Proanthenol – Proanthocyanidins – OPC
Proanthocyanidins, including oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), are polyphenolic compounds found in various foodstuffs and medicinal herbs, associated with numerous health benefits due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and antimicrobial activities.
Lifeplus offers OPC’s under the brand name Proanthenols® 100 and Proanthenols® 50, containing the very pure Pycnogenol® (see further down fpr details). OPC’s are still studied and new positive effects turn up, below are just a few exaples and scientific studies.
These compounds are notably effective in the prevention and treatment of periodontitis, a polymicrobial infection characterized by a destructive inflammatory process affecting the periodontium ( Zahnwurzelhaut).
Proanthocyanidins from edible fruits, tea, and medicinal herbs exhibit significant antibacterial action against pathogens causing periodontitis, contributing to the prevention and treatment of the disease [(Nawrot-Hadzik et al., 2020) [1].
Additionally, their immunomodulatory effects, including impacts on inflammatory and overall immune response, have been explored, with findings indicating the potential of flavan-3-ols and their derivatives in prevention and alleviation of periodontal disease, though clinical evidence is needed for concrete dietary recommendations and complementary treatments [(Nawrot-Hadzik et al., 2021) [2].
Blackcurrants (Cassis – Ribes nigrum) have been identified as a rich source of phytochemicals, including flavonoids like anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, which exhibit potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds are linked to potential improvements in human health, particularly in diseases associated with inflammation and the regulation of blood glucose [(Cortez & González de Mejía, 2019)[3].
Furthermore, procyanidin oligomers have been studied for their efficacy in hair restoration for male patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA), indicating the potential of polyphenols in improving hair density and diameter, suggesting mechanisms that may involve targeting etiology of AGA [(Gupta et al., 2019) [4].
The antiobesity effects of anthocyanins, including their impact on mitochondrial biogenesis, inflammation, and oxidative stress, have been systematically reviewed, demonstrating that anthocyanins can improve metabolic control involved in obesity, suggesting a promising alternative to standard care [(Gomes et al., 2019) [5].
In summary, proanthocyanidins and OPCs offer significant health benefits, especially in the prevention and treatment of periodontitis, enhancing hair restoration in AGA, improving overall human health through their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and showing potential in obesity management.
Grape Seed Extract (GSE)
Grape seed extract (GSE) and maritime pine bark extract, particularly from the French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster), are rich in oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) and have been extensively studied for their health-promoting effects. These extracts exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer effects, among others.
GSE has demonstrated chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects in various cancer cell cultures and animal models. Its clinical efficacy in chemotherapy is often limited by its adverse effects. However, several studies show that reactive oxygen species mediate the cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity induced by various cancer chemotherapeutic agents, suggesting that concomitant administration of antioxidants like GSE may prevent these adverse effects (Olaku et al., 2015) [6]
Maritime Pine Bark Extract
Pycnogenol®, a standardized extract of French maritime pine bark, is known for increasing capillary resistance and has been tested for the treatment and prevention of retinopathy, showing favorable outcomes in retaining progression and partly recovering visual acuity. Treatment efficacy of Pycnogenol® was at least as good as that of calcium dobesilate, improving capillary resistance and reducing leakages into the retina (Schönlau & Rohdewald, 2001) [7].
Combined Effects and Applications
Both GSE and maritime pine bark extract have been applied in various fields beyond their antioxidative and anti-inflammatory roles. For example, they have been used in the meat industry, juice industry, and for treating skin complications due to their concentrated levels of proanthocyanidins and other phenolic compounds, providing a basis for their inclusion in drug development, nutraceuticals, and functional foods [(Mármol et al., 2019) [8].
Moreover, there’s evidence suggesting differential responsiveness to these extracts based on the population group, intervention doses, and durations, indicating the need for further research to fully understand their mechanisms of action and potential side effects in different population groups.
In conclusion, grape seed extract and maritime pine bark extract show significant potential in improving various health conditions and preventing disease progression. However, more clinical studies and trials are required to establish their safety, efficacy, and optimal dosage for human use.
Lifeplus offers OPC’s under the brand name Proanthenols® 100 and Proanthenols® 50, containing the very pure Pycnogenol®
References
1 – Nawrot-Hadzik, I., Matkowski, A., Hadzik, J., Dobrowolska-Czopor, B., Olchowy, C., Dominiak, M., & Kubasiewicz-Ross, P. (2020). Proanthocyanidins and Flavan-3-Ols in the Prevention and Treatment of Periodontitis—Antibacterial Effects. Nutrients, 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010165.
2 -Nawrot-Hadzik, I., Matkowski, A., Kubasiewicz-Ross, P., & Hadzik, J. (2021). Proanthocyanidins and Flavan-3-ols in the Prevention and Treatment of Periodontitis—Immunomodulatory Effects, Animal and Clinical Studies. Nutrients, 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010239.
3 – Cortez, R., & Mejía, E. (2019). Blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum): A Review on Chemistry, Processing, and Health Benefits.. Journal of food science. https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.14781.
4 – Gupta, A., Mays, R., Versteeg, S., Shear, N., Piguet, V., & Piraccini, B. (2019). Efficacy of Off-Label Topical Treatments for the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review. Clinical Drug Investigation, 39, 233-239. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40261-018-00743-8.
5 – Gomes, J., Rigolon, T., Souza, M., Alvarez‐Leite, J., Lucia, C., Martino, H., & Rosa, C. (2019). Antiobesity effects of anthocyanins on mitochondrial biogenesis, inflammation, and oxidative stress: A systematic review.. Nutrition, 66, 192-202 . https://doi.org/10.1016/J.NUT.2019.05.005.
6 – Olaku, O., Ojukwu, M., Zia, F., & White, J. (2015). The Role of Grape Seed Extract in the Treatment of Chemo/Radiotherapy Induced Toxicity: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Studies. Nutrition and Cancer, 67, 730 – 740. https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2015.1029639.
7 – Schönlau, F., & Rohdewald, P. (2001). Pycnogenol for diabetic retinopathy. A review.. International ophthalmology, 24 3, 161-71 .
8 – Mármol, I., Quero, J., Jiménez-Moreno, N., Rodríguez-Yoldi, M., & Ancín-Azpilicueta, C. (2019). A systematic review of the potential uses of pine bark in food industry and health care. Trends in Food Science & Technology. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TIFS.2018.07.007.