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A procyanidin is one of a group of condensed tannins, otherwise known as oligomeric proanthocyanidin compounds (OPCs).
Procyanidin are a specific class of flavonoid phytonutrients that are synthesized when epicatechin and catechin molecules are intersected. When conditions become oxidized, procyanidins can produce cyanidin if they become depolymerized.
Although these condensed flavan-3-ol compounds are naturally present in various plants, they are especially plentiful in the bark of pine trees from southern France and several other geographic locations. Other significant food sources of procyanidins include cinnamon, grape seeds, grape skins, cocoa beans and apples to name several.
Oligomeric proanthocyanidin compounds are believed to decrease the general risks of developing heart disease and neurodegenerative conditions, and for decreasing mortality rates overall.
Anti- Oxidant
Longevity
Brain Function- Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory & neuroprotective
- Supports heart health & longevity
- Increases glutathione levels for detox
Top Pine Bark Extract ?Procyanidins and Oxidative Stress
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Oxidative stress occurs when a cellular system cannot protect itself from the destructive effects of free radicals. These are unpaired electrons produced in the body that are highly reactive.
Unable to repair the damages incurred, the system begins to break down and ages prematurely. This is believed widely to be a primary cause of aging in general, and of premature necrosis (death).
Long-term oxidative stress is thought to be responsible for numerous diseases and other adverse health conditions including cancer, autism, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), heart disease, chronic infections, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and many others.
However, short-term oxidative stress can benefit cellular physiology via mitochondrial hormesis (mitohormesis); hormesis being a favorable biological advantage induced by a stressor or toxin. In other words, some oxidative stress is useful.
Benefits of Procyanidin
The human body is under constant assault from free radicals (oxidants). Every cell in the body experiences free radical attacks thousands of times every day. Free radicals cause cellular oxidation.
Oxidation refers to the chemical processes that cause electron transfer between stable cellular constituents (mainly fatty acids in cell membranes) and oxidizing substances. This process of oxidation, in turn, creates even more oxidizing agents. This catalyzes a repeating reaction that can cause increasing cellular damage to accumulate.
Anti-oxidant agents act to scavenge the body, searching for free radical electrons. Antioxidants counteract free radical destruction by removing the intermediaries that accommodate oxidative damage. Phytonutrient polyphenols, like procyanidins, are known to be strong antioxidants.
Using a daily procyanidin supplement like Pine Bark Extract can improve the body’s protection from oxidative damage, thereby reducing risk factors for a number of related diseases and potentially slowing the aging process.
Procyanidins and Lipid Peroxidation
Lipid peroxidation is the oxidizing of fats in the blood; most specifically, polyunsaturated fatty acids. This is the process in which free radicals steal electrons from the lipids that help to constitute cellular membranes.
This breaks down the cellular membranes and can cause more free radicals to be created. This begins a chain reaction of free radical-induced cellular damage.
If the cycle of free radical damage is not terminated quickly enough, then excessive damage will occur to cell membranes, causing their general degradation and possible necrosis.
The end results of fatty acid peroxidation may include carcinogenic (cancerous) and mutagenic responses from cellular structures throughout the body.
Procyanidins are being studied to determine their precise effectiveness against lipid peroxidation. In short, preventing peroxidized lipids from forming in the body may reduce the risk for a number of adverse health conditions and diseases.
Procyanidins and Disease Prevention
Procyanidin flavonoids are believed to help reduce the risk for various neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. In yeast cells, procyanidin has been observed to increase life spans as much as 80%.
In humans, procyanidins have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol, raise HDL cholesterol, and lower overall cholesterol levels. These compounds are also believed to stimulate healthy endothelium in the heart and blood vessels. Further, procyanidins help to prevent thrombosis (intravenous blood clots) and inhibit the hardening of the arteries.
Several flavonoid procyanidins are known to induce generalized vasodilation, which can have further positive consequences for health. Vasodilation is the relaxing of the endothelium (the inner lining of circulatory blood vessels). When blood vessels and capillaries relax via vasodilation, they expand in diameter and are able to carry a greater volume of blood throughout the body.
This increase in circulation occurs without a coinciding increase in blood pressure. This allows more nutrients, hormones and proteins to travel through the body and reach their intended destinations. It also improves the removal of waste products from cells and organs
Procyanidin Side Effects
Procyanidins are beneficial natural plant constituents with low risk of side effects or drug interactions. Supplementing with compounds like Pine Bark Extract that contains OPC’s is believed to be safe in almost all cases. However, there are a few groups who should not supplement with procyanidins. These include:
- Gestating or nursing women;
- Those with bleeding disorders;
- Anyone scheduled for surgery in the near future;
- Those with systemic diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis;
- Others according to their doctors’ recommendations;
In order to be sure that you are not at risk for any possible side effects of procyanidin supplementation, it is best to talk about it first with your personal doctor.
Article last updated on: June 4th, 2018 by Nootriment
