Subject : grape seed extract
This is some information I came across about grape seed extract -- hope it helps
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                        Michael E. Baginski
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Super Antioxidants
 
   Pycnogenol(tm) vs Grape Seed Extract Proanthocyanidin
 
by Clark Hansen, N.D.
 
The following is a response to some misinformation being, reported by
distributors of Kaire International regarding Pycnogenol(tm), a
Proanthocyanidin extract of pine bark, in comparison to Proanthocyanidin
extracted from grape seeds.
 
MYTH #1) The Food Supplement Industry is unscrupulous to make a buck, selling
grape seed extract as "Pycnogenol" which is a trade marked name for pine bark
extract proanthocyanidin.
 
Truth: Jacques Masquelier coined the word Pycnogenol to describe an entire
class of bioflavonoids that are composed of polyphenols, or Proanthocyanidin
complexes, also referred to as Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin Complexes (OPCs).
Masquelier patented a process to extract Proanthocyanidin from both pine bark
in 1951, and grape seeds in 1970. The name Pycnogenol, was intended as a
scientific name for this class of bioflavanoids, whether extracted from pine
bark, lemon tree bark, grape seeds, grape skins, or cranberries, etc. To use it
as a tradename for Proanthocyanidin extracted only from pine bark is like using
the name Tocopherol, the scientific name for Vitamin E, as a trademark only for
Vitamin E extracted from soybeans, and prohibiting its rightful scientific use
in describing the Vitamin E extracted from wheat germ, or sunflower seed, etc.
The use of the name Pycnogenol is currently being contested on these grounds in
court.
 
MYTH #2) All Proanthocyanidins are not created equal - every plant is
chemically and genetically different.
 
Truth: Proanthocyanidins are virtually identical whether they come from pine
bark, grape seeds, lemon tree bark, cranberries, or hazel nut tree leaves. The
difference is in the varying concentration in the different plants. Grape Seed
Extract Proanthocyanidin yields a 95 % concentration, the highest concentration
of any known source, which is 10% higher than the yield obtained from pine
bark.
 
MYTH #3) Horphag Research Ltd., & Jacques Masquelier had two consecutive
contracts, from 1969 - 1989. (Since Horphag produces Proanthocyanidin only from
pine bark, this implies that Dr. Masquelier considered pine bark extract to be
superior to grape seed extract.)
 
Truth: In 1991, after Dr. Masquelier left Horphag, he said,
 
"OPC extracted from pine bark is based on a patent which was deposited in 1951
in France (French patent no. 1036922 / date: 9 - 05 - 51; inventor: J.
Masquelier). OPC extracted from grape pips is based on a patent which was
deposited in 1970 (French Patent no. 2092743; inventors: J. Masquelier and J.
Michaud)
 
The enormous scientific progress which occurred during the 20 years which
separate these two inventions, laid the basis for the very exacting chemical,
biological and clinical research performed with OPC from grape pip's.
 
The reason OPC from grape pips was favored over OPC from pine bark is the
following: To establish and demonstrate the bioavailability of OPC it is
necessary to give the OPC an isotopic marking (14C) - This marking is
accomplished by the plant being cultivated in an atmosphere which contains "14"
marked C02 icrophytotron. " It is self-evident that, due to its limited
dimensions, only the grapevine can be used for this type of experiment.
 
Thus, all the research performed with isotopic marking was based on the marking
of grape vines. The results of this research show OPC's ways of activity its
specific affinity for collagen and the duration of its fixation to living
tissue.
 
All these tests were necessary because OPC from grape pips is marketed in
France as a pharmaceutical product. From 1972 to 1978 intensive analytical,
toxicological, pharmacological and clinical studies have been performed with
OPC from grape pips to obtain authorization to market the extract as a
medicine. The "grape pip" results have been extrapolated to "pine bark."
 
I underline that in 1986 I discovered that OPC from grape pips has an intense
free radical scavenging effect (FRSE) on radical oxygen species. These
discoveries were laid down in my U.S. Patent (no 4,698,360) of Oct. 6, 1987;
"Radical Scavenging Effect of Proanthocyanidins". All FRSE tests were performed
with OPC manufactured by SARPAP Ysofine. The tests showed that in this respect,
OPC from grape pips has an advantage over OPC from Pine bark. OPC from grape
pips contains the Gallic esters of proanthocyanidins (in particular:
Proanthocyanidin B2-3' -0-gallate) . These proanthocyanidins - esters have been
recently described as the most active substances in the battle against free
radicals. "October 1991, Martiliac, France, (Procyanidines de France/3)
 
MYTH #4) Pycnogenol has been shown to prevent LDL oxidation and to have a
protective action against UVB radiation. The same cannot be stated of Grape
Seed Extract.
 
Truth: As described directly above in response to statement three, Grape Seed
Extract has been shown to possess an even more potent antioxidant than
Pycnogenol(tm). Any biochemist and all of the researchers studying
Proanthocyanidin bioflavanoids will tell you that as a class, the
Proanthocyanidin bioflavanoids, regardless of their source, possess the same
biochemical activity, with only slight variations. As stated above, all of
research using isotopic marking of Proanthocyanidin, showing its "ways of
activity, its specific affinity for collagen and the duration of its fixation
to living tissue," was performed on grape vines and has been extrapolated to
Pycnogenol". Likewise, research studying the ability of Proanthocyanidin
extracted from pine bark to prevent oxidation of LDL Cholesterol or oxidative
damage from UVB radiation, can be extrapolated to Proanthocyanidin extracted
from grape seeds.
 
MYTH #5) Pycnogenol decreases histamine activity and allergic reactions. There
is no demonstration of this effect in Grape Seed Extract.
 
Truth: In June 1981, Pierre Agache published the results of a study he
conducted at the Clinique Dermatologique, in Besancon, France, which
impressively demonstrated the inhibition of histamine induced hives by oral
administration of Endotelon, a 95% Proanthocyanidin Grape Seed Extract. (La Vie
medicale 16 - 1981 Junell)
 
MYTH #6) Grape seeds are heavily exposed to pesticides, fungicides and
insecticides, while the maritime pine trees from which Pycnogenol(tm) is
extracted are known in a chemical free environment along the Atlantic coast of
France.
 
Truth: Grapes are consumed throughout the world and inspected regularly in the
U.S. to make certain that they do not contain harmful residues. The Atlantic
coast of France is not a "chemical free" environment. The pine trees that grow
along the coast are not protected from air pollution or oil spills which do
occur off the coast of France.
 
MYTH #7) Grape Seed Extract uses several solvents which leave residues in the
finished product.
 
Truth: The extraction process of Proanthocyanidins from grape seeds removes
this concern. This is insured by the regular monitoring of sophisticated
scientific equipment following stringent standards of purity and quality
assurance. Every batch of Grape Seed Extract is certified free of any chemical
residues.
 
MYTH #8) Pycnogenol(tm) is processed fresh, only hours after the bark is
removed from the trees. This assures the highest quality of the extract and
avoids any biological degradation or fermentation.
 
Truth: Grape Seed Extract is likewise processed before the seeds degrade or
ferment.
 
MYTH #9) The recommended therapeutic dose in France is a 150 mg compared to
only 25mg of Pycnogenol'. This results in the use of approximately six times
more Grape Seed Extract, which makes it far more expensive to use than
Pycnogenol (tm).
 
Truth: Although most Pycnogenol is sold in 20 mg capsules in the U.S., doctors
who are recommending it to their patients will tell you that they get the best
results when they recommend a dose of 20 mg per every 20 lbs of body weight, or
approximately 150 - 200 mg per day. That is the precisely the same dose that is
recommended in France for the Grape Seed Extract.
 
MYTH #10) In France, Grape Seed Extract has been taken off the list of
reimbursable medicines, Pycnogenol(tm) has not.
 
Truth: Grape Seed Extract has most certainly not been taken off the list of
reimbursable medicines in France. As a matter of fact, in France, where both
pine bark extract and grape seed extract have been used for decades, the grape
seed extract outsells the pine bark by 400%.
 
MYTH #11) Horphag Research, Ltd. has spent millions of dollars over the past 25
years thoroughly researching & studying Pycnogenol(tm) to the point that today
there is elaborate safety & efficiency data on file to support the product.
 
Truth: As mentioned previously, the size of pine trees prohibited much of the
research from being performed on pine trees. As stated by Dr. Masquelier,
 
"It is self-evident that, due to its limited dimensions, only the grape vine
can be used for this type of experiment.
 
Thus, all the research performed with isotopic marking was based on the marking
of grape vines. The results of this research show OPC's ways of activity its
specific affinity for collagen and the duration of its fixation to living
tissue.
 
All these tests were necessary because OPC from grape pips is marketed as a
pharmaceutical product. From 1972 to 1978 intensive analytical, toxicological,
pharmacological and clinical studies have been performed with OPC from grape
pips to obtain authorization to market the extract as a medicine. The "grape
pip" results have been extrapolated to pine bark."
 
MYTH #12) Pycnogenol(tm) has been shown by accepted toxicological protocols to
be totally non-toxic, non-mutagenic, and non-teratogenic.
 
Truth: The same is true of Grape Seed Extract. In fact, Grape Seed Extract has
actually been shown to be anti-mutagenic, anti-carcinogenic, and devoid of any
toxic effect even at extraordinarily high doses (132 mg 1 lb body weight 1 day
for 12 months in dogs). Grape Seed Extract has also been shown to be safe for
conception, pregnant women & the unborn fetus, and to be devoid of any peri- or
postnatal toxicity.
 
MYTH #13) Both Harphag, Research, Ltd. and MW, Intl. carry product liability
for Pycnogenol(tm)
 
Truth: Indena, the 70 year old Italian herbal pharmaceutical company that
produces most of the world's Grape Seed Extract Proanthocyanidin, carries
millions of dollars in product liability.
 
MYTH #14) Recent scientific research suggests that the protective benefits for
grapes are clearly shown to be from red grapes, not the seeds of any grapes.
Early research conducted on grapes used only seeds from red grapes.
Commercially available product today is taken from white grapes.
 
Truth: Recent research has confirmed what earlier studies had shown, that both
the seeds of grapes as well as the skins contain proanthocyanidin, which is the
molecule responsible for the protective and healing benefits. Proanthocyanidin
is a specific class of bioflavanoids found in a wide number of plants,
including purple, red and white grapes, as well as pine bark, lemon tree bark,
hazel nut tree leaves, blue berries, cherries, cranberries and others. The most
concentrated of these is the seeds of purple grapes. Proanthocyanidin
bioflavanoids act virtually the same, regardless of the source. However, the
therapeutic benefit has been shown to be dose dependent. Therefore, the product
with the highest concentration can provide the greatest therapeutic benefit.
Think of it this way, if you were given the option of buying one of two gold
bars each weighing 16 ounces, which would you choose. The one with an 85 %
concentration of gold, extracted from the coast of France, or the one with a
95% concentration of gold, extracted from vineyards across Italy and France?
 
MYTH #15) Pycnogenol has been shown to be a powerful antioxidant many times
more potent than Vitamin C or E. The same cannot be assumed about white grape
seed.
 
Truth: Indena's Grape Seed Extract has been shown to be 20 times more potent
than Vitamin C and 50 times more potent than Vitamin E.
 
MYTH #16) Although Grape Seed Extract suppliers tend to mention U.S. patent
4,698,360 due to its mention of the Free Radical Scavenging Effect (FRSE) of
Proanthocyanidin, the patent clearly emphasizes the extraction of pine bark and
not just any plant with Proanthocyanidin content.
 
Truth: As mentioned earlier, in 1991, after Jacques Masquelier had terminated
his contract with Harphag Research, Ltd., he sought to clarify this point by
stating, "I underline that in 1986 I discovered that OPC from grape pips has an
intense free radical scavenging effect (FRSE) on radical oxygen species. These
discoveries were laid down in my U.S. Patent (no 4,698,360) of Oct. 6, 1987;
"Radical Scavenging Effect of Proanthocyanidins". All FRSE tests were performed
with OPC manufactured by SARPAP-Ysofine. The tests showed that in this respect,
OPC from grape pips has an advantage over OPC from Pine bark. OPC from grape
pips contains the gallic esters of proanthocyanidins (in particular:
Proanthocyanidin B2 - 3' - 0 - gallate). These proanthocyanidins - esters have
been recently described as the most active substances in the battle against
free radicals."
 
MYTH #17) In addition to its high level of water soluable Proanthocyanidin
content, we know of approximately 40 different components in Pycnogenol(tm)
that directly contribute to its diverse benefit and value. Several key
components of Pycnogenol(tm) are organic acids: caffeic acids, cinamic acid and
ferulic acid, to name just a few, that either are not contained in Grape Seed
Extract or are found in a much lower level.
 
Truth: Proanthocyanidin has been shown to be the active principle that makes
both pine bark and Grape Seed Extract so effective as an antioxidant and
collagen & elastin protector. All of the known benefits for both products can
be attributed to one of these two actions. The other elements in the pine bark
and the grape seeds give synergistic and supporting action. If they provide
unique individual benefits of their own, this has yet to be demonstrated.
 
MYTH #18) No other product has the combined qualities that make Pycnogenol(tm)
so effective and powerful, yet there are companies in the U.S. who claim that
Grape Seed Extract is Pycnogenol. Therefore, let the buyer beware. Be sure that
you are using the real stuff.
 
Truth: Pycnogenol(tm) has an 85% concentration of Proanthocyanidin, the active
molecule that makes it effective and powerful. Grape Seed Extract has a 95 %
concentration of the very same Proanthocyanidin bioflavanoids. The two extracts
are nearly identical, except that Grape Seed Extract has more of the active
principle. Both products produce incredible results as testimonials for both
indicate. The name has become a matter of contention as many scientists feel
that Pycnogenol is a scientific term and should therefore not be used as a
trademark.
 
As a doctor and a scientist I have investigated both thoroughly and have been
impressed by both. From the published literature and the empirical data of
hundreds of my own patients as well as the testimonials of others, both the
pine bark and the grape seed extract appear to produce the same results.
However, Grape Seed Extract has a 1 0% higher concentration of
Proanthocyanidin, contains a more potent antioxidant, is more abundant, easier
to grow, easier to harvest, and less expensive. For all of these reasons I have
chosen to use Grape Seed Extract Proanthocyanidin manufactured by Indena and
have had remarkable success. When all of the facts are considered without bias,
Grape Seed Extract is the obvious choice.
 
MYTH #19) The word Pycnogenol(tm) is a patented name and should be used only in
conjunction with the Maritime extract.
 
Truth: The name Pycnogenol, recommended by Masquelier in 1979 to describe the
unique class of bioflavanoids composed of oligomeres (combinations of 2, 3, or
4 molecules) of Catechin and Epicatechin has not gained general acceptance. The
name that has become accepted is Proanthocyanidin. This is the technical term
that is now being used by scientists around the world who are continuing
research on this incredible class of bioflavanoids. For this reason I also
prefer to use the name Proanthocyanidin.
 
Sincerely yours,
 
Clark Hansen, N.D.
 
For information for getting this Super Antioxidant Leave me E-Mail by
 
clicking on below address: I am James Newman not Dr. Hansen. This is just his
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