OPC stands for oligomeric proanthocyanidins and is a colorless bitter substance. These belong to the group of polyphenols and are found in... v.aOPC is found in grape seeds and the skins of red grapes. It is present in small amounts in almost every plant and protects it from oxidation. The OPC content is higher the riper the plant is when harvested. OPC was discovered rather accidentally in 1947 by the Frenchman Professor Dr. Masquelier in red peanut shells while he was searching for animal feed and protein sources for the post-war generation. It is distributed throughout the body within minutes, reaches its highest concentration about 45 minutes after ingestion, and is used up within approximately 72 hours. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the following table in August 2004, which shows the OPC content (in mg) per 100 g of the respective food:

• Red wine: 45.63
• Wild blueberries: 44.23
• Apples: 41.56
• Strawberries: 42.01
• Sweet cherries: 17.26
• Grape juice: 14.14
• Apple juice (unsweetened): 12.12
• Cocoa beans: 5.68
• Bananas: 3.37
• Beer: 2.03

However, it should be noted that these quantities are based on freshly harvested produce. Due to long storage and transport distances, these values ​​are subject to change. i.d.R. significantly lower when you reach the consumer (with the exception of red wine and beer, of course).

When comparing with other products, it should be noted that many suppliers do not declare the OPC content, but only the total polyphenol content, thus arriving at values ​​of approximately 90%, which do not correspond to the pure OPC content!

Highlights of OPC

• OPC is a particularly powerful antioxidant (“free radical scavenger”) and is approximately 20 times more effective at neutralizing free radicals than vitamin C and about 50 times more effective than vitamin E. For example, grape seed extract OPC 40 has an “ORAC” value of 20,000, which indicates its ability to absorb oxygen radicals. Free radicals damage cells and contribute to both the aging process and numerous chronic diseases.
• While vitamin C is considered the strongest hydrophilic (water-soluble) antioxidant, OPC acts as both a hydrophilic and a lipophilic antioxidant and can therefore protect all cell types from free radicals.
• Many users also use OPC for inflammation in the body.
• Research suggests that OPC prolongs and multiplies the effectiveness of vitamins A, C, and E. For example, in animal studies, OPC significantly increased the effect of vitamin C because it can regenerate used vitamin C up to 10 times. This regeneration occurs via a redox reaction (reduction-oxidation reaction).
• The bioavailability of OPC is 100%.
• Unlike many other substances, OPC, due to its size, can pass through both the blood-brain and spinal cord barriers, thus exerting its effects very directly in these body regions.
• Since OPC, unlike vitamin C, binds directly to proteins (v.aOPC, which can bind collagen and elastin, is said to contribute to strengthening blood vessel walls, skin and bones.
• You can download a free e-book about grape seed extract/OPC here: Free e-book

Legal Consumer Information: German and European law aims to protect consumers from potentially misleading claims about product effects. The statements made here refer to original Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) texts. This millennia-old, traditional knowledge is based on experiences passed down from generation to generation. It is not intended that the products described here have any effect in the sense of Western medicine. All products are dietary supplements; they are not medications and have no medicinal effect. If you are ill and require medical attention, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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