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Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs).(Monograph)
- Article from:
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Alternative Medicine Review
- Article date:
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November 1, 2003
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Copyright informationCOPYRIGHT 2003 Thorne Research Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Introduction
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are some of the most abundant polyphenolic substances in the plant kingdom. Proanthocyanidins are an integral part of the human diet, found in high concentrations in fruits such as apple, pear, and grapes, and in chocolate, wine, and tea. OPCs in nutritional supplements are generally extracted from grape seeds or pine bark. Due to potent antioxidant activity, OPCs have been the subject of recent research, demonstrating anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and vasodilatory properties, making them a potentially valuable therapeutic tool for the treatment of a variety of conditions.
Synonyms for oligomeric ...