To Dr. Norm Archer: I am a little late because I got behind in my e-mail. I have been taking pycnogenol for several months. My bottle of pycnogenol says, "Pycnogenol is a distilled concentrate of 85% oligomeric, water soluble proanthocyan- idins (OPC's) extracted from pine tree bark". I recently discovered another product available in our local Organic Grocery that is made from grape seeds. It cliams to be > 95% OPC's and it specfically says that it exceeds the level of OPC's found in Pycnogenol. Pycogenol is a trade mark of Horphar Reasearch Ltd., protected by US patent. Proanthocyanidins have Radical Scavenger Effect (RSE) and as an antioxidant are reported to be 50 times more potent than vitamin E. Since levadopa is reported to increase free radical production throughout the brain in animals (see UPF 1995 newsletter #2, Part 1,p5), it seems wise to me for all PD patients to take extra antioxidants to combat the free radicals, whether or not you see any specific benefits in walking or balance. It may be preventing further progression. I am taking each day: grape seed extract of OPC's 50 mg vit C 1000 mg vit E 400 IU I was diagnosed with PD about 3 yrs ago. ---Milo Milo V. Anderson, Ph.D. Box 417 Angwin, CA 94508 VOICE 707 965-2508 EMAIL [log in to unmask]