human studies on this brain effect are not yet available, practitioners working with ADD and ADHD are already using OPC supplementation in the treatment of these troublesome disorders, and are claiming success.

Toxicity

The general consensus on OPCs is that they are extremely safe. Adverse side effects to OPCs have not been reported in medical literature.

However, it is only logical that people with sensitivities to grape, grape seed or pine should either avoid or use caution with these extracts. Additionally, anyone with a serious illness and anyone taking medication should always inform their physician before taking any new remedy, including pine bark or grape seed extract. Information on the safety of OPCs in pregnancy and lactation is not generally available, so pregnant or breastfeeding women should check with their health care practitioners for advice.

REFERENCES

Letters, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 38(4): 357-358, April 1999.

Letters, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 38(10): 1209-1211, October 1999.

Bagchi, D, et al. "Protective effects of grape seed proanthocyanidins and selected antioxidants against TPA-induced hepatic and brain lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation, and peritoneal macrophage activation in mice," General Pharmacology 30:771-776, 1998.