Oligomeric ProanthoCyanidins (OPC) & RESVERATROL

OPC is unique among biological nutrients contained in nutritional supplements in that extensive laboratory and clinical research has been ongoing for more than fifty years to support the structure and function claims made for its multiple potential health benefits.

Grape skin contained the highest amount of Resveratrol of over 1000 plants studied. The OPC in EIF comes from red grapes grown in the Rhone Valley of France that have a comparatively higher content of Resveratrol.
Please keep in mind Resveratrol was tested in cultured cells from mice with induced cancer; there have been no studies in humans. This does not mean Resveratrol doesn't fight cancer, but as of today, realistically speaking, there is more evidence to support its role in reducing heart disease than cancer. Resveratrol prevents platelet aggregation-- another reason or excuse to drink red wine! Epidemiological studies do present strong evidence for a reduced risk of both cancer and heart disease in populations consuming higher than normal amounts of red wine on a daily basis (2-4 glasses per day).

OPC inhibits damage to blood vessels and inhibits abnormal clotting of blood, both of which are related to heart disease. OPC inhibits excessive metabolizing of nitric oxide, a process linked to inflammation, arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease (Fitzpatrick).

OPC inhibits growth of cancer cells in the laboratory while simultaneously enhancing the growth and viability of normal human gastric mucosal cells (Ye).

OPC binds to both collagen and elastin fibers in connective tissue to reduce their rate of degradation by inflammatory enzymes (Tixier).

OPC reduces diabetic retinal bleeding and improves vision within a few weeks on as little as 100 mg per day (Froantin).

OPC increases capillary resistance, resulting in lower systolic blood pressure (Lagrue).

OPCreduces severity and duration of soft tissue injuries in soccer players treated immediately following injury with 400 mg per day tapering over several weeks to 200 mg per day of OPC from grape seed extract (Parienti).

OPC reduces symptoms in gastric ulcers (Saito).

OPC reduces post-surgical swelling and pain and speeds soft tissue recovery when elective facial surgery patients were pre- treated before and after surgery (Baruch).

OPC reduced symptoms of PMS in over 60% of patients treated with 200 mg of OPC for three months and in 80% of patients treated for six months (Amsellem).

OPC may be the ultimate anti-aging nutrient. OPC improves the appearance of skin. OPC increases circulation to the brain and enhances cognitive functions such as memory and mood. OPC reduces joint stiffness associated with wear and tear of aging. OPC is a potent antioxidant that slows aging by inhibiting the damaging effects of free radicals.

OPC works best when taken at saturation levels of at least one milligram per pound of body weight per day. A person weighing 200 pounds would take 100 mg twice daily for a total daily dose of 200 milligrams. Therapeutic levels, 300-600 mg of OPC per day, are frequently prescribed by European physicians for medical conditions they think might respond to OPC. Maintenance levels of 100 mg per day are recommended for healthy, younger individuals taking OPC along with other supplements for nutritional insurance.