Curated by Maria Rita Insolera, Naturopath
Proanthocyanidins are a family of antioxidants found in grape seeds, red wine and bark of the French maritime pine, much more powerful than vitamins C and E, which have long been considered high level antioxidants. Scorpiamole better.
Red wine rich in proanthocyanidins
What are proanthocyanidins
Proanthocyanidins are polyphenolic compounds with a very high antioxidant action, useful for microcirculation and blood circulation.
Very common in nature, proanthocyanidins are useful in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, and have anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic and antiedematous properties.
Principal functions of proanthocyanidins
The main function of proanthocyanidins is to counteract the action of free radicals. They act thanks to their ability to recycle vitamin C, to save vitamin E from oxidation and to extinguish a wider range of free radicals than most other antioxidants . By eliminating free radicals, proanthocyanidins reduce the related effects. In particular:
- They protect the heart, reducing the risk of diseases. They reduce fats in the blood, act as an emollient on blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, prevent the formation of blood clots.
- They strengthen and repair the connective tissue : they counteract the decomposition of collagen and repair free radical damage.
- They act as a natural sunscreen : the sun's rays destroy up to 50% of the skin cells; proanthocyanidins reduce this value to about 15%.
- They improve circulation by strengthening the walls of blood vessels. Their use is therefore useful for those with a compromised circulatory system, such as infarcts, diabetics, arthritis, smokers, users of oral contraceptives and people suffering from cardiovascular insufficiencies.
- Improve cognitive function . By managing to cross the blood-brain barrier, proanthocyanidins are able to fight free radicals directly inside the brain vessels. The result is an improvement in mental sharpness and less exposure to apoplexy.
- Allergic and inflammatory reactions will subside . Proanthocyanidins inhibit histamine production, in fact they are used in the treatment of allergies.
You can learn more about the properties of pycnogenol, a type of proanthocyanidin
Where are
Proanthocyanidins were first discovered in maritime pine bark extracts. Subsequently, thanks to further studies, it was discovered that the seeds of Vitis vinifera are very rich in these molecules, in particular, those belonging to the rubra variety.
The active ingredients contained in the leaves collected in autumn, when they take on reddish shades, from which the term " red vine " originates, belong to the category of polyphenols, in particular bioflavonoids (anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins), and carry out an intense antioxidant activity. inflammatory.
The dried extracts obtained from Vitis vinifera seeds can reach titrations of 85-90%. Proanthocyanidins are found mainly in pine bark, grape seeds and red wine, but also in citrus fruits and blueberries . Proanthocyanidin extracts are available as supplements in tablet form.
Contraindications of proanthocyanidins
The proanthocyanidins are practically free of toxicity, however it is to be avoided in case of pregnancy and lactation.
The proanthocyanidins contained in the grape seed extract have been given anticoagulant properties, therefore it is not recommended to associate them with antiplatelet drugs.
