OPCs

OPC (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins)

You would be forgiven for not knowing what Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (or OPC’s) are since individual OPC’s typically go by other names such as grape seed extract, pine bark extract, pycnogenol, and procyanidolic oligomers.

Indeed, OPC’s are powerful antioxidant compounds present in grape seeds, pine bark, legumes, seeds, and certain fruits that offer robust protection against oxidative stress. Research, in fact, shows that OPC’s are 20 times more antioxidant than vitamin E and 50 times more than vitamin C, which is why one of their primary uses is as a powerful free radical scavenger.

OPC’s have also been extensively used in a variety of other applications including to improve blood flow throughout the body, for better glycemic control, as well as to ease inflammation and swelling in the joints and other tissues. In addition, OPC’s offer tremendous benefits to the cardiovascular system, by helping to lower cholesterol and prevent platelet clumping; modulate the activity of the immune system and bolster immunity; to improve skin health, elasticity, and flexibility.

Benefits of OPC's

• Enhances Blood Flow & Circulation
• Powerful Antioxidant Protection
• Supports Optimal Heart Health

Who Needs OPC's?

Your health care practitioner may recommend these supplements to bolster your overall antioxidant potential and protect your health. They may also recommend OPC’s to help manage hormone-related conditions such as dysmenorrhea, as well as perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms; to help lower high blood pressure and cholesterol, to improve overall blood flow and circulation, to prevent venous insufficiency and thrombosis, as well as to mitigate photoaging of the skin, and speed wound healing.

OPC Supplements

Potencies

The potency and dose of these supplements can vary greatly based on the oligomeric proanthocyanidin(s) in the blend and can be anywhere from 25 to 350 mg and more. Speak to your health care provider or a knowledgeable consultant for case-specific advice.

Forms

These supplements can be found as pycnogenol (pine bark extract), grapeseed extract, or a variety of blends of these. Look for supplements that are standardized to 95% proanthocyanidins, to fully benefit from the antioxidant properties.

Formats

OPC’s are widely available as extracts in capsules, tablets, liquid tinctures, as well as in topical gels or oils for skin health and wound healing.

Final Thoughts

OPC’s are a class of compounds that have distinct but similar antioxidant properties. As such, combining multiple sources of OPC’s will multiply the antioxidant potential and enhance health benefits.