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Inflammation

- Inflammation is caused by the overproduction of free radicals in a specific area of the body.

We now know that antioxidants work together to defeat free radicals and inhibit the biological pathway that triggers inflammation, and OPC's are particularly effective as an anti-inflammatory.

Research demonstrates that OPC's can selectively bind to the connective tissue of joints, preventing inflammation and lessening pain. In fact, one of the very first benefits observed and studied Dr. Jack Masquelier, in as early as 1947, was the anti-inflammatory effect of OPC's.

Research demonstrates that OPC inhibits the release and synthesis of histamine (which produces accelerated blood flow, dilates capillaries and increases their permeability, thereby leaking plasma into surrounding tissue), a key factor in the promotion of inflammation.

Studies demonstrate that the anti-histamine action of OPC's are obtained through inhibiting the activity of the enzyme histidine decarboxylase. German studies have confirmed that OPC's may lower the production of histamine with as much as 86% inhibition of histidine decarboxylase.
OPC's also neutralize free radicals that promote swelling and cause inflammation. A free radical called superoxide is involved in the inflammation of arthritis. OPC's readily quenches the superoxide free radicals.

Edema (Swelling)

Edema is an uncomfortable condition and can be both painful and dangerous. Swollen and painful legs and ankles, puffiness of the eyes and an overall bloated look and feel are examples of edema. It involves the leakage of blood serum into surrounding tissues and OPC's have shown that it can reduce this leakage by strengthening capillary walls.

Italian scientists from the University of Florence studied the effect of OPC's on venous congestion (edema) in the legs. The study involved 40 subjects consisting of 13 men and 27 women between the ages of 34 and 74. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups. One group received a placebo and the other group received 300 mg of OPC's daily for 60 days.
All of those taking the OPC's had relief from at least some of the symptoms. After 30 days, the pain was totally relieved in 38 percent of those taking OPC's, the swelling disappeared in 26 percent (the circumference of the legs was measured above the ankle), and 11 percent experienced a decrease in the feeling of heaviness in their lower limbs. After 60 days, the pain was totally relieved in 67 percent of those taking OPC's, the swelling disappeared in 63 percent, and the decrease in heaviness jumped to 33 percent.