Grape seed: ALSO INDEXED AS: Grape Seed Extract, Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPCs), Procyanidolic Oligomers (PCOs), Pycnogenol ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY: Proanthocyanidins?also called ?OPCs? for oligomeric proanthocyanidins or ?PCOs? for procyanidolic oligomers?are a class of nutrients belonging to the flavonoid family. Some researchers also call these molecules ?pycnogenol.? The main functions of proanthocyanidins are antioxidant activity, and the stabilization of collagen and maintenance of elastin?two critical proteins in connective tissue that supports organs and joints, as well as blood vessels and muscle. Possibly because of their effects on blood vessels, proanthocyanidins have been reported to reduce edema after face-lift surgery from 15.8 to 11.4 days in double-blind research. In very preliminary research, proanthocyanidins were reported to have antimutagenic activity. Proanthocyanidins have been shown to strengthen capillaries in double-blind research using as little as 100 mg per day. In another double-blind trial, French researchers reported that women with chronic venous insufficiency had reduced symptoms using 150 mg per day. In yet another French double-blind trial, 300 mg per day (100 mg taken three times), resulted in therapeutic effects in just four weeks. Proanthocyanidins (200 mg per day for five weeks) have improved aspects of vision (visual performance in the dark and after exposure to glare) in healthy people. While the antioxidant function of proanthocyanidins has not been well researched, it may be the most important function separating this supplement from other flavonoids. SOURCE: Proanthocyanidins can be found in many plants, most notably pine bark, grape seed, and grape skin. However, bilberry, cranberry, black currant, green tea, black tea, and other plants also contain these flavonoids. Nutritional supplements containing extracts of proanthocyanidins from various plant sources are available, alone or in combination with other nutrients, in herbal extracts, capsules, and tablets. INDICATION AND USAGE: (1) Primary uses: Chronic venous insufficiency. DOSAGE: Flavonoids (proanthocyanidins and others) are a significant source of antioxidants in the average diet. Proanthocyanidins at 50?100 mg per day is considered a reasonable supplemental level by some doctors, but optimal levels remain unknown. SPECIFICATION: POLYPHENOLS 95% GRAPE SEED P.E. 95%