Posted by taylor18 on November 10, 2003, at 2:22:10
In reply to Re: OPCs/Flavay for manic depression? » taylor18, posted by tealady on November 9, 2003, at 7:18:57
Somewhere in the promotional literature. It also makes sense due to its effectiveness in ADHD. However, it may be a powerful regulator.
Here are some quotes I found from a few quick searches:
"...They also reportedly affect the metabolic enzymes that regulate neurotransmitters, and they appear to inhibit the breakdown of norepinephrine and dopamine. Some recent studies have shown that ADD is associated with a faster than average reuptake (breakdown) of dopamine, so perhaps this is the most important factor in how OPCs help..."
"...The good news is that Flavay is great at neutralizing peroxynitrate. It also reduces the amount of superoxide available that makes peroxynitrate and it helps to regulate the nitric oxide production so that it stays in balance. That means your immune system works better, your joints hurt less, and your blood flows better, all because of Flavay... Other antioxidants may help, but presently researchers have only noticed OPCs working on this problem..."
"...The increase in NITRIC OXIDE may also improve learning ability and memory through its effects as a neurotransmitter. Early evidence suggests that OPCs are effective in Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD). These positive results are due to the effects of increased neurotransmitter lifespan, NO production, and improved brain micro-circulation..."
"...OPCs stimulate NITRIC OXIDE production in the arteries - an essential process needed for healthy male penile erection. The drug VIAGRA works in the same way through increasing nitric oxide..."
"It's effect on nitric oxide radicals, in particular, have attracted scientific interest.
Nitric oxide is a molecule essential for some cellular and physiological functions but dangerous in large amounts. For example, it plays important roles in the cardiovascular, nervous and immune systems, yet excessive nitric oxide can also promote inflammations, rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer's disease. It is important that nitric oxide is maintained in a balance in the body...not to much and not too little.
Pycnogenol has the benefit of regulating and, at times, inhibiting nitric oxide production. It can down-regulate the body's key nitric oxide-activating enzyme and nitric oxide-dependent genes. Pycnogenol also appears to have particular benefits in reducing inflammation caused by excessive nitric oxide radicals released by white blood cells.
Pycnogenol's role as a nitric oxide regulator was borne out by research in Tampa Florida. Pycnogenol increased nitric oxide levels in the endothelial cells that line the heart and blood vessel walls, thus permitting optimal vasodilation of blood vessels. In experiments on rats' blood vessels, the stress hormone adrenaline was used to constrict blood vessels, mimicking what occurs in heart disease. After adding Pycnogenol, nitric oxide levels increased and the blood vessels dilated, a sign of normal blood-vessel function. These experiements may appear to contradict each other, but instead they point to the complex and subtle ways antioxidants function in different types of cells..."
The most bioavailable form looks to be from Enzymatic Therapy, unfortunately, it's just Grape Seed Extract without the Pine Bark, like Flavay.
http://www.enzy.com/products/display.asp?id=322&cpmid=354
It's bound to fat-soluble phosphatidylcholine molecules, so it's 3-7 more absorbable.
poster:taylor18
thread:277840
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20031104/msgs/278119.html