Procyanidins, cardiovascular effects

Subjects suffering from coronary artery disease were given two capsules containing 300 mg of grape procyanidin extracts (Leucoselect-phytosome) or placebo daily for 5 days. TAC of their blood serum was reported to increase on day 5 from 408.1 22.9 to 453.3 453.3 /u.M) however, samples were taken 1 hr postdose and most probably the results indicate a transient rather than a permanent effect (N10). In a 6-month randomized controlled intervention study, subjects with moderately increased cardiovascular risk factors (1) adhered to an advised diet, (2) performed controlled moderate exercise, (3) were subjected to both diet and exercise regime, or (4) were not subjected to any intervention. No significant alteration in blood serum TAC was observed in any group tested (R22). 

The procyanidins are noted for their effect on the cardiovascular system either directly or through an effect on atherosclerosis and... 

Over the last two decades, the scientific community has become aware of the potential health-related benefits of antioxidants and the properties of polyphenols-rich dark chocolate and cocoa. More than 200 studies were reported on bioactive compounds, chemical compositions, and health benefits of cocoa and cocoa products. Many of the proposed health-protective activities associated with the crmsumption of cocoa and chocolate have been attributed to flavan-3-ols, including monomers. Reported pharmacological activities of procyanidins include antioxidative and anticancer effects, protection against cardiovascular disease, risk reduction of blood clotting, protection against urinary tract infectirms, decrease of LDL-c, decrease of blood pressure, and improvement of endothelium vasodilatation. Moreover, there is some scientific evidence about an increase in blood flow and perfusion of the brain by... 

Karthikeyan, K Sarala Bai, BR Devaraj, SN. Cardioprotective effect of grape seed procyanidins on isoproemol-induced myocardial injury in rats. Journal of Cardiovascular pharmacology 2QQ9, 53, 109-115. 

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