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09

26 2013

What is Proanthocyanidins(OPC)?

Description

Proanthocyanidins are present in the fruits, bark, leaves and seeds of many plants where they provide protection against predation. At the same time they give flavor and astringency to beverages such as wine, fruit juices and teas. They belong to a class of polyphenols and are widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom. Their antioxidants are much stronger than vitamin C or vitamin E in aqueous systems.

Proanthocyanidins are oligomeric flavonoids. They are dimers  or oligomers of catechin and epicatechin and their gallic acid esters.They share common properties with other polyphenols, in particular their reducing capacity and ability to chelate metal ions. However, their polymeric nature clearly makes them different. They have a high affinity for proteins and their absorption through the gut barrier is likely limited to the molecules of low polymerization degree and to the metabolites formed by colonic microflora. You may also come across additional substances in this category such as procyanidins, profisetinidins, and prorobinetinidins.

Proanthocyanidins are in the first place very strong antioxidants. Studies have shown that proanthocyanidins act as anti-cancer and anti-allergic agents, and that they improve heart health.

Benefits

There are a lot of research supports the following application:

>Antioxidant

>Hearth Disease

>Anti-Cancer

>Anti-Allergic

>Atherosclerosis,

>Gastric ulcer,

>Large bowel cancer,

>Cataracts and diabetes

Synonyms

Pycnogenol, OPC, Oligomeric Procyanidins

Source

The major proanthocyanidins (flavanols) are present in whole fruit, juice, and pulp of strawberry, Saskatoon berry, raspberry, wild blueberry, chokecherry, seabuckthorn and some other plants.

General source of dietary supplements for grape seed extract and pine bark extract.

Side effects and safety

No significant side effects were reported

Nutragreen Biotechnology Co., Ltd, a brand of Shanghai Lvshang Biotech Co., Ltd, is a GMP compliant and FDA registered manufacturer and supplier of raw materials of plant extracts, botanicals, herbs, especially Tradtional Chinese herbs.Proanthocyanidins(OPC) is one of our most competitive ingredients with various specifications and stocks available all year round.