Grape OPC & resveratrol

Resveratrol is a molecule that is particularly present in red grape skin and in the roots of a plant called japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum). Complex OPCs (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins) are bioflavonoids, i.e. anti-oxidant substances produced by plants. Notably, they are found in grape pips. These two components respond to numerous health problems, including cardio-vascular problems, varicose veins and cancer.

With regard to veins, resveratrol's action is known thanks to the " French paradox ": a supply rich in fat, nevertheless creating fewer cardio-vascular incidents than in Anglo-Saxon countries. Resveratrol actually inhibits the oxidation of LDL cholesterol as well as platelet aggregation. At the same time, it reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It brings on a vasodilator effect in the arterial system. OPCs have very strong anti-oxidant properties, enabling them to slow down or even reverse the damage of atherosclerosis. They also act on poor veins that encourage the forming of varicose veins. They actually ease vein inflammation and resulting pain, encouraging vasodilatation. Without making existing varicose veins disappear, OPCs nevertheless relieve them and can of course also prevent their appearance.

Regarding cancer, we now know that resveratrol prevents the formation of cancerous cells, stops the proliferation of malignant cells and acts as an anti-inflammatory. This antioxidant also has the effect of inhibiting the action of the NF-kappa B protein, which protects cancerous cells against treatments aiming to destroy them, such as chemotherapy for example. Finally, resveratrol changes during intestinal transit into a compound with a similar structure to oestrogen; it reduces the incidence of cancers within or from the prostate. Furthermore, this specific metabolisation of resveratrol enables the risk of osteoporosis and depression to be avoided at the onset of the menopause!

The action of resveratrol extends to other symptoms. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in combating the extension of fibrous tissue which following a myocardial infarction, in treating influenza and even in treating certain neurodegenerative diseases.