What are proanthocyanidins?

proanthocyanidins (PACS) are polymer chains of flavonoids. They are also known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC), leukococyanidins and condensed tannins. These compounds are found in plants such as apples, grape seeds and cinnamon. They are also found in black and green teas as well as in red and white wine, albeit at substantially lower levels than their parent plants. Masquelier was responsible for creating techniques that could be extracted from plants. These extracts have been used in Europe as a supplement for nutritional and therapeutic use for more than 25 years, but the United States has only recently begun to see their use.

One of the most popular uses of proanthocyanidins is like antioxidants, which means they slow or inhibit oxidation of other molecules. When the molecule oxidizes, there is a possibility that a free radical is created. Free radical is an atom, a molecLa or Ion, which bears unpaired electron. This causes them to be highly chemically reactive and easily connected with many compounds necessary for cell growth and maintenance. When this happens, there is a chance that the free radical will start a chain reaction, which will lead to damage to cells. Proanthocyanidins are considered to be free radicals, which means that they easily connect with free radicals, limiting their interactions with healthy cells.

proanthocyanidine supplements are also used to combat heart disease. Studies have shown that proanthocyanidins are able to reduce blood pressure and increase fat metabolism. Clinical tests using rabbits that have been administered by grape oil have shown that PACs are formed to reduce the development of aortic atherosclerosis. In addition, there are some evidence that suggests that supplements may face the effects of high cholesterol on the heart and surrounding blood vessels.

These compounds also help to stabilize proteins of collagen and elastin in the body,that are required for healthy and resistant skin. Both proteins are also an integral part of the structure of blood vessels and muscle fibers. In several double blind experiments, proanthocyanidine supplements have created a measurable increase in capillary force. A French study in which women with chronic venous insufficiency received 150 milligrams daily (mg) doses of proanthocyanidins daily showed a reduction in all symptoms related to the condition. No side effects are connected using this compound, even at high doses.