GRAPE

Botanical name: Vitis vinifera L.

Family name: VITACEAE 

Thai name: A-ngoon

Grape is a climbing shrub indigenous to Europe and Northern region of Asia. It is now cultivated in warm and tropical areas as well. The extract from the grape seed contains up to 90% of proanthocyanidins (OPCs). The OPCs are the pigment materials which give flavour, colour and aroma to many plants and fruits. OPCs effectively protect collagen matrix of connective tissue, protect against free radical damage, and inhibit collagen damage caused by inflammation and infection. OPCs have been shown to be effective in cases of psoriasis and the hyper-pigmentation disorder melasma (chloasma). OPCs protect against free-radical damage, suggested to be a major cause of the ageing process. The antioxidant effect is 50 times greater than that of vitamin C and E. A major advantage of these molecules is that they are taken up into the cell membranes and protect against both water- and fat soluble free-radicals. OPCs to be effective in treating venous insufficiency, varicose veins, capillary fragility, and disorders of the retina. OPCs appear to improve blood circulation through collagen support. OPCs significantly improved visual performance in dark and after glare tests, improved symptoms in patients with diabetic retinopathies, maculopathies, and other visual dysfunctions, protect fat and cholesterol from oxidation, thus reducing arterial damage leading to heart disease. OPCs stimulate nitric oxide production male penile erection. OPCs help maintain neurotransmitters functioning longer and improve the micro-circulation in the brain. These positive results are due to the effects of increased neurotransmitter lifespan, NO production, and improved brain micro-circulation. Most of the published clinical data over 20 years has been on grape seed  Grape seed may be more potent than pine bark as only grape seed contains the potent gallic esters of the OPCs, the most active free radical fighting OPCs.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS OF GRAPE SEED EXTRACT