Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins

Overview

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins, OPCs, are a group of colorless Flavanols composed of bonds (oligomers - i.e. dimers and trimers) of linked Flavan-3-ols (Catechins - Catechin and/or Epicatechin).

Aging & Life Extension

 OPCs may inhibit some aspects of the Aging Process (by enhancing the body's renewal of Collagen and inhibiting excessive Cross-Linking): 

 OPCs may inhibit excessive Cross-Linking (yet they allow optimum Cross-Linking that is necessary for the structural integrity of Scleroproteins). 

 OPCs may remove Lipofuscin from the Brain and may inhibit its formation in the Brain and Heart. 

Cardiovascular System

 OPCs may help to prevent and reverse Atherosclerosis (by inhibiting the Histidine Decarboxylase enzyme which catalyzes the excessive conversion of Histidine to Histamine that is usually observed in Atherosclerosis patients and by inhibiting the oxidation of LDL Cholesterol).  ^[1]

 OPCs may help to prevent Bleeding (by strengthening the walls of Blood Vessels, reducing their susceptibility to leakage). 

 OPCs may help to prevent abnormal Blood Clotting.  ^[2]

 OPCs may improve the strength and elasticity of the walls of Blood Vessels (especially Capillaries) and may reduce their permeability (by enhancing the synthesis and metabolism of Collagen and Elastin within the Blood Vessels).  ^[3]

 OPCs may facilitate the removal of and prevent the formation of Lipofuscin from the Heart. 

 OPCs may help to prevent High Blood Pressure and OPCs may lower Blood Pressure in Hypertension patients (by inhibiting Angiotensin Converting Enzyme). 

 OPCs may help to prevent and alleviate Microangiopermeability (fragile Capillaries)  ^[4]

 OPCs may reduce the risk of Thrombosis. 

 OPCs may alleviate Varicose Veins.  ^[5]

 OPCs may be a useful treatment for Venous Insufficiency.  ^[6]

Cells

 OPCs may help to prevent damage to the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) content of Cells.  ^[7]

Digestive System

 OPCs may help to prevent Ulcers - Gastric (by inhibiting the excessive production of Histamine within the Gastric Mucosa by the Histidine Decarboxylase enzyme).  ^[8]

Eyes/Vision

 OPCs may help to prevent Eyes - Bloodshot (by increasing the strength of the Capillaries, thereby preventing their unwarranted leakage as occurs in Bloodshot Eyes). 

 OPCs may help to prevent Cataracts.  ^[9]

 OPCs may protect the Cornea from degradation by Proteolytic Enzymes such as Collagenase.  ^[10]

 OPCs may alleviate Eye Fatigue.  ^[11]

 OPCs may alleviate Night Blindness.  ^[12]

 OPCs concentrate in the Retina of the Eyes and may thereby enhance the health of the Eyes.  ^[13]

 OPCs may be a good treatment for (diabetic) Retinopathy (OPCs strengthen the Capillaries that supply the Retina).  ^[14]

 OPCs may help to prevent Short-Sightedness (by improving the structural integrity of the Capillaries that supply the Retina).  ^[15]

 OPCs (100 - 200 mg per day) may improve various aspects of Sight (including the ability to adapt to glare and dark lighting).  ^[16]

Hair

 OPCs (especially Procyanidin B2) may stimulate Hair growth in persons with Hair Loss:  ^[17]