Grape Seed Softgel

Grape Seed Extract

... contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs)

Features And Benefits

• Scavenges free radicals*

• Decreases capillary permeability and fragility*

• Promotes healthy collagen*

• Promotes normal inflammatory response*

Facts About Grape Seed Extract

Grape Seed Extract contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) which are a class of flavonoids (water-soluble compounds) found in a wide variety of plants. OPCs have powerful antioxidant activity and destroy free radicals.* Free radicals are highly reactive compounds generated by air pollution, cigarette smoke and many other sources and also naturally-occurring in the body.* Free radicals can damage fats, protein, and DNA in the body disturbing normal function in the process.*1

A large body of research documents the antioxidant abilities of flavonoids in general,*2 while a growing number of studies have focused exclusively on OPCs. Research shows that grape seed extract inhibits the formation of free radicals and neutralizes existing free radicals.*2 In fact, one study found grape seed extract to have a stronger antioxidant effect than vitamin E.3 An animal experiment validates this antioxidant capability of OPCs by suggesting that it is equivalent to vitamin E for preventing lipid peroxidation of liver cells.*4

Collagen and elastin are critical structural proteins in connective tissue, blood vessels, and muscle. OPCs help maintain healthy collagen and elastin and contribute to the integrity and strength of blood vessels and capillaries.*5, 8 OPCs inhibit potentially harmful enzymes, such as hyaluronidase and histidine decarboxylase, which are implicated in the breakdown of muscle fiber and the release of histamine in the inflammation process.*6 OPCs also inhibit several glycosidases and glucosidases, enzymes which help break down synovial fluid in the joints.*7 This ability to inhibit these destructive enzymes helps to reduce the body's natural inflammatory response.*8

The abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues can result from malfunction of the capillaries (the smallest of the blood vessels).* Grape seed extract supports normal circulation in the veins, according to human clinical trials.*9 Other human research adds evidence that OPCs strengthen the capillaries when compared to placebo. *10 Animal research reinforces the idea that grape seed extract inhibits fluid accumulation by preventing abnormal capillary permeability.*11 According to preliminary laboratory research, grape seed extract has been shown to inhibit the binding of cholesterol to blood vessel walls.*12

Safety and Toxicity

Flavonoids in general, and OPCs specifically, are generally free of side effects. They are water- soluble nutrients and excess intake is excreted in the urine.*

Ingredient Highlights

Grape Seed Extract is made by extracting and concentrating flavonoids from the seeds of red grapes. Nature's Life grape seed extract capsules provide 100 mg of grape seed extract in an 85:1 concentration. A key component is a flavonoid called oligomeric proanthocyanidin (OPCs), which refers to a mixture of proanthocyanidins linked together in small chains.

OPCs are not the only beneficial flavonoids in grape seed extract. Other flavonoids in grape seed extract include catechins, epicatechins and epigallocatechins. Organic acids, including citric acid, gallic acid and malic acid are also present in Nature's Life's Grape Seed Extract.

References

1. Ames BN, Shigenaga MK, and Hagen TM. Oxidants, antioxidants, and the degenerative diseases of aging. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1993;90:7915-1922

2. Rice-Evans CA and Miller NJ. Antioxidant activities of flavonoids as bioactive components of food. Biochem Soc Trans 1996;24:790-795.

3. Maffei F, Facino R, Carinin M, et al. Free radicals scavenging action and anti-enzyme activities of procyanidines from Vitis vinifera. A mechanism for their capillary protective action. Arzn Forsch 1994;44(5):592- 601

4. Mitcheva M, Astroug H, Drenska D, et al. Biochemical and morphological studies on the effects of anthocyans and vitamin E on carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury. Cell Mol Bio 1993;39(4):443-8

5. Tixier J, et al. Evidence by in vivo and in vitro studies that binding of pycnogenols to elastin affects its rate of degradation by elastases. Biochem Pharm 1984;33:3933-3939

6. Kakegawa H, Matsumoto H, Endo K, et al. Inhibitory effects of tannins on hyaluronidase activation and on the degranulation from rat mesentery mast cells. Chem Pharm Bull 1985;33(11):5079-5082 7. Bombardelli E and Morazzoni P. Vitis vinifera L. Fitoterapia 1995;LXVI(4):291-317

7. Jonadet M, et al. Flavonoids extracted from Ribes nigrum L. and Alchemilla vulgaris L.: 1. In vitro inhibitory activities on elastase, trypsin and chymotrypsin. 2. Angioprotective activities compared in vivo. Journal de Pharmacologie 1986;17:21-27

8. Delacrois P. Double-blind study of endotelon in chronic venous insufficiency. La Revue de Medecine 1981;27:28-31

9. Lagrue G, et al. A study of the effects of procyanidol oligomers on capillary resistance in hypertension and in certain nephropathies. Semaine des Hopitaux 1981;57:33-36

10. Zafirov D, et al. Antiexudative and capillaritonic effects of procyanidines isolated from grape seeds (V. vinifera). Acta Phys Pharm Bulg 1990;16(3):50-54

11. Wegrowski J, et al. The effect of procyanidolic oligomers on the composition of normal and hypercholesterolemic rabbit aortas. Biochem Pharm 1984;33:3491-3497