Twenty years of research into the causes of aging has led to the discovery of proanthocyanidins, a unique class of water soluble flavonoids used in Proantho Cyanidins, that can slow and, in some cases, reverse the effects of aging:

• Deteriorating circulation results in poorer eyesight and hearing, arthritis, shortness of breath and cardiovascular problems.

• Less responsive collagen tissue results in wrinkles, flaccid skin and loose teeth.

• Lowered resistance to infections, disease and environmental pollutants and toxins.

Proanthocyanidins are found in a number of plants including grape seeds, pine bark, lemon tree bark, cranberries and hazel nut tree leaves. The concentration varies in different plants. The highest concentration is found in grape seed extract (95%).  Grape seed is used as its source because of the high concentration, and because grape seeds are more plentiful. Thus, cost is lower and natural resources are conserved.

In addition to stiff joints and wrinkled skin, free radicals contribute to degenerative diseases associated with aging.

"Very few individuals, if any, reach their potential maximum life span; they die instead prematurely of a wide variety of diseases — the vast majority being "free radical" diseases."  Denham Harman, M.D., Ph.D., 1984

Free radicals are molecular structures which contain an unpaired electron. This unpaired electron has the impetus to combine with fatty acids and other substances within the body. Each free radical is capable of destroying an enzyme or protein molecule or a complete cell. Allowed to increase without control, they can multiply geometrically. This chain reaction can damage cell structures so badly that DNA codes are altered and the result is what we commonly call aging.(1)

To combat the destructive effects of free radicals, antioxidant nutrients "donate" electrons to stabilize the molecule and prevent its reaction with body tissues.(1) Many nutritionally oriented physicians are using antioxidant nutrients in mercury detoxification programs to prevent and reverse membrane damage. In vitro studies have shown proanthocyanidins to be 50 times more effective as an antioxidant than vitamin E, and 20 times more effective than vitamin C.(1,7) This powerful antioxidant action has also been demonstrated in human and animal studies.

Unlike virtually all other dietary antioxidants, proanthocyanidins readily cross the blood-brain barrier to protect vital brain and nerve tissue from oxidation thus helping to prevent senility.

In addition to antioxidant protection, research has demonstrated the ability of catechin, a component of proanthocyanidins, to protect connective tissues from breakdown by enzymes.(4,5) Since the entire body is held together by these connective tissues, protecting and restoring them helps return flexibility to skin, joints, arteries, capillaries and other tissues. A study conducted in Houston, Texas, by Baylor University College of Medicine demonstrated the ability of catechin to bind tightly to collagen and modify its structure sufficiently to make it resistant to enzyme degradation. In tissue cultures of patients with various collagen disorders, the addition of catechin decreased abnormal solubility.(5) French researchers demonstrated the same protective effect on elastin.(4)

By restoring capillary integrity, Proantho Cyanidins improves circulation, making it easier for each cell to get the nourishment it needs. Improved circulation is especially valuable to smokers, diabetics, stroke victims, arthritics, women taking oral contraceptives and persons with swollen, edematous legs.

Clinical tests document the ability of proanthocyanidins to increase capillary resistance which is important in the prevention and treatment of such conditions as varicose veins, hemorrhoids, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral hemorrhage, high blood pressure and heart disease.

In 100 patients with varicose veins, 80% of the cases showed a clear clinical improvement when treated with proanthocyanidins. A 90% success rate was recorded in 40 patients who experienced nightly calf cramps. In another study, the mean increase in capillary resistance was 140% after 72 hours as opposed to 56% increase for patients given other flavonoids.(1,8)

Clinical tests show that proanthocyanidins "appear to hold a special place not only in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy or hemorrhagic complications, but also in prevention of complications following cataract operations in diabetics."(1)

The anti-inflammatory properties of proanthocyanidins make this natural supplement valuable in the treatment of allergies, arthritic joints and sports related injuries.

Allergy is a process of inflammation now known to be a disorder of the immune system. Any place in the body where long-term, sustained inflammation occurs will eventually lead to calcification and arthritis.(2)

The anti-inflammatory activity of proanthocyanidins is based on their ability to protect cells and blood vessels from destruction by enzymes as well as on their antioxidant effect as free radical scavengers.(1)

Being part of the flavonoid family, proanthocyanidins are active transporters of vitamin C and are known to potentiate its antiscorbutic effects.(1) Like other bioflavonoids, proanthocyanidins are also lipoxygenase inhibitors responsible for blocking production of leukotrienes.(2)

Leukotrienes are a powerful class of inflammatory agents which are generated in response to an alarm stimulus. Inflammation actually consists of released leukotrienes which chemically signal lymphocytes to accumulate in the area. They are responsible for fluid accumulation and cell membrane permeability changes so that the fluid moves in different directions. The blood vessels become leaky so that fluid and blood cells move into the surrounding tissue.(2)

Even when leukotriene production is inhibited, some inflammatory producing substances will be released which will trigger an oxidant burst. Proanthocyanidins and other antioxidant nutrients have the ability to "soak up" free radicals and remaining leukotrienes produced during an oxidant burst.(2)

Numerous human and animal studies have proven the rapid uptake and distribution of proanthocyanidins throughout the body. Being water soluble, they are absorbed almost instantly. Within 20 minutes, much is absorbed and on its way to the tissues. Experiments tracing radioactively tagged proanthocyanidins show that they are rapidly absorbed and fixed to cell membranes in the vascular system and connective tissues. They remains in the tissues for about three days before being gradually eliminated, primarily through the urine.(6)

Extensive testing has shown proanthocyanidins to be safe, non-toxic, non-mutagenic and non- carcinogenic.

WARNING: This publication and the product contained herein have not been approved or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This publication, and the product contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The product relates to nutritional support only.