PCO extract has been used to help reverse or stabilize diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. It has also
been used to improve visual performance in the dark and after exposure to glare (200 mg per day).8,9
Daily Dosage (standardized to 92-95% PCO content)
1. Therapeutic Purposes (Venous insuf iciency, varicose veins, capillary fragility, diabetic retinopathy, macular
degeneration): 150-300 mg per day, in divided doses
2. General Health Support: 50-75 mg per day2
Toxicity and Contraindications
Procyanidolic oligomer extracts have been shown to be very non-toxic. They are water-soluble and any excess is
excreted in the urine. No side ef ects have been reported to date.
Drug-Nutrient Interactions
There are no known drug interactions for procyanidolic oligomer extracts.13
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Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
1. Schwitters B, Masquelier J. OPC in Practice: Biflavanols and their Applications. Rome, Italy: Alfa, Omega; 1993.
2. Murray M. The Healing Power of Herbs. 2nd edition. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing; 1995. p. 184-91.
3. Henriet JP. Veno-lymphatic insufficiency. Phlebologie 1993;46:313-25.
4. Lagrue G, Oliver-Martin F, Grillot A. A study of the effects of procyanidolic oligomers on capillary resistance in hypertension and in
certain nephropathies. Sem Hosp Paris 1981;57:1399-401.
5. Gomez Trillo JT. Varicose veins of the lower extremities:symptomatic treatment with a new vasculotrophic agent. Prensa Med Mex,
1973;38:293-6.
6. Soyeux A, et al. Endotelon: Diabetic retinopathy and hemorrheology (preliminary study). Bull Soc Ophthalmol Fr 1987;87:14441-4
7. Proto F, et al. Electrophysical study of vitis vinifera procyanoside oligomers effects on retinal function in myopic subjects. Ann OH Clin
Ocul 1988;114:85-93.
8. Corbe C, Boissin JP, Siou A. Light vision and chorioretinal circulation: study of the effect of procyanidolic oligomers (Endotelon). J Fr
Ophthalmol 1988;11:453-60.
9. Boissin JP, Corbe C, Siou A. Chorioretinal circulation and dazzling: use of procyanidol oligomers. Bull Soc Ophthalmol Fr 1988;88:173-
4,177-9.
10. Masquelier J, Dumon MC, Dumas J. Stabilization of collagen by procyanidolic oligomers. Acta Therap 1981;7:101-5.
11. Tixier JM, Godeau G, Robert AM, Hornebeck W. Evidence by in vivo and in vitro studies that binding to pycnogenols to elastin affects its
rate of degradation by elastases. Biochem Pharmocol 1984;33(24):3933-9.
12. Maffei F, Facino R, Carinin M, et al. Free radicals scavenging action and anti-enzyme activities of procyanidines from Vitis vinefera.
Arzniem Forsch 1994;44:592-601.
13. Murray M. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing; 1996. p. 320-31.
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Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
General Features
5-HTP is a naturally occurring agent that is extracted from the seed of an African plant, known as the “Griffonia
Simplicifolia”. 5-HTP, unlike the amino acid tryptophan, easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. As a result, while only
three percent of an oral dose of tryptophan is converted to serotonin in the brain, studies indicate that over seventy
percent of an oral dose of 5-HTP is converted to serotonin. As serotonin is a neurotransmitter that elevates mood and
improves sleep quality, 5-HTP has been used in clinical trials to treat depression, insomnia and other conditions where
a rise in serotonin levels may be desirable.
Some evidence suggests that 5-HTP also increases endorphin and other neurotransmitter levels as well.1
Supplementation Studies and Clinical Applications