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Oligomeric proanthocyanidins are bioflavonoid complexes that can be extracted from a number of different plant sources, including grape skin, grape seed, black tea, green tea, cranberry and pine bark.
These complexes may also be referred to as OPCs, PCOs Procyandiol Oligomers, or as procyanidins. They are a class of polyphenol compounds known to be potent antioxidants.
Research suggests that these phytochemicals may support vascular health, immune function, brain health, blood sugar regulation, normal levels of inflammation, and improve the appearance of aging skin.
Because of purported proanthocyanidins benefits, these substances are often consumed in the form of various supplements, including pycnogenol, sea buckthorn, grape seed extract and hawthorn.
Some people may also drink wine in order to increase their intake of proanthocyanidins. They are the primary polyphenols identified in red wine that are believed to promote cardiovascular health.
Below is some basic information about proanthocyanidins, their uses, purported benefits and potential side effects, as well as recommended dosages and contraindications.
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Proanthocyanidins are oligomeric flavonoid compounds that were first identified in 1947 in pine bark extract and grape seeds. They are sometimes referred to as condensed tannins.
They can be found in a wide range of plant sources including maritime pine bark extract, cocoa beans, grape seeds and skin, bilberry, cranberry, black currant extract, green and black tea, aronia fruit, apples and more.
In plants, proanthocyanidins form an important part of the chemical defense mechanisms used to protect against plant pathogens and certain predators.
Research shows that consumption of OPCs in humans can also support general health benefits. They have antioxidant effects, appear to improve inflammation pathways, increase calcium-dependent release of nitric oxide and protect against lipid peroxidation.
By increasing dilation of blood vessels and inhibiting the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, these compounds are believed to promote cardiovascular health and reduce certain risk factors.
They have also been studied for their anti-aging effects by reducing the formation of advanced glycation end products and helping to support normal blood glucose levels.
According to a 2010 research review published in the journal Biofactors, “These condensed tannins have also shown activities that improve diabetic complications, such as neuropathy, retinopathy, or nephropathy.”
According to the Natural Medicines Database, some of the possible uses of proanthocyanidins may include:
- Improving sperm morphology
- Improving athletic endurance
- Maintaining skin health
- Slowing the aging process
- Preventing vascular conditions
- Preventing stroke
- Retinopathy
- Erectile dysfunction
- Dysmenorrhea
- Menopausal symptoms
- Endometriosis
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Diabetes
- Osteoarthritis
- Pain
- Muscle soreness
- Tinnitus
- Hypertension
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Diabetic microangiopathy
- Chronic venous insufficiency
Proanthocyanidin Effects and Benefits
Some of the purported effects and benefits of proanthocyanidins include:
Vascular effects – This substance may help to maintain normal blood pressure by supporting relaxation of blood vessels.
Respiratory effects – Proanthocyanidins may reduce the symptoms of asthma and support lung function.
Ocular effects – Some studies have shown that proanthocyanidins may improve visual acuity, inhibit retinal edema and reduce retinal thickness.
Immune support – Research has found that proanthocyanidins may support the function of the immune system. They have been shown to exhibit antiadhesive actions against bacteria in the urinary tract and mouth.
Dermatologic effects – When used topically, proanthocyanidins may reduce the impact of ultraviolet radiation. They are commonly used as ingredients in skin creams to improve skin pigmentation and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Antioxidant effects – Proanthocyanidins may inhibit oxidation and prevent the damaging effects of free radical molecules that can speed up the aging process.
Anti-inflammatory effects – Some studies have indicated that proanthocyanidins may reduce inflammation in various tissues.
Antidiabetic effects – Preliminary research indicates that this supplement may reduce blood glucose concentrations.
Anticancer effects – Proanthocyanidins have been studied for their effects on certain types of cancers.
Effects on allergies – This supplement has been shown to inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells, thus reducing allergic reactions.
While these supplements have been studied in a wide range of health applications, they are not approved as drug by the FDA for the prevention or treatment of any medical conditions.
Proanthocyanidin Side Effects
Although most of the supplements people take in order to boost their intake of proanthocyanidins are considered Possibly or Likely Safe when used appropriately, side effects can still occur.
Side effects of some of the most common supplements that contain proanthocyanidins are detailed below.
The most frequently reported side effect of pycnogenol is stomach discomfort. In order to reduce the likelihood of stomach problems when taking this supplement, it is best to take it with a meal.
The side effects of Hawthorn are usually mild in nature and may include gastrointestinal problems, insomnia, skin rash, dyspnea, fatigue, headache, dizziness, agitation, palpitations, fast heart rate and sweating.
The information available about the safety of sea buckthorn is limited. Significant adverse effects have not been discovered in research studies. However, this does not mean that side effects are not possible.
Grape extracts have been well tolerated in most research studies. However, some people may still experience side effects when consuming grapes or grape supplements, especially in high dosages.
Some of the most common side effects reported include angioedema, high blood pressure, bruising, phlebitis, high cholesterol, contact dermatitis and gastrointestinal discomforts, including nausea, gas, indigestion and diarrhea.
If you are consuming alcohol to increase your intake of proanthocyanidins, be aware that excessive consumption of alcohol may negate the positive effects.
Because of the alcohol content in wine, immediate effects related to intoxication often occur. These side effects may include dizziness, confusion, behavior changes, loss of coordination, blackouts, CNS depression, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and more.
Chronic heavy use of wine may lead to other long-term complications, including various types of cancer, chronic cerebellar synderome, Korsakoff’s psychosis, Wernicke’s encephalopathy, magnesium deficiency, pancreatitis, liver damage, heart problems, dementia, amnesia, malnutrition and addiction.
Due to the risk of negative effects from drinking alcohol, many people choose instead to use red wine extract supplements. These products provide the benefits of OPCs without containing any alcohol.
How to Take Proanthocyanidins Supplements
Proanthocyanidins are found in a number of different fruits, berries, seeds, flowers, and leave extracts. Some dietary supplements are formulated to contain higher concentrations of these flavonoids than what would be found in nature.
When taking any of the proanthocyanidin-containing supplements above, it is important to take the right dosage in order to reduce the risk of side effects and complications.
The dosage you should take depends on the supplement you have chosen, your intended usage and your doctor’s recommendations. The dosage guidelines below are based on the amount of each supplement that has been well tolerated in past research studies.
Grape seed extract – Grape extracts are available in various forms, including fruit, juice and grape skin or seed extracts. Grape juice dosages of 10 mL per kg have been taken daily. Up to 400 mg of grape seed extract has been taken in capsule form.
Wine – One to two glasses of wine have been consumed daily without serious adverse effects. Wine may not be appropriate for everyone to drink.
Sea Buckthorn – Sea buckthorn can be consumed in the form of a tea, capsule or oil. Up to 5 mL of sea buckthorn seed oil has been taken three times daily. People have also consumed one to two cups of sea buckthorn tea daily, as well as up to three capsules containing 500 mg sea buckthorn oil daily.
Pycnogenol – Research subjects have taken up to 360 mg of pycnogenol daily. Generic pine bark extract supplements have also been used, but may vary in terms of potency and quality.
Hawthorn – Up to 900 mg of hawthorn extract has been taken daily without significant adverse effects.
Keep in mind that the dosages listed above may not be appropriate for everyone. To get the best proanthocyanidins benefits with the least risk, use these supplements only as directed by your doctor.
- Cos P, De Bruyne T, Hermans N, Apers S, Berghe DV, Vlietinck AJ. Proanthocyanidins in health care: current and new trends. Curr Med Chem. 2004.
- de la Iglesia R, Milagro FI, Campión J, Boqe. N, Martinez JA. Healthy properties of proanthocyanidins. Biofactors. 2010.
- Scalbert A, Deprez S, Mila I, Albrecht AM, Huneau JF, Rabot S. Proanthocyanidins and human health: systemic effects and local effects in the gut. Biofactors. 2000.
Article last updated on: July 6th, 2018 by Nootriment
