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Introduction: Grapeseeds contain a remarkable bioflavonoid, complexes known as
Procyanidolic Oligomers (PCO), which were discovered to be 20 x more potent than vitamin C
and 50 x more potent than vitamin E as an free radical scavenger. These bioflavonoids act
as free radical scavengers like vitamin C, Vitamin E and Beta Carotene, but function on a
higher plane.
When researching PCO's, one will find a variety of
names used to describe these bioflavonoids. Some of these names include
proanthocyanidin, procyanidin, leucoanthocyanin, anthocyanidin, Oligomeric Procyanidolic
Complexes (OPC), Procyanidolic Oligomers (PCO), Grape seed extract, and Pycnogenol.
Other bioflavonoids, constituents which are active polyphenols, are also prevalent in our
"full spectrum" extract which, when combined with proanthocyanidins, create a
natural plant component that strengthens and protects living tissue. Research has
shown that PCO's have the ability to support the following functions and conditions:
- discovered to have an intense free-radical
scavenging effect
- Protect connective tissue from collagen destroying
enzymes by helping reduce oxidation within the tissue.
- Shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect, by
inhibiting the release and generation of certain compounds such as histamine, serine
protease, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes.
- Shown to be effective in the treatment of bruises,
vericose veins, etc.
- Provide support for allergy sufferers by reducing
histamine production
- Help support the cardiovascular system by helping
improve blood circulation
Bioavailability:
PCO's are water-soluble and extremely
well-absorbed into your body, usually within sixty minutes of consumption. The long
half-life gives it functionality even after 7 hours of a single dose. The half-life
is calculated at approximately 7 hours, which means that approximately one half of a
single dose is shown to be readily available for the body.
Dosage:
According to a European symposium: 1 mg of PCO
per day for every pound of body weight for the next week to allow enough to saturate the
body tissues. After approximate time period has past, it is suggested that the
dosage could be as low as half the original dosage.
According to a European symposium: 1 mg of PCO
per day for every pound of body weight for the next week to allow enough to saturate the
body tissues. After approximate time period has past, it is suggested that the
dosage could be as low as half the original dosage.
References:
Dr. Clark
Hansen, Grape Seed Extract: Procyanidolic Oligomers (PCO). Healing Wisdom
Publications. New York, NY. 1995 |