Grape seed extract and OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins) are miraculous antioxidants. There are many kinds of antioxidants with different effects on the human body. There is little question that OPCs are one of the best antioxidants for the human body and grape seed extract is one of the best and most economical sources of OPCs.



OPC is also known as proanthocyanidin, pycnogenol, leukocyanidin and leucoanthocyanin. OPC is a complex of a molecule known as a flavan-3-ol flavonoid. Flavan-3-ols are the most abundant flavonoids in our diet. In plants different OPCs are found together, from small molecules to complex molecules of many flavan-3-ols linked into chains. Plants cells bond flavan-3-ol molecules to form different larger and more complex moleculars called OPCs. OPCs are very complex and can be difficult to identify unless you are an expert and have the equipment. Not all extracts are standardized. Single flavan-3-ol molecules are much less bioavailable than the more complex OPCs.

Grape seed extract is made by extracting and concentrating flavonoids from the seeds of red grapes. Grape seeds are rich in OPCs, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and bioflavonoids. The antioxidant power of grape seed extract is much greater than vitamin C and vitamin E. Questions about grape seed extract OPCs are far from settled. Science has much work to do to show what effects can be expected and what the best standardized extracts are. Not much is understood about their absorption and metabolism. Scientists are continuing to study all the beneficial compounds so their effects on the body can be grokked.

There is evidence that shows OPCs help strengthen the blood vessels, increase blood flow, improved cardiovascular health, help with inflammation, boost the immune system, act as a natural anti-histamine and improves resistance to bruising and strokes.

OPCs are a natural anti-histamine, they prevent the release of histamine from your cells, this reduces the detrimental effects of histamine. Antihistamines are not able to do this, they only block allergic attack symptoms and have no effect on the level of histamines being released. OPCs permeate the blood-brain barrier to reduce free radical damage to brain cells.

OPCs are found in hundreds of plants. Just a few examples are grape seed, grape skin, red wine, red skins of peanuts, apples, barley and beer, bean hulls, berries, bilberry, blackjack oak, black currant, chocolate, chokeberrys, coconuts, cranberrys, green and black tea, hawthorn, horse chestnut, pine bark, rhubarb, rose hips, sorghum, and witch hazel.

Side effects of moderate long term use have not been reported anywhere I can find, but not many studies on humans have been done. High doses of grape seed extract OPCs may have some anticoagulant properties. This might cause excessive bleeding in people on blood-thinner drugs. Even if you are just taking aspirin you should take high doses of grape seed extract only under medical supervision. There is evidence that grape seed extract may interfere with the way the liver breaks down some drugs. As always consult with you health care professional before taking during pregnancy.

The information contained within this article hasn't been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease.