The seed extract of the fruit of Vitis vinifera is a rich source of one of the most beneficial groups of plant flavonoids, known as proanthocyanidins. Collectively the large molecules of proanthocyanidins are referred to as procyanidolic oligomers, or PCOs for short. PCOs demonstrate a wide range of pharmacological activity, the most important of which is doubtless their antioxidant properties, while they are totally free of side effects. The most beneficial PCO products may be these that utilize the Phytosome Process, for binding one part PCO extract to two parts of phosphatidylcholine. The major advantages of the process against free radical damage, are increased absorption and improved utilization and incorporation of PCOs in biological membranes. Free radicals damage the capillaries in two ways. First by inactivating the compound 1-antitripsin that restrains the enzymes, which break down collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Second, by turning the fats in the cell membranes rancid (lipid peroxidation). PCOs protect 1-antitripsin, they neutralize the radicals likely to damage the membrane lipids, and may directly inhibit the development of the damaging enzymes.
- Antioxidant. The antioxidant effect of PCOs is to increase the intracellular levels of vitamin C, reduce the capillary permeability and fragility, and increase the capacity and rate of scavenging oxidants and free radicals. Free radical damage is linked to the aging process and virtually to every chronic degenerative disease from heart disease to cancer. The chemical structure of PCOs allows them to be incorporated in the cell membrane. This feature along with the ability to protect against both water- and fat-soluble free radicals, provide excellent protection to cells against free radical damage. In fact, the antioxidant action of PCOs is 50 times greater than that of vitamins C and E.
- Collagen enhancer. One of the properties of PCOs is to inhibit the destruction of collagen. The most abundant protein of the body (about 30 percent of total protein), fibrous insoluble collagen ensures the integrity of connective tissue, including skin, bones, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. PCOs strengthen the cross-linking of collagen fibers reinforcing the collagen matrix; inhibit the cleavage of collagen by enzymes secreted by white cells during inflammation or by microbes during infection; and reduce inflammation by the process described immediately below.
- Inflammation reducer. PCOs reduce inflammation by preventing the formation and release of compounds that promote inflammation and allergic reactions, such as histamine, serine proteases, prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
- Vascular protector. Numerous and some large-scale studies demonstrate that the level of antioxidants in the blood may be a more significant factor than cholesterol, in determining the risks of heart attacks and strokes. These studies involved the use of vitamins E, C and beta-carotene. But PCOs have a far greater antioxidant effect than vitamins E and C, while they are synergistic with vitamin C, increasing its potency and absorption. Thus PCOs seem well suited for preventing and treating atherosclerosis and the attending heart attack and stroke risks.
- Visual function improvement. In tests with normal volunteers with no retinal disorders, the administration of PCOs showed significant improvement in visual performance in the dark and versus glare tests, by comparison to the placebo group.