What is OPC? Learn about the properties and uses of dietary supplements containing OPC.
Nature provides us with a rich source of compounds that can positively affect our health. By giving our bodies the right natural boost, we can keep our physical and mental health in excellent condition for years to come. High-performance OPCs can provide such a boost, helping us regain control of our health while benefiting the entire body. What is worth knowing about OPC compounds in terms of prevention and supplementation?
OPC – what is it?
OPC is the abbreviation for oligomeric proanthocyanidin, an antioxidant compound derived from various plant materials. OPC has strong antioxidant properties. The general health benefits of antioxidants are well known; the body uses them, for example, to eliminate free radicals from the bloodstream.
In addition to purifying the blood, OPCs help the body repair tissues and organs. Numerous clinical studies indicate that this form of antioxidants helps prevent degenerative diseases and improves the functioning of the entire human body.
Where does OPC come from? The most popular varieties are highly active extracts from pine bark and grape seeds, whose effects are worth learning more about. Among several thousand bioflavonoids, OPCs are considered to be the strongest plant-based antioxidants.
OPC from pine bark – a health-promoting extract?
Pine bark extract is an excellent source of oligomeric proanthocyanidins, also known as OPC. The extract helps protect cells, tissues and organs from oxidative stress caused by excessive free radical activity.
OPC from pine bark is extracted from fresh bark of Pinus trees using water extraction. The use of pine bark in medicine has been known for hundreds of years. The bark was used as a medicinal material by the indigenous peoples of North America and Asia due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are responsible for the high activity of OPC.
Pine bark extract can be used to treat many ailments. According to clinical studies, these include psoriasis, hypertension and haemorrhoids, as well as urinary tract infections, varicose veins and erectile dysfunction. It is estimated that the antioxidant effect of OPCs contained in pine bark is 20 to 50 times greater than that of vitamins C and E.
OPCs from grape seeds – a source of valuable ingredients
The terms ‘grape seed extract’ and ‘OPC’ are often used interchangeably, although they represent different substances. OPCs are only part of grape seed extract. It is obtained by pre-drying grapes and cold pressing them.
The OPCs contained in grape seed extract are characterised by a significantly higher concentration and therefore activity. OPCs from grapes are primarily known for their involvement in the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, as well as their positive antioxidant effects.
Dietary supplements with OPC – what are their properties?
Naturopathy and natural medicine emphasise the healing properties of OPC for health, which also translate into many other health-promoting properties. Clinical studies analysing the effectiveness of OPC confirm that high-quality pine bark or grape seed extract does indeed have the following properties:
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Antioxidant properties
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Cholesterol-lowering properties
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Properties that relax blood vessels and improve blood flow
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Decongestant effect, which has a positive effect on reducing swelling
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Excellent effect on maintaining normal blood sugar levels
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Antiseptic properties
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Anti-inflammatory properties
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Antibacterial properties
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Antifungal properties
OPC obtained from pine bark and grape seeds is also known for its safety. So far, no side effects associated with taking this natural remedy have been observed.
Effective OPC antioxidants and their application
Research indicates that OPCs are among the most important substances protecting our bodies against the harmful effects of free radicals. They capture them, protect cell walls and counteract inflammation. The high popularity of pine bark and grape seed extracts is due to their versatile health benefits. The most important applications include:
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Lowering blood pressure – several clinical studies have shown that OPCs appear to lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The subjects achieved the best results when taking OPCs regularly over a longer period of time;
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Supporting wound healing – OPCs have a positive effect on wound healing. Smaller wounds in particular heal much faster after internal use of extracts containing OPCs. What is more, the active ingredient improves the overall condition and health of the skin. It increases its elasticity and hydration, restoring a healthier and younger appearance;
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Lowering high cholesterol – excess cholesterol in the blood can have serious consequences. LDL cholesterol (‘bad’ cholesterol) is particularly risky, as it leads to the accumulation of fat in the blood vessels. OPC counteracts damage caused by LDL cholesterol activity in the body;
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Strengthening bones – the substance increases bone density in humans and improves the accumulation of valuable minerals in the bones. This is not only purely preventive, but can also help in the prevention of acute inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis;
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Supports brain function – OPC has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Both of these properties protect our brain from damage. As a result, they can delay or even prevent the onset of diseases such as Alzheimer's. Taken in higher doses, OPC also improves memory and concentration.
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Promotes proper kidney and liver function – the liver and kidneys are essential for the survival of the human body. They filter and cleanse the body of harmful substances. This makes them particularly susceptible to damage. OPC supports the liver and kidneys by stimulating their functionality in the fight against harmful substances.
Circulatory system – does OPC work on varicose veins?
A number of scientific studies prove that OPC obtained from pine bark and grape seeds is an effective agent in the prevention of chronic venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency manifests itself, for example, in swelling of the lower legs, cramps and frequent pain. Regular intake of supplements containing OPC reduces varicose veins and spider veins in women to a greater and more noticeable extent than compression stockings used for this purpose.
OPC – how to dose?
The dosage of OPC depends on our individual needs. It depends on whether we take OPC purely as a preventive measure or as part of the treatment of an acute or chronic disease. The average, standardised recommended daily dose of OPC for adults is between 150 and 500 milligrams. On the other hand, people who want to use OPC to treat more serious conditions should take between 500 and 800 mg per day. In order for the body to get used to taking OPC, the same dose should be taken regularly.
OPC – side effects and contraindications
Taking OPC does not usually cause any side effects and is therefore considered relatively safe. Of course, to minimise the risk of side effects, you should stick to the specified recommended daily dose.
People who are allergic to the active ingredients in grapes should opt for OPC from pine bark. Due to its proven blood-thinning properties, when using OPC as a dietary supplement, you should be aware that in the event of an injury or upcoming surgery, clotting time may be prolonged.
Contraindications for the use of OPC also include pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as the use of certain medications, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), certain heart medications and those used in oncology.
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