Proanthocyanidins

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a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

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This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for	Amount	Why
Chronic Venous Insufficiency	50 to 100 mg two to three times daily	Proanthocyanidins, a group of flavonoids, have been shown to strengthen capillaries in double-blind research.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency 50 to 100 mg two to three times daily Proanthocyanidins (OPCs), a group of flavonoids found in pine bark, grape seed, grape skin, bilberry, cranberry, black currant, green tea, black tea, and other plants, have also been shown to strengthen capillaries in double-blind research using as little as two 50 mg tablets per day.¹ In a double-blind trial using a total of 150 mg OPCs per day, French researchers reported reduced symptoms for women with CVI.² In another French double-blind trial, supplementation with 100 mg taken three times per day resulted in benefits within four weeks.³ Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Capillary Fragility	150 mg daily	Proanthocyanidins, flavonoids extracted from grape seeds, have been shown to increase capillary strength in people with hypertension and diabetes.
Capillary Fragility 150 mg daily Compounds called flavonoids may help strengthen weakened capillaries. In test tube and animal studies, they have been shown to protect collagen, one of the most important components of capillary walls.⁴ ^{, 5} A preliminary study found that proanthocyanidins (flavonoids extracted from grape seeds), 150 mg per day, increased capillary strength in people with hypertension and/or diabetes.⁶ A double-blind trial found a combination of two flavonoids (900 mg per day of diosmin and 100 mg per day hesperidin) for six weeks reduced symptoms of capillary fragility.⁷ Use of vitamin C with flavonoids, particularly quercetin, rutin, and hesperidin, is sometimes recommended for capillary fragility.⁸ Doctors often recommend 400 mg of rutin or quercetin three times per day or 1 gram of citrus flavonoids three times per day. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Retinopathy	150 mg daily	Proanthocyanidins, a group of flavonoids found in pine bark, grape seed, and other plant sources, may help slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Retinopathy 150 mg daily Proanthocyanidins (OPCs), a group of flavonoids found in pine bark, grape seed, and other plant sources have been reported in preliminary French trials to help limit the progression of retinopathy.⁹^{, 10} In one controlled trial, 60% of people with diabetes taking 150 mg per day of OPCs from grape seed extract had no progression of retinopathy compared to 47% of those taking a placebo.¹¹ Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Sunburn	1.1 to 1.66 mg per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of body weight per day during periods of high sun exposure	Proanthocyanidins are a group of flavonoids found in pine bark, grape seed, and other plant sources that may increase the amount of ultraviolet rays necessary to cause sunburn.
Sunburn 1.1 to 1.66 mg per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of body weight per day during periods of high sun exposure Trials have tested combinations of several antioxidants. One preliminary study found that a daily combination of beta-carotene (6 mg), lycopene (6 mg), vitamin E (15 IU), and selenium for seven weeks protected against ultraviolet light.¹² However, a double-blind trial of a combination of smaller amounts of several carotenoids, vitamins C and E, selenium, and proanthocyanidins did not find significant UV protection compared with placebo.¹³ Similarly, in a controlled trial, a combination of selenium, copper, and vitamins was found to be ineffective.¹⁴ Proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are a group of flavonoids found in pine bark, grape seed, and other plant sources. In a preliminary trial, volunteers were supplemented with Pycnogenol, an extract of French maritime pine bark rich in OPCs, in the amount of 1.1 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day for the first four weeks, and 1.66 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day for the next four weeks.¹⁵ Compared with ultraviolet sensitivity before supplementation, the lower amount of Pycnogenol was found to significantly increase the amount of ultraviolet rays necessary to cause sunburn, and the higher amount was significantly more effective than the lower amount. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Varicose Veins	Refer to label instructions	One trial found that supplementing with proanthocyanidins improved the function of leg veins in people with widespread varicose veins.
Varicose Veins A small, preliminary trial found that supplementation with 150 mg of proanthocyanidins per day improved the function of leg veins after a single application in people with widespread varicose veins.¹⁶ Double-blind trials are needed to determine whether extended use of proanthocyanidins can substantially improve this condition. Learn More

Also indexed as:

grape seed,
proanthocyanidin,
procyanidolic oligomers,
Vitis vinifera

About this treatment

How to Use It

Flavonoids (proanthocyanidins and others) are a significant source of antioxidants in the average diet. Proanthocyanidins at 50–100 mg per day is considered a reasonable supplemental level by some doctors, but optimal levels remain unknown.

Where to Find It

Proanthocyanidins can be found in many plants, most notably pine bark, grape seed, and grape skin. However, bilberry, cranberry, black currant, green tea, black tea, and other plants also contain these flavonoids. Nutritional supplements containing proanthocyanidins extracts from various plant sources are available, alone or in combination with other nutrients, in herbal extracts, capsules, and tablets.

Possible Deficiencies

Flavonoids and proanthocyanidins are not classified as essential nutrients because their absence does not induce a deficiency state. However, proanthocyanidins may have many health benefits, and anyone not eating the various plants that contain them would not derive these benefits.

Interactions

Last Review: 05-11-2011

Learn more about Aisle7, the company.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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