OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins) were discovered in 1948 by French scientist Dr. Jack Masquelier who spent a lifetime studying OPCs, discovering the precise extraction processes, developing and establishing the known health effects of the branded ingredient we know today as Masquelier’s® OPCs through scientific research and clinical trials. Masquelier’s® OPCs are specifically defined as single and condensed (2-5 units) of flavanols & polyphenols from Vitis vinifera seeds. Highly bioavailable and bioactive, Masquelier’s® OPCs obtained pharmaceutical status in France, where it still enjoys OTC status prescribed by doctors. Effective in seven health categories, two essential areas are the ability it has to support the cardiovascular system while also working as a potent antioxidant.

1)  Protects and Strengthens Cardiovascular System —

The cardiovascular system is considered the most vulnerable biological system as it is found everywhere within the body. It circulates blood, nutrients, gases, and wastes to and from cells. Our circulatory system also helps fight diseases and stabilizes both body temperature and pH balance within the human body.

Masquelier’s® OPCs provides powerful protection to vascular walls by:

• strengthening vascular membranes

• helping the body to safeguard against cellular destruction

• improving capillary resistance and preventing capillary leakage

• helping to prevent the buildup of oxidized cholesterol on artery walls

• providing beneficial effects on blood pressure

• relieving the functional problems of varicose veins

2)  Superior Antioxidant —

Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause damage to DNA, lipids and protein, and cellular membranes. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by donating an electron to make the free radical molecule stable again.

Masquelier’s® OPCs is proven a superior antioxidant able to:

• improve antioxidant defenses

• protect, support and restore the antioxidant potency of vitamins E & C

• protects against age-related and degenerative processes

Masquelier’s® OPCs Research Summary

Initial testing bioavailability and tissue localization of Masquelier’s® OPCs complex phytonutrients was demonstrated that when radio-labeled and administered orally to mice, the radioactivity rapidly appeared in the plasma, localized to various body tissues, particularly those rich in collagen and glycoaminoglycans such as blood vessels and connective tissues. This indicates that Masquelier’s® OPCs complex phytonutrients is highly bioavailable and biologically active in the vascular and connective tissues*.

In double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, Masquelier’s® OPCs complex phytonutrients were found to induce a statistically significant decrease in capillary fragility, permeability and other age-associated microcirculatory anomalies (Dartenuc et al, 1980; Dubos et al, 1980). In an open-label study in 78 subjects with venous abnormalities Masquelier’s® OPCs complex phytonutrients was shown to significantly decrease vascular fragility in 79.4% of the subjects (Beylot and Bioulac, 1980)*.

Additionally, it was shown that Masquelier’s® OPCs complex phytonutrients improved lymphatic circulation and thereby decreased risk of edema more effectively than placebo in a double-blind study in 20 subjects (Pecking et al, 1987). Other double blind studies demonstrated it being highly effective in ameliorating venous abnormalities and associated indicators such as edema, restlessness, deregulated venous tone and varicoses in the legs, and thereby decrease risk of developing chronic venous insufficiency (Delacrox, 1981; Henriet, 1994; Thebaut, 1985)*.

LeucoSelect® Phytosome® Grape Seed Extract

Leucoselect® Phytosome® has a well-defined chemical composition.

This high content of smaller size OPCs is crucial for the therapeutic activity, being the absorption of procyanidins is affected by molecular weight. Hence procyanidins of higher molecular weight are discarded in the production of Leucoselect®, allowing for the concentration of the smaller pharmacologically active molecules dimers, trimers, tetramers and their gallates.

To further enhance their bioavailability, the patented process molecularly combines the grape seed extract with soy phospholipids. Its cardiovascular protecting activity is supported by four clinical trials, both in normal and pathological conditions, and by extensive pharmacological data*.

For further information, please click on the Clinical Research below.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.