The antioxidant capacity of the pine bark extract comes from proanthocyanidins (proanthocyanidin oligomers) (OPCs), which have 20 times the antioxidant capacity of vitamin C and 50 times the vitamin E. OPCs as well-known antioxidants can effectively suppress free radicals, and free radicals play an important role in degenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, blurred vision, sunburn and premature aging.
1. Cardiovascular disease
Research confirms that OPCs can help strengthen the capillaries, arteries and veins, which gives them many important clinical applications. OPCs can be used to stabilize blood vessel walls, suppress inflammation, and mainly support tissues containing collagen and elastin.
a) Arteriosclerosis
The oxidant LDL has been shown to play an important role in causing arteriosclerosis. OPCs can eliminate free radical damage to the arterial wall like collagenase and elastase, thus preventing or repairing arteriosclerosis due to its excellent antioxidant function. Animal experiments show that OPCs can slow or repair arteriosclerosis.
b) Venous insufficiency (varicose veins)
OPCs can reduce pain and edema of venous insufficiency. For the same reasons, OPCs are recommended as an excellent treatment for hemorrhoids. There are signs that OPCs also have good effects on injuries and edema caused by surgery. OPCs can accelerate the elimination of edema by repairing damaged blood vessels and lymphatic vessels.
c) Retinopathy / improvement of vision
The ability of OPCs to strengthen capillary strength and reduce permeability is very effective for patients suffering from stroke and retinopathy. OPCs have been shown to effectively improve retinopathy caused by diabetes, arteriosclerosis, inflammation and aging.
2. Aging / Alzheimer’s disease
Because OPCs can easily pass the blood-brain barrier, effectively inhibit the damage of free radicals to brain tissue, which can effectively prevent and improve Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Skin care
Due to its antioxidant capacity, OPCs are believed to protect the skin from excess UV radiation and free radical damage. There is a lot of evidence that OPCs protect and strengthen collagen and elastin in the skin, thus preventing wrinkles and maintaining skin elasticity. Adding OPCs to the cream is a very popular way to delay skin aging. In theory, by repairing the skin collagen and elastin, the skin can be rejuvenated and youthful.
4. Anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy
Because free radicals play an important role in tumor formation, OPCs can be used in appropriate amounts to exert their anti-cancer effects.
Post time: Apr-17-2020