Proanthocyanidins

What are proanthocyanidins?

Proanthocyanidins or condensed tannins are nonessential nutrients, which belong to flavanols and these to flavonoids, which are a class of polyphenols found in plant foods ^[1].

Examples of proanthocyanidins: procyanidins, and prodelphinidins.

Foods High in Proanthocyanidins

• FRUITS: cranberries and other berries, apples, red grapes (seeds and skin)
• Dark chocolate, cocoa
• Red wine
• Reference: ^[1]

Proanthocyanidins from Cranberry Products

There is INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE about the effectiveness of cranberries, cranberry juice or cranberry extract supplements in the prevention of bladder and other urinary tract infections (UTIs) ^[2,3,4,5,6].

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin Complexes (OPCs)

Oligomeric proanthocianidins are flavonoids naturally occurring in pine bark, grape seed and skin extracts, peanut skin, apples and cocoa ^[9].

Maritime Pine Bark Extract Pycnogenol

Pycnogenol is an oligomeric proanthocyanidin extracted from a maritime pine bark.

There is INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE ^[7,8] about the effectiveness of  pycnogenol in the prevention or treatment of allergy, asthma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), coronary artery disease, deep vein thrombosis, dental plaques, diabetes and its complications, erectile dysfunction, heart disease, heart failure, hemorrhoids, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hot flashes in menopausal women, leg cramps, leg swelling (edema), menstrual problems, migraine, muscle soreness, osteoarthritis, pelvic pain in women, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), skin aging, stroke, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or varicose veins, or in improving athletic endurance.

Pycnogenol Safety: Side Effects, Toxicity

Pycnogenol supplements are POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults and children when taken by mouth in recommended doses for up to 1 year ^[7].

Side effects may include mouth ulcers, headache, dizziness, stomach upset ^[7]. 

During Pregnancy

Not enough is known about the safety of pycnogenol during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so women in these periods should avoid them ^[7].

Who else should avoid pycnogenol?

Individuals with multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases should avoid pycnogenol ^[7].

Pycnogenol-Drug Interactions

Pycnogenol might enhance the blood sugar lowering effect of anti-diabetic drugs and the effect of anticoagulants ^[7].