Proanthocyanidins

Eating For Diving Fitness: The Lesser Known Antioxidants - Part IV: Proanthocyanidins

by Gary L. Taylor, Technical IT, etc.

Proanthocyanidins are also known under several other names, among the most common: OPC, pycno-genols, and leukocyanidins. Proanthocyanidin is a name for a class of bioflavaniods. In 1936, this bioflavinoid was classified and referred to as Vitamin P, although it didn’t gain official vitamin category status. The common link between the bioflavaniods, of which there are about 20,000 different ones, is that they contain a benzene-pyran-phenolic acid molecular nucleus (referred to as flavin) as part of their much larger molecular structure. Proanthocyanidins have been sold as nutritional/therapeutic supplements in Europe for almost a quarter of a century. Their introduction to the United States has been relatively recent.

The discovery of proanthocyanidins can be attributed to Professor Jacques Masquelier. Dr. Masquelier spent almost a half century researching proanthocyanidin. He also invented the extraction techniques by which proanthocyanidins are obtained from plants rich in these substances.

Much of the research and documentation for the known and suspected effects/benefits of proanthocyanidins comes from many of the European research institutes and universities.

The most noted individuals involved in proanthocyanidin research are Dr. Jacques Masquelier, Dr. Morton Walker, and Dr. Richard Passwater. The institutions that have been noteworthy for this same research include: The Pasteur Institute, Horphag Research Ltd., The Huntington Institute, and the University of Bordeaux. Information contained in this article is derived from research documented by the above.
What are the natural sources rich in proanthocyanidins? Proanthocyanidins are found in high concentrations from such sources as: cranberries, grape skins, grape seeds, pine bark, lemon tree bark, and hazel nut tree leaves. The two most common and richest known sources are grape seed extract and pine bark extract. It has been indicated that grape seed extract may be a better choice because: 1) It yields a 10% higher concentration of proanthocyanidins. 2) Grape seed extract contains a specific proanthocyanidin with a higher degree of oxygen free radical scavenging potential. This proanthocyanidin is designated as Proanthocyanidine B2-3’-0-gallate.
There is little doubt as to the powerful antioxidant properties of proanthocyanidins. In vitro research has confirmed that they are 50 times more effective than vitamin E and 20 times more powerful than vitamin C. Proanthocyanidins also prevent the oxidation of vitamin C to dehydroascorbate by providing hydrogen ions which reduce glutathione - keeping the levels of the active for of vitamin C (ascorbate) higher. One aspect, relating to oxygen toxicity effects on the brain and CNS, which proanthocyanidins have, is they can penetrate the blood-brain barrier better than certain other antioxidants.

Many technical divers take aspirin to help decrease the probability of platelets adhering to capillary walls and reduce the probability of blood clotting. Proanthocyanidins have the same effects as well as protecting the platelets from free radical damage - all without some of aspirin’s side effects as experienced by a few people.

Leukotriene oxidation produces powerful bronchioconstrictors. This oxidation can take place when a diver breathes oxygen at high partial pressures. This class of bronchioconstrictors are not blocked by the endogenous antihistamines of the body and could increase the risk factor of technical dives. Proanthocyanidins, by their antioxidant properties, help prevent the formation of these compounds and reduce the levels of any that are present.

Anyone who is involved with dives where high partial pressures of oxygen are encountered, should know that one of the physiological concerns is lipid peroxidation and the attending effects on the diver. Proanthocyanidins reduce the level of lipid peroxidation.

The protection from free radicals which proanthocyanidins offer helps to increase efficiency of the circulation by preventing free radical damage to the walls of the capillaries, strengthening the walls of blood vessels, maintaining healthy permeability of the blood vessel walls, and ensuring elasticity of the arteries and veins. The diver depends on a healthy circulatory system, with all the demands diving puts on it - at times extreme demands.

DOSAGE:
Although there is no official established dosage for proanthocyandidins, the research indicates that maximum benefits are indicated with daily dosages of 60 mg.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
None documented at the present time.

TOXICITY:
No known toxic effects - research from the Pasteur Institute and Huntington Institute as well as others.

OTHER CONFIRMED, INDICATED, OR POTENTIAL BENEFITS:

Boost immune system
Protection from arteriosclerosis
Enhance connective tissue health
Reduces lipid peroxidation
Boosts the effects of vitamin C
Lower cholesterol levels
Reduces inflammation & edema
Reduced cancer risk
Reduced risk of stroke and heart attack
Effective antioxidant for brain & nerve tissue
Possible arthritis reduction and relief
Helps prevent inflammation of lung tissues
Potential anti-aging benefits
Reduction & repair of UV damage to cells
Reduction of muscle cramps
Potential for reduction of diabetic retinopathy
*** Appears to enhance and augment the antioxidant properties of vitamins E, C, and A.

I’m sure there will be much more on-going research on proanthocyanidins as the potentials they hold for health benefits appear to be great. Next article will continue with some of the lesser known antioxidants.

Until next time - Bon appetit & stay healthy!

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