Grape Seed Extract (GSE) is classified as a proanthocyanidin also known as OPC’s. They are a class of compounds, which belong to the bioflavonoid family. This is the same class of compounds which pycnogenol (pine bark) belongs to. These compounds share similar properties. (In fact, grape seed extract has all the same benefits of pycnogenol). They function mainly as antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and as enhancers of connective tissue and blood vessel strength. These compounds not only are powerful antioxidants but may enhance capillary strength as well. GSE has been used to improve edema (swelling) in individuals with chronic venous insufficiency. No side effects have been reported with this compound. Most of the benefits of grape seed extract have been demonstrated in laboratory animals or in cultured cells. For example, the ingestion of grape seed extract by rabbits fed a high cholesterol diet appeared to have an inhibitory effect on atherosclerosis associated with inhibition of LDL oxidation. GSE selectively killed two human oral cancer cell lines, more efficiently than human oral normal cell lines.

The recommended adult daily dosage is 50 to 100mg, although up to 200mg (in divided doses) is a safe and effective dose. GSE should be taken with meals.

OPCs found in GSE may have some anticoagulant properties when taken in high doses. Individuals on blood-thinner drugs such as Coumadin (warfarin), heparin, Trental (pentoxifylline) and aspirin should take high doses of GSE only under medical supervision, as high doses of OPCs might cause excessive bleeding.

A study suggests that when taking Pycnogenol, more NO is provided in response to neurotransmitters allowing for better expansion of arteries to carry more blood. This process serves to meet the enhanced oxygen demand of the performing muscle and avoid anaerobic metabolism. This was reported by Dr. Yukihito Higashi, lead researcher of the study. "These results also lead me to determine that Pycnogenol (trademark of Horphag Research) will be a useful natural alternative therapy in various diseases in which oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis."

The double-blind, randomized, placebo study was held at the Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Japan. Every day for two weeks young healthy men either took 180 mg Pycnogenol or a placebo. To identify Pycnogenol's effect on the release of NO, an inhibitor of the amino acid L-arginine was infused in patients, which restricts the expansion of arteries in response to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

After two weeks of supplementation with Pycnogenol, results revealed blood flow increased in response to acetylcholine stimulation by 42 percent. In contrast, the control group receiving the placebo did not show a pronounced blood flow increase in response to neurotransmitter stimulation.

"Acetylcholine stimulates the cells of arteries to produce NO from L-arginine faster," Dr. Higashi said. "In turn, the NO causes the muscle surrounding arteries to relax, which results in an increase of blood vessel diameters. When subjects had taken Pycnogenol the relaxation of arteries was increased by 42 percent as compared to the group taking placebo tablets."

According to Frank Schonlau, Ph.D, director of scientific communications for Horphag Research, worldwide distributors of Pycnogenol, "While more research is warranted, this is an encouraging breakthrough especially to athletes as Pycnogenol seems to allow people to move faster when exercising by satisfying the enhanced muscle oxygen demand and increasing the blood flow to active muscles. When people are performing heavy physical activity, nerves release neurotransmitter acetylcholine to arteries supplying muscles, which makes them expand, a process that requires enhanced production of NO."

A multitude of studies about Pycnogenol (trademark of Horphag Research) and sports nutrition have been conducted. Most recently, a year ago, Pycnogenol was demonstrated to improve blood circulation and support a lasting aerobic muscle activity during any kind of activity and enhance sports endurance by alleviating cramping and muscular pain in athletes. In short, Pycnogenol is effective for enhancing and prolonging muscle performance during sport, supports muscle adaptation to higher work-load and allows for faster physical recovery.

A Study published in the journal of Minerva Cardioangiologica (November 6, 2008) reveals Pycnogenol, pine bark extract from the French maritime pine tree, reduces jetlag in passengers by nearly 50%. The two-part study, consisting of a brain CT scan and a scoring system, showed Pycnogenol lowered symptoms of jetlag such as fatigue, headaches, insomnia and brain edema (swelling) in both healthy individuals and hypertensive patients. Passengers also experienced minimal lower leg edema, a common condition associated with long flights.

"This study could not have come at a better time for the upcoming holiday travel season," said Dr. Gianni Belcaro, a lead researcher of the study. Belcaro attributes Pycnogenol's combined activities for better circulation and antioxidant potency to such remarkable results. "Previous Pycnogenol flight studies have shown a reduction in jetlag; however this was the first study to solely focus on the condition."

The study, conducted at the G. D'Annunzio University in Pescara, Italy, consisted of 133 passengers who took flights that were seven to nine hours in length. Fifty mg of oral Pycnogenol was administered three times daily, for seven days, starting two days prior to the flight.

Resveratrol, found in red wine (from the skin and seeds of grapes), berries, and dark chocolate has demonstrated effects that mimic those of caloric restriction, which is the best documented anti-aging strategy to date. Caloric restriction does this, in part, by producing changes in gene expression that are associated with long life and a slowing of the aging process.

Resveratrol is also gaining popularity for its promise in fighting age-related diseases like dementia, diabetes, and cancer.
At this time, he most reliable way to extend life span is through the practice of caloric restriction, which involves reducing calorie intake while simultaneously maintaining good nutritional status.

It may be possible to achieve the life-extending benefits of calorie restriction using the plant-derived compound known as resveratrol. Resveratrol and calorie restriction appear to work via similar mechanisms to promote health and longevity in many animal species.

Harvard University scientists showed that resveratrol could prolong survival by regulating a gene associated with aging that is present in all life forms. [ Baur JA, Pearson KJ, Price NL, et al. Resveratrol improves health and survival of mice on a high-calorie diet. Nature. 2006 Nov 16;444(7117):337-42]

Among the life-prolonging benefits of resveratrol supplementation proven in this study were:

• increased insulin sensitivity
• lower blood sugar
• enhanced mitochondrial energy production
• improved motor function

These benefits were achieved without significant reduction in body weight, and provided protection from the harmful effects of a high calorie diet.

While resveratrol may not extend longevity, quality of life should be markedly improved.

Taking resveratrol in extract form appears to be the best way to get the quantities needed without the consequences of too much alcohol or fruit consumption. In the studies conducted by BioMarker Pharmaceuticals, mice demonstrated favorable anti-aging gene-expression changes in response to receiving the human equivalent of 20mg of resveratrol a day. This is as much as found in 40 glasses of red wine.