Grape Seed Extract?Muscat, Red Wine Extract,Vitis Vinefera Seed Extract?A Powerful Antioxidant and More.
Contents
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- Basic Botanical Data of Grape Seed.
- What Is Grape Seed Extract?
- Phytochemicals and content of Grape Seed?
- History and discovery of Grape Seed Extract?
- Important differences between Grape Seed and Pine Bark
- Health Benefits of Grape Seed Extract?
- What Does OPC Grape Seed Extract Do and How Does It Work?
- Famous benefits and Some known application of Grape Seed Extract.
- Research Summary of Grape Seed Extract.
- Grape Seed Extract, A Potent Antioxidant.
- Grape Seed Extract, Quickly Absorbed.
- About Anthocyanins and Proanthocyanins.
- Grape Seed Extract:Suggestions and Administration.
- Research Update:Grape Seed Extract and Grape Skin Extract.
- Photo Gallery of Vitis vinifera.
Grape Seed Extract, A Potent Antioxidant.
OPC (Oligomeric ProanthoCyanidins) is twenty times more powerful than vitamin C and fifty times more powerful than vitamin E in its ability to scavenge free radicals. OPCs are able to "donate" electrons to unstable free radicals and to neutralize them without the danger of becoming unstable themselves.
Grape Seed protects cells and tissue by neutralizing free radicals and blocking destructive enzymes. This OPC Complex penetrates both water and fat cellular membranes. OPCs even have the capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier. They maintain the structure and integrity of the veins, arteries and capillaries, which ensures efficient circulation.
Antioxidant and Oxidation:
Sixty years ago a scientist won a Nobel prize for work on vitamin C, the substance used by Capt. Cook 200 years ago to stop scurvy. Cook knew that fresh fruit was important to diet but it took a while for his anecdotal evidence to be accepted. Now we hear of a substance science tells us is an antioxidant 20 times more powerful than vitamin C and 50 times more powerful an antioxidant than vitamin E. Dr Clark Hansen N.D., claims it is the most significant discovered this century! We will also see that 400 years ago this antioxidant was used by the North American Indians, but the actual properties were only identified by the scientific community 40 years ago. Now this natural antioxidant, used extensively for years in France where it is registered as a medication, and becoming popular in other western countries, is gaining popularity here.
Is this information important? To decide we have to understand what an antioxidant (against oxidation) is. Rust is an iron oxide (oxidation). Hardening/drying of paint is a process of oxidation. Eventually aged paint becomes chalky with oxidation. The brown on the cut piece of an apple is "oxidised apple". Citrus juice is an antioxidant, rub some lemon juice on the cut apple and it slows down the oxidation (browning). Magic? Ageing (collagen deterioration) is a form of bodily oxidation. Free radicals found widely in our environment, water, air, food, smoke, smog, sunlight, chemicals, detergents, etc. are the nasty "unstable" oxygen molecules which are responsible for attacking (oxidising) our bodies. As they are unstable, they are looking to attack, and in our bodies they attack and destroy cell membranes, collagen and other connective tissue, disrupt physiological processes and create mutations in the DNA cells. Free radicals are blamed for many problems from ageing spots (oxidised fat in the skin) to cancer. Nutritionist and chemist Dr Jeffrey Bland Ph.D. claims the destructive effect of free radicals are responsible for more than 60 diseases including Allergies, Arthritis, Attention Deficit Disorder, Cataracts, Cold fingers and toes from circulatory problems, Diabetes, Edemas, Hardening or Narrowing of the Arteries and High Blood Pressure (Oxidation of Cholesterol causing plaque in the vessel walls), Heart Disease, Inflammation, Kidney and Liver disorders, Parkinson's Disease, Prostate Enlargement, Rheumatism, Stroke, Ulcers, Varicose Veins and Wrinkles. Oxidation is very important in the chain to break down waste minerals, dead plants and dead animals and for regeneration. Antioxidants stop it starting before we actually die. Now back to where this antioxidant all started for us. . . .
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Historical Identification of OPCs and Bioflavonoids:Progress
In the 1530s French explorer Jacques Cartier was leading an expedition up the Saint Lawrence River in North America. When the crew were trapped in the ice they were limited to eating rationed biscuits and salted meat and it wasn't long before scurvy (a lack of vitamin C) became rife. However, native Indians introduced them to a tea made from the bark and needles of the pine tree. They recovered and the story was recorded but the healing event, how and why, did not progress scientifically until 400 years later when Professor Jacques Masquelier of the University of Bordeaux, France, read about it and formed the conclusion that the tree contained Vitamin C. Later he isolated and identified the substance as proanthocyanidins and called his product Pycnogenol. His method of extraction from the pine tree was patented in the early 1951, and further research showed the substance present in many plants such as, lemon tree bark, peanuts, hazel nuts, cranberries, blue berries, cherries, citrus peel, purple, red and white grape skins and seed purple grape seeds being the most concentrated source. This substance, a bioflavonoid, is now usually referred to as OPCs (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin Complexes) or less frequently PCO (Proanthocyanidolic oligomers).
Bioflavonoids, of which there are approximately 4000, are some of the most important and interesting biological compounds. As shown they are present in a wide variety of edible plants, fruit and vegetables with a typical Western diet providing about 1g of them per day. They were originally identified as the flavin (yellowish colouring) in plants. Remember carrots and seeing in the dark or doctors suggesting drinking a glass of wine daily for health? Bioflavonoids have a low molecular weight and occur naturally as aglycons, glycosides and methylated derivatives.
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In the early 1980s bioflavonoids were reviewed for a wide range of biological activities focusing on their potential therapeutic use as anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, antiviral, anticancer and immunostimulant drugs.
Since 1984, in an attempt to give an account for bioflavonoids wide pharmacological potential many papers have been published dealing with the interaction between flavonoids and such key enzymes as cyclo-oxygenase, lipoxygenase, phospholipase A2, cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases, protein-kinase C, hyaluronidase, reverse transcriptase, mitochondrial succinoxidase, NADH-oxidase and glutathione reductase. This led to the big question of how do bioflavonoids work?
In the light of Middleton's hypothesis it appeared the key steps in producing the biological effect could be the interaction with the protein phosphorylation as well as its antioxidant activity. This combined with the increasing evidence that toxic oxygen species were involved in a number of pathological conditions, including inflammatory processes, ageing and cancer.
Leucoanthocyanins (proanthocyanidins or OPCs, pycnogenols) are natural polyphenols belonging to the class of bioflavonoids. The Leucoanthocyanins are constituted by a variable number of flavin units and they yield an anthrocide after heating in acid medium. From grape seeds an oligomeric fraction partially esterified with gallic acid and containing only little amounts of momomeric polyphenols (catechin and epicatechin) has been isolated.
Leucoanthocyanins have been reported to improve biological properties of blood vessels leading to their use in the therapy of such different types of vascular disorders as capillary fragility, peripheral chronic venous insufficiency and micro-angiopathy of the retina.
Until recently pharmacological properties of Leucoanthocyanins were attributed to their ability to increase tonicity and the resistance to the degradative action of elastase and collagenase. More recently increasing evidence supports the hypothesis of the anti-oxidant properties and possible chemoprevention on free radicals already mentioned in association with cancer, ageing etc.
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Antioxidant Effect:
The antioxidant effect of Leucoanthocyanins has been studied "in vitro" in phosphatidylcholine liposomes using 1/ Iron-promoted lipid peroxidation and 2/ Ultrasound-induced lipid peroxidation. Both showed Leucoanthocyanins markedly more effective than alpha-tocopherol.
Antioxidant Health Benefits of Grape Seed Extract:
Cardiovascular:Grape Seed Extract provides nutritional support for a healthy heart. Maintains normal blood flow.
Circulatory:Grape Seed Extract promotes a healthy circulatory system by strengthening capillary walls and reducing leakage.
Skin:Grape Seed Extract helps reduce the visible signs of premature aging such as wrinkles and sagging skin. Protects collagen against destructive enzymes and free radicals.
Leg Veins:Grape Seed Extract strengthens weak and swollen blood vessels in the legs.
Allergies:The OPCs in Grape Seed Extract Plus block the release of histamine, relieving allergies.
Sports Activities:Grape Seed Extract enhances the body's recovery following strenuous workouts.
Eyes:The combination of Grape Seed Extract and OPCs provides antioxidant protection to safeguard the integrity of the retina and cornea of the eye.
Urinary Infections:A therapeutic level of cranberry powder helps treat urinary tract infections, and supplies additional OPCs.
Age Spots:Grape Seed Extract helps eliminate age spots caused by sun damage.
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Anti-enzyme Effect:
In vitro activity of Leucoanthocyanins was tested by conventional techniques on several enzymes such as Xanthine oxidase[2.4], Elastase[4.2], Collagenase [38.0], Hyaluronidase [80.0] (-Glucuronidase [1.1]. Note the individual results in brackets [IC50 (mol/l)].
The anti-oxidant and anti-enzyme effect provide a strong molecular basis for the capillary protective action of Leucoantho cyanins, demonstrated in several in vitro experimental models of altered capillary permeability. This protective effect of Leucoanthocyanins is therefore a pluricentric mechanism based on radical scavenging and antioxidant effects and the inhibitions of some key enzymes. The integrated action hypothesis is also supported by data which clearly indicate a marked tropism of Leucoanthocyanins for vessel walls, skin and other tissues, characterised by the elevated presence of glycosaminoglycans.
Antimutagenic Effect:
Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain S288C were tested
1.Mitochondrial Antimutagenesis tested the production of respiratory deficient mutants as phenotypic manifestation of mitochondrial mutation.
2.Nuclear Antimutagenesis activity was studied and the effect established using the forward mutation system from L-canavanine sensitivity to L-canavanine resistance.
The results clearly suggest a possibility to employ natural antioxidant/antimutagen principles such as Leucoanthocyanins in a preventative diet-based strategy against major pathologies. In fact we are now proving scientifically what many believed for a long time, the assumption of antioxidant/antimutagenic substances contained in food is correlated with a lower incidence of some types of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
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Grape Seed Extract Repairs Vascular System:
Grape Seed Extract Plus helps strengthen the entire vascular system. OPCs prevent capillary leakage in the legs, eyes and skin reducing fluid retention. Without OPCs, destructive enzymes are free to attack the structure of the blood vessels. Free radicals further degenerate these vessels, causing lesions that become traps for bad cholesterol (LDL). Once LDL cholesterol has been trapped it attracts calcium. Cholesterol and calcium build up to form plaque, which narrows the arteries and encourages blood clot formation.
Grape Seed Extract Strengthens Collagen:
Collagen is an essential and major component of muscles, tendons, ligaments, teeth, gums, eyes and blood vessels. Masquelier's Authentic OPC Complex attaches itself to collagen where it blocks the harmful effects of destructive enzymes, such as collagenase. This protective action strengthens collagen protein, improving elasticity and resiliency. Although no substance can completely prevent the aging process, Beyond Grape Seed helps to avert premature aging by reducing free radical induced weakening of collagen.
Collagen, the protein constituent of connective tissue, exists throughout the body in pairs of strands. Hydrogen bridges connect these strands and give collagen its strength. As we grow older, collagen is weakened by excessive cross-linking. Cross-linking occurs when the bonds between collagen strands become weakened by free radicals. OPCs help form and strengthen the hydrogen bridges that hold the collagen strands together. Collagen that is weak and inflexible contributes to premature aging. Visible signs of weak collagen are wrinkles and sagging skin. The OPCs in Beyond Grape Seed support the body's ability to maintain and enhance the health of connective tissue and the elasticity of skin.
Cosmetic uses of Grapeseed oil and Grapeseed Extract:
Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract is commonly known as Grapeseed Extract,it is derived from seed of vitis vinifera,it is a highly antioxidant, reduces irritation, provides anti-bacterial actions and assists in repair mechanisms.
For the grape seed extract,a glossary said "there are no published studies indicating that grapes in any form, applied topically,can affect the wrinkling process.However, grape seed extract contains proanthocyanidins, which are considered to be very potent antioxidants, helpful for diminishing the sun's damaging effects and lessening free-radical damage. It has also been shown to have wound-healing properties. There is no difference in the antioxidant potential between different types of grapes."
Grape seed contains proanthocyanidins, which are very potent antioxidants; helpful for diminishing the sun's damaging effects and lessening free radical damage. Proanthocyanidins are also helpful in wound healing.The antioxidant effect of this oil is most useful when fighting the ravages of aging, as the oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which are neutralized by antioxidants, is one of the major factors that cause aging.
Apart from its great skin moisturizing properties, it also has good restructuring virtues, making it a popular ingredient in cosmetic manufacture.
Grapeseed oil has a fine texture and is almost odorless, light in texture and is easily absorbed by the skin.Grape seed oil is an emollient oil that also has good antioxidant properties.It has great emollient properties, making it an ideal skincare and cosmetic ingredient, without leaving any tacky or oily residue on the skin.
Benefits of grape seed oil in skin care cosmetics can be brief as below:Grape seed oil has mildly astringent qualities, which help to tighten and tone the skin, making it a good cosmetic ingredient for anti-aging products. It is a light and finely textured oil and is non-comedogenic. it is also very useful for moisturizing and adding emollient properties to any product intended for use on an acne prone skin.The oil contains palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, as well as alpha linolenic, icosanoic, icosenoic and docosanoic fatty acids. Linoleic acid is very important for the health of the skin as well as cell membranes.
Tartaric Acid (L) derived from Grapes,AHA - Loosens cellular debris, dissolves inter-cellular glues that hold keratinized barrier cells to the skin.
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Reference:
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- Grape Seed Extract?Muscat, Red Wine Extract,Vitis Vinefera Seed Extract?A Powerful Antioxidant and More.
Article Information:
♥The article and literature was edited by herbalist of MDidea Extracts Professional.It runs a range of online descriptions about the titled herb and related phytochemicals,including comprehensive information related,summarized updating discoveries from findings of herbalists and clinical scientists from this field.The electronic data information published at our official website www.mdidea.com and www.mdidea.net,we tried best to update it to latest and exact as possible.
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