GRAPE SEED
(proanthocyanidins)
Other Names: Vitis vinifera.
General Description: The grape, a tendriled climbing vine is native to the medeteraian and now is cultivated throughout the world.
Parts Used: The grape seed.
Active Ingredients: PCO's or 95% polyphenols also known as procyanidolic oligomers.
Traditional Uses: PCO's were first extracted from pine bark in 1951 the trademarked term Pycnogenol is used to market these substances. In 1970 PCO's were extracted from grape seeds and this new form has been studied extensively in France. A grape seed extract has been used in France for the treatment of varicose veins.
Current Status: The medicine derived from grape seed in France is now called Endotélon®, a very
specific extract invented by Dr. Masquelier. Since 1979, it is also called
Pycnogenol in France, but the trademark problems in the U.S.
prevent the Pycnogenol trademark use in the U.S.
Pycnogenol continues to be used in France for the treatment of varicose veins. PCO's have now been recognized as powerful antioxidants 50 times more powerful than vitamin E or vitamin C. Grape seed extract can increase vitamin C levels and protect collagen. Collagen is the cement that keeps us together.
Precautions: Crude "Grape Seed Extract" is NOT the Same as French Pycnogenol® Extracted
FROM Grape Seeds
No side effects have been reported at recommended doses.
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