What is the difference between proanthocyanidins and procyanidins?

Proanthocyanidins are classified based on their monomeric unit linkages and are present in homo- and hetero-polymers. The most common proanthocyanidins are procyanidins (Figure 1). Procyanidins are homo-oligomeric (epi)catechin with two B-ring hydroxyl groups (Ge et al. 2016).

What do OPCs do?

During homeostatic and pathological conditions, OPCs are the most proliferative cell type in the CNS, a property not consistent with the need to generate new oligodendrocytes. Indeed, OPCs modulate neuronal activity and OPC depletion in the brain can trigger depressive-like behavior.

What is grape seed capsules good for?

There is evidence that grape seed extract is beneficial for a number of cardiovascular conditions. Grape seed extract may help with a type of poor circulation (chronic venous insufficiency) and high cholesterol. Grape seed extract also reduces swelling caused by injury and helps with eye disease related to diabetes.

Is grape seed extract the same as Pycnogenol?

Pycnogenol and Grape Seed Extract is a potent combination of two powerful natural antioxidants – Pycnogenol, extracted from French maritime pine bark (Pinus maritima), and Proanthodyn, extracted from grape seeds (Vitis vinifera).

Is Procyanidin a tannin?

Procyanidins are members of the proanthocyanidin (or condensed tannins) class of flavonoids. They are oligomeric compounds, formed from catechin and epicatechin molecules. They yield cyanidin when depolymerized under oxidative conditions.

Are proanthocyanidins tannins?

Proanthocyanidins belong to the group of condensed tannins and are widespread in plants and food of plant origin. They occur in fruits (e.g., apple and quince), seeds (e.g., grape and cacao), cereals and beverages (e.g., wine, tea, cacao, and cider).

Is too much Pycnogenol bad for you?

Pycnogenol is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in doses of 50 mg to 450 mg daily for up to one year, and when applied to the skin as a cream for up to 7 days or as a powder for up to 6 weeks. Pycnogenol can cause dizziness, gut problems, headache, and mouth ulcers.

What do oligodendrocyte precursor cells do?

Oligodendrocyte precursor cells, also known as NG2+ (nerve/glial antigen 2) glia, and polydendrocytes (Nishiyama, 2007), act as glial stem cells in the mature CNS, giving rise to oligodendrocytes in white matter and persisting in the cortical grey matter in a variety of functional roles (Dimou et al., 2008).

Does grape seed extract help with wrinkles?

Grape seed extract helps to tighten the skin, prevent wrinkles and rough skin.

What does grape seed extract do for skin?

Grape seed extract has the ability to release endothelial growth factor and its topical application results in contraction and closure of the skin wound. Furthermore, it possesses antioxidant and antibacterial properties. In several studies it has been proved effective in animals.

What time of day should I take Pycnogenol?

Two capsules are taken 2 hours before the flight and then again 6 hours later. Also, taking pycnogenol 100 mg before a flight, 6 hours after the flight, and the following day appears to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the veins during long flights.

What does Pycnogenol do for the body?

Pycnogenol may have benefits for heart and artery health. It seems to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the legs. Some small studies suggest it may also protect against coronary artery disease and blood clots. There’s good evidence that pycnogenol helps with eye damage caused by diabetes.

What are the oligomeric proanthocyanidins used for?

Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are compounds found in grape seed and pine bark extracts. They have been used to improve blood flow, reduce symptoms of diabetes, and to ease swelling in the joints.

How are procyanidins related to monomeric catechins?

Procyanidins (oligomeric catechins) often occur together with monomeric (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin, so it is difficult to differentiate whether health effects should be attributed to oligomers or their constitutive parts.

Which is an oligomer of the flavonoid procyanidin?

Procyanidins are polymers or oligomers of flavonoids, including the catechins, epicatechins, gallocatechin, and epigallocatechin (Porter, 1994). From: Bioactive Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplements in Neurological and Brain Disease, 2015 Abdelaaty A. Shahat, Mohamed S. Marzouk, in Medicinal Plant Research in Africa, 2013

How many Procyanidins are in grape seed extract?

However, this provides usable relative values and can easily be calibrated against a ‘standard’ procyanidin freed of all low molecular weight material. Typically, Porter values of 25–30 are the maximum obtained for grape seed extracts and could be regarded as close to 100% pure procyanidin.