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Research on Aging Leads to a Natural Solution to the Problem
Twenty years of research into the causes of aging has lead to the discovery of proantocyanidins, a unique class of water soluble flavonoids used in PROANTHO-C 600, that can slow and, in some cases, reverse the effects of aging: * Deteriorating circulation results in poorer eyesight and hearing, arthritis, shortness of breath and cardiovascular problems. * Less responsive collagen tissue in wrinkles, flaccid skin and loose teeth. * Lowered resistance to infections, disease and environmental pollutants and toxins. Proanthocyanidins are found in a number of plants including grape seeds, pine bark, lemon tree bark, cranberries and hazel nut tree leaves. The concentration varies in different plants. The highest concentration is found in grape seed extracts (95%). Master Visions uses grape seed in conjunction with pine tree bark as its source because of the high concentration, and being able to obtain the highest from both sources. Thus, cost is lower and natural resources are conserved. Increase Resistance to Free Radical Disease, Strengthen Collagen, Elastin and Blood Vessels In addition to stiff joints and wrinkled skin, free radicals contribute to degenerative diseases associated with aging. "Very few individuals, if any, reach their potential maximum life span; they die instead prematurely of a wide variety of diseases - the vast majority being ''free radical'' Denham Harman, M.D., PhD., 1984 Free radicals are molecular structures, which contain an un-paired electron. This unpaired electron has the impetus to combine with fatty acids and other substances within the body. Each free radical is capable of destroying an enzyme or protein molecule or a complete cell. Allowed to increase without control, they can multiply geometrically. This chain reaction can damage cell structures so badly that DNA codes are altered and the results is what we commonly call aging. (1) To combat the destructive effects of free radicals, antioxidant nutrients "donate" electrons to stabilize the molecule and prevent its reaction with body tissues. (1) Many nutritionally oriented physicians are using antioxidant nutrients in mercury detoxification programs to prevent and reverse membrane damage. In vitro studies have shown proanthocyanidins to be 50 times more effective than Vita-min F, and 20 times more effective than Vitamin C. (1,7) This powerful antioxidant action has also been demonstrated in human and animal studies. Unlike virtually all other dietary antioxidants, proanthocyanidins readily cross the blood-brain barrier to protect vital brain and nerve tissue from oxidation thus helping to prevent senility. Connective Tissues - Collagen and Elastin Resist Enzyme Degradation In addition to antioxidants protection, research has demonstrated the ability of catechin, a component of proanthocyanidians, to protect connective tissues from breakdown by enzymes.(4.5) Since the entire body is held together by these connective tissues, protecting and restoring them helps return flexibility to skin, joints, arteries, capillaries, and other tissues. A study conducted in Houston, Texas, by Baylor University College of Medicine demonstrated the ability of catechin to bind tightly to collagen and modify its structure sufficiently to make it resistant to enzyme degradation. In tissue cultures of patients with various collagen disorders, the addition of catechin decreased abnormal solubility. (5) French researchers demonstrated the same protective effect on elastin. (4) PROANTHO-C 600 Increase Capillary Integrity, Improve Circulation By restoring capillary integrity, PROANTHO-C 600 improves circulation, making it easier for each cell to get the nourishment it needs. Improved circulation is especially valuable to smokers, diabetics, stroke victims, arthritics, women taking oral contraceptives and persons with swollen, edematous legs. Clinical tests document the ability of proanthocyanidins to increase capillary resistance, which is important in the prevention and treatment of such conditions as varicose veins, hemorrhoids, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral hemorrhage, high blood pressure, and heart disease. In 100 patients with varicose veins, 80% of the cases showed a clear clinical improvement when treated with proanthocyanidins. A 90% success rate was recorded in 40 patients who experienced nightly calf cramps. In another study, the mean in-crease in capillary resistance was 140% after 72 hours as opposed to 560/0 increase for patients given other flavonoids. (1,8) Clinical tests show that proanthocyanidins "appear to hold a special place not only in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy or hemorrhagic complications, but also in prevention of complications following cataract operations in diabetics." (1) Inflammation, Allergies and Arthritis Respond to PROANTHO-C 600 The anti-inflammatory properties of proanthocyanidins make this natural supplement valuable in the treatment of allergies, arthritic joints and sports related injuries. Allergy is a process of inflammation now known to be a disorder of the immune system. Any place in the body where long-term, sustained inflammation occurs will eventually lead to calcification and arthritis. (2) The anti-inflammatory activity of proanthocyanidins is based on their ability to protect cells and blood vessels from destruction by enzymes as well as on their antioxidant effect as free radical scavengers. (1) Being part of the flavonoid family, proanthocyanidins are active transporters of vitamin C and are known to potentate its antiscorbutic effects. (1) Like other bioflavonoids, proanthocyanidins are also lipoxygenase inhibitors responsible for blocking production of leukotrienes. (2) Leukotrienes are a powerful class of inflammatory agents, which are generated in response to an alarm stimulus. Inflanimation actually consists of released leukotrienes, which chemically signal lymphocytes to accumulate in the area. They are responsible for fluid accumulation and cell membrane permeability changes so that the fluid moves in different directions. The blood vessels become leaky so that fluid and blood cells move into the surrounding tissue. (2) Even when leukotreine production is inhibited, some inflammatory producing substances will be released which will trigger an antioxidant burst. Proanthocyanidins and other antioxidant nutrients have the ability to "soak up" free radicals and remaining leukotrienes produced during an oxidant burst. (2) Water Solubility Allows Rapid Uptake and Distribution Numerous human and animal studies have proven the rapid uptake and distribution of proanthocyanidins throughout the body. Being water soluble, they are absorbed almost instantly. Within 20 minutes, much is absorbed and on its way to the tissues. Experiments tracing radioactively tagged proanthocyanidins show that they are rapidly absorbed and fixed to cell membranes in the vascular system and connective tissues. They remain in the tissues for about three days before gradually eliminated, primarily through the urine.(6) Extensive testing has shown proanthocyanidins to be safe, non-toxic, anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic. WARNING: The products listed in this publication can not under any circumstances be considered as treatment, cure, prevention or therapy, or as the only treatment or therapy for any disease or condition. Nor can the products under any circumstances be considered as a substitute or alternative treatment or therapy for any disease or condition. The products contained in this publication have not been approved or evaluated by the Federal Drug Administration. These publications, and the products contained herein, are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. The products relate to nutritional support only REFERENCES 1. New Antioxidant Defends against Free Radical Damage, Nutrition News, 1989. 2. Inflammation and Nutrition, Medical Nutrition, Autumn, 1989. 3. Masquelier, J. "Pycnogenol: A compendium of related laboratory and clinical tests and supporting documentation," A Human Pharmacology, Section IV, Horphag Overseas Limited. 4. Tixier, J. M., (3odeau, Ci., Robert, A.M. and Horribeck, W. "Evidence by In Vito and In Vitro Studies that Binding of Pycnogenols to Elastin Affects Its Rate of Degradation by Elastases", Biochemical Pharmacology Vol.33, No.24, 1984 5. Kuttan, R. Donnelly, P and Diferrante, N. "Collagen treated with (+)-catechin becomes resistant to the action of mammalian collagenase. Laboratories of Connective Tissue Research, Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, May, 1980. 6. Rohdewald, R, "Absorption of Pycnogenol from gastro-intestinal tract." April 14, 1989. 7. Shinju Uchida, Rei Edamatsu, et. al, "Condensed tannins scavenge active oxygen free radicals", Med. Sci. Res., 1987. 8. Masquelier, J., The effect of leucocyanidin on the capillary resistance, Pharmacodynamics: Human Pharmacology, 1965. Questions &Answers about PYCNOGENOLS What are Pycnogenols? A: Pycnogenols are natural plant products. The newest more active Pycnogenols come from grape pips and pine bark. They have, beyond question, been shown to have powerful free radical scavenging activity, and can counteract the effects of aging. Pycnogenols are a concentrate of a special class of water-soluble bioflavonoids that almost instantly bioavailable in man. What are bioflavonoids? A: Bioflavonoids are a group of low molecular weight plant substance with recognized antioxidant (free radical scavenging) properties and with the ability to inhibit the activity of certain enzymes, which cause inflammation in the body. Are all bioflavonoids the same? A: No. There are over 20,000 biofavonoids. Some are more active than others; some are move valuable than others. A few, which have shown biological value in the laboratory, have not performed well when manufactured in commercial quantities and when tested in living animals. In 1986 after 20 years of intense additional study, Prof Jacques Masquelier (the original patent holder) states "OPC from grape pips has an advantage over OPC from pine bark". What makes Pycnogenols different? A: It is bioavailable. Numerous human and animal studies have proved the rapid uptake and distribution of Pycnogenols throughout the body. Being water soluble, they are absorbed almost instantly. Pycnogenols are powerful. The bioflavonoids that make up Pycnogenols are special. They are called proanthocyanidins. Certain Pycnogenols are 85% to 95% proanthocyanidins. The proanthocyanidins from grape pips make Pycnogenols the most powerful natural free radical scavenger and antioxidant yet discovered. (Proanthocyanidins from pine 82% to 85% and from grape pips 92% to 95%). How pure are Pycnogenols? A: Very pure. It is 85% to 95% pure proanthocyanidins. The slight remaining percent-age has been fully identified as plant fibers, nutrients and trace amounts of harmless plant substances such as cellulose. Practically no other natural plant material has been so fully analyzed. There are no solvent residues, natural or synthetic additives or other dilutents. Master Visions' Pycnogenols contain only the original pharmaceutical grade standardized Oligomeric ProanthoCyanidin (OPC) extract in-vented and patented by Prof Jacques Masquelier of Bordeaux, France. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,698,360). Are Pycnogenols at all toxic? A: Not at all. Pycnogenols from grape pips have gone through extensive testing at prestigious research centers such as the Pasteur Institute, Huntington Institute, and others over many years to confirm its purity and safety. It is non-toxic, non-mutagenic, and non-carcinogenic. How quickly do Pycnogenols act in man? A: Within 20 minutes, much is absorbed and on its way to the tissues. Within one hour of ingestion, Pycnogenols can be detected in the saliva. How long do Pycnogenols remain in the body? A: Three days. What comes in circulates in bodily fluids and is held in the collagen for 72 hours. It is then gradually eliminated through the urine (primarily) and perspiration (secondarily). How much should I take? A: The amount varies from person to person. Larger people can use more. Therapeutic doses range from 1.5 to 3.0 milligrams per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight. This means a 150 pound man or woman would take between 100 mg. to 200 mg. at first to reach tissue saturation. Saturation is reach in 7 to 10 days. Then the dosage can be cut back to one-half or less - about 50 to 60 milligrams per day - to simply replace what is eliminated each day. What is the shelf life of Pycnogenols? A: Pycnogenols are very stable. Capsules maintain their potency under normal conditions (stored in a cool dry place) for more than 10 years. Are Pycngenols acidic like ascorbic acid or alkaline like some minerals? A: Pycnogenols are acidic. They generally have a low pH of 2.5 to 4.0. A healthy stomach will carry a pH of 1.5 to 2.0. The pH of a mixed meal in the stomach is commonly between 4.5 and 5.5. These numbers tell us Pycnogenols are beautifully compatible with human digestion. Who discovered Pycnogenols? A: Dr. J. Masquelier of the University of Bordeaux isolated, identified, and characterized Pycnogenols. He, in fact, invented the name pycnogenol to denote the highly bioavailable, water soluble, class of special bioflavonoids he had discovered. Are pycnogenols patented? A: Yes, Dr. Masqulier has obtained two U.S. patents covering Pycnogenols. The newest patent, used on October 6, 1987, is U.S. Patent # 4,698,360. Pycnogenols are a new dietary supplement. Does the world really need another dietary supplement? A: Yes. Biochemistry is a young science. We learn and more each year about our bodies and what is required to keep them healthy and free of disease. We know now, for example, that the familiar vitamins and mineral represent only a small portion of the health - building nutrients contained in fruit, vegetables, and other foods. The astonishing importances of bioflavonoids and Pycnogenols in particular have recently been recognized. This represents a true advance in health care. We eat fresh food. IF Pycnogenols are in fruits and vegetable, why then do we need it as a supplement? A: Modern growing techniques and food distribution reduce or eliminated the proanthocyanidin con-tent of many foods. Picking fruit before it has fully ripened, harvesting vegetables before they are fully mature, and holding them in cold storage reduces or eliminate proanthocyandin content. Freezing, canning and cooking has a catastrophic effect. The food is denatured. Proanthocyanidians, the marvelous nutrients, are especially hard hit by modem food technology. So what happens if I don't get enough of what's in Pycnogenols? A: Free radicals may begin to hurt your tissues more than they should. Remember, Dr. Masquelier's patented grape pip Pycnogenols are the most powerful natural free radical scavenger and antioxidant yet discovered. Why should I be afraid of free radicals? A; Free radicals cause oxidative damage to cells and tissues. Damage caused by free radicals is what we recognize as aging. Without adequate protection from free radicals, you could very likely age faster, develop stiff joints and wrinkled skin sooner. Free radicals damage also plays a part in the degenerative diseases we associate the aging such as arthritis, circulatory disorders, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, heart disease, atherosclerosis, and others. What do Pycnogenols do? A: Pycnogenols are the most efficient natural free radical scavenger known. As such, they reduce oxidative damage to vital tissues. In vitro (outside the body) laboratory studies have shown the proanthocyanidins to be 50 times more effective than vitamin E as an antioxidant. And, unlike virtually all other dietary antioxidants, Doctor Masquelier's Pycnogenols from grape pips readily cross the blood-brain barrier to protect vital brain and nerve tissue from oxidation. Pycnogenols inhibits enzymes that cause inflammation and reduce histamine production, thereby helping the lining of arteries resist attack by mutagens which can cause cardiovascular disease. It restores capillary integrity and improves circulation, making it a little easier for each cell to get the food it needs. Improved circulation is especially valuable to smokers, diabetics, stroke victims, arthritis, women taking oral contraceptives and persons with swollen edematous legs. And Pycnogenols have the unique ability to bond to collagen fibers. It helps rebuild their cross links to reverse some of the damage done over the years by injury and free radical attack. Pycnogenols even inhibit the natural enzymes your body makes that normally break down collagen. All cells in the human body are glued together with collagen. By restoring collagen, Pycnogenols help re-turn flexibility to skin, joints. arteries, capillaries, and other tissues. This sounds important. Why haven't I heard of Pycnogenols before now? A: Pycnogenols in their present form have only recently been introduced to North America. They have long served the International market in France, Fin-land, Holland, Germany, Italy, Singapore, Korea, Argentina, and Switzerland. Are there any special reasons why so many people in other countries are taking Pycnogenols? A: Yes. They all seem to appreciate that it is wholly natural, pure and safe. And it is effective. In Finland, for example, users swear it is the only thing to take for hay fever. In other countries many women take Pycnogenols as a kind of oral cosmetic. They want to fight wrinkles before they begin. They expect it to help keep their skin elastic, smooth and more wrinkle - free by restoring the skin's collagen and protecting it from free radical attack and enzymatic degradation. Nearly everyone looks on Dr. Masquelier's patented product as an anti-aging sub-stance. After all, it does restore equilibrium in capillary circulation, help restore collagen, and is the most powerful natural free radical scavenger known. |
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