Exciting news on OPC-3!
A new study, e-published in Phytotherapy Research, evaluates how quickly Isotonix OPC-3® is absorbed vs. the same
formulation in tablet form (not commercially available).
A group of European researchers examined, over a four hour period, the ability of Isotonix OPC-3 to act as an
antioxidant by measuring oxygen free radicals in the blood of human subjects.
Isotonix OPC-3 reduced plasma oxygen free radicals (working as an effective antioxidant) within 10 minutes. The
OPC-3® tablet took about 1 hour to produce a similar effect. Furthermore, the investigators noted that Isotonix OPC-3
had a stronger antioxidant effect throughout the entire 4 hour period vs. OPC-3 in tablet form.*
The authors concluded: “the findings demonstrate that the flavonoid mixture provided in isotonic OPC-3 is significantly
more bioavailable in humans, in terms of antioxidant activity than an equivalent mixture in tablet form. “ Furthermore,
the isotonic OPC-3 formulation resulted in a stronger antioxidative effect than an equivalent mixture in tablet form.*
To view the abstract, click on:
Phytother Res. 2009 Jun;23(6):775-7.
Accelerated antioxidant bioavailability of OPC-3 bioflavonoids administered as
isotonic solution.
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Cesarone MR Grossi MG Di Renzo A Errichi S Schönlau F Wilmer JL Lange M Blumenfeld J
Department of Biomedical Science, G D'Annunzio University Chieti, Pescara, Italy.
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The degree of absorption of bioflavonoids, a diverse and complex group of plant derived phytonutrients, has been a
frequent debate among scientists. Monomeric flavonoid species are known to be absorbed within 2 h. The kinetics of
plasma reactive oxygen species, a reflection of bioactivity, of a commercial blend of flavonoids, OPC-3 was
investigated. OPC-3 was selected to compare absorption of an isotonic flavonoid solution vs tablet form with the
equivalent amount of fluid. In the case of isotonic OPC-3 the reactive oxygen species of the subject's plasma
decreased significantly (p < 0.05), six times greater than OPC-3 tablets by 10 min post-consumption. After 20 min the
isotonic formulation was approximately four times more bioavailable and after 40 min twice as bioavailable as the
tablet, respectively. At time points 1 h and later, both isotonic and tablet formulations lowered oxidative stress,
although the isotonic formulation values remained significantly better throughout the investigation period of 4 h. These
findings point to a dramatically accelerated bioavailability of flavonoids delivered in an isotonic formulation. (c) 2009
John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PMID: 19172583 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19172583
MeSH Terms, Substances
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Adult
Antioxidants/administration & dosage*
Antioxidants/pharmacokinetics*
Biological Availability
Female
Flavonoids/administration & dosage*
Flavonoids/pharmacokinetics*
Humans
Isotonic Solutions
Male
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Oxidative Stress/drug effects
Reactive Oxygen Species/blood
Tablets
Substances:
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Antioxidants
Flavonoids
Isotonic Solutions
Reactive Oxygen Species
Tablets
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources:
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John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
EBSCO
OhioLINK Electronic Journal Center
Swets Information Services
Medical:
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Antioxidants - MedlinePlus Health Information
Flavonoid Supplementation and Endothelial Function
This study has been completed.
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00331227
First Received: May 26, 2006 Last Updated: March 14, 2007 History of Changes
Sponsor: Carolinas Healthcare System
Information provided by: Carolinas Healthcare System
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00331227
Purpose
Flavonoids are one of the many classes of natural chemicals found in a variety of foods. People with the highest
flavonoid blood levels have the lowest rates of coronary heart disease. This is considered one of the reasons why
high fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with lower rates of heart disease, although it is not known if taking
a flavonoid supplement provides the same protection as eating fruits and vegetables.
The purpose of this study is to determine if a particular flavonoid supplement, called Isotonix OPC-3, taken on a daily
basis, will improve the function of arterial vessels. Arteries normally constrict after eating a high-fat meal. This study
will examine the potential of the OPC-3 to lessen this constriction response. Approximately 25 people will be involved
in this research project and participation will last for 10 weeks.
Condition
Healthy
Intervention
Drug: Isotonix OPC-3 (flavonoid supplement)
Phase
Phase IV
Study Type:
Interventional
Study Design:
Prevention, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Control, Crossover Assignment, Efficacy Study
Official Title:
Effect of Supplemental Flavonoids on Endothelial Function, Lipids, and Markers of Inflammation
Resource links provided by NLM:
MedlinePlus related topics: Dietary Supplements
U.S. FDA Resources
Further study details as provided by Carolinas Healthcare System:
Primary Outcome Measures:
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Change in endothelial function from baseline
Secondary Outcome Measures:
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CRP
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Lipid profile
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Lp-PLA2
Estimated Enrollment:
25
Study Start Date:
May 2006
Estimated Study Completion Date:
December 2006
Detailed Description:
We propose to use a supplement made by NutraMetrix (called OPC-3), consisting of oligomeric proanthocyanidins
derived from grape seed, pine bark, bilberry, citrus and red wine extracts, to determine effects on endothelial function,
lipoproteins and inflammation. The primary outcome measure will be endothelial function as assessed by digital
response to hyperemia using peripheral arterial tonometry, measured both in the fasting state and after a single
standardized high-fat meal, when transient dysfunction is expected to occur. Secondary outcome measures will be the
lipid profile, hs-CRP, and Lp-PLA2. The recruitment population will be healthy volunteers. The design will be a
randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over trial lasting 10 weeks.
Eligibility
Ages Eligible for Study:
Genders Eligible for Study:
Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Criteria
18 Years and older
Both
Yes
Inclusion Criteria:
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18 yrs of age or older
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no pregnant potential
Exclusion Criteria:
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History of coronary artery disease
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History of cerebrovascular disease
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History of heart failure
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Diabetes
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Renal impairment
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Uncontrolled hypertension
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Untreated or clinically evident thyroid disease
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Currently taking medications or supplements with known or potential lipid-altering effects including:
phytosterols, statins, cholestin, niacin, fibrates, psyllium fiber, bile acid sequestrants, diabetic medications,
and weight control medications such as orlistat
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Pregnancy or breastfeeding
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Tobacco use – Participants will be excluded with a history of smoking anytime in the past 6 months.
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Inappropriate for participation in a study, if in the opinion of the investigator it is questionable whether the
participant will be able to comply with all aspects of the protocol (e.g. inadequate cognitive skills, possible
drug abuse or dependence, suspected psychiatric problems, etc.)
Contacts and Locations
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00331227
Sponsors and Collaborators
Carolinas Healthcare System
Investigators
Principal Investigator: Thomas Barringer, MD
More Information
Carolinas Medical Center
No publications provided
Study ID Numbers:
202021
Study First Received:
May 26, 2006
Last Updated:
March 14, 2007
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
NCT00331227
Health Authority:
United States: Institutional Review Board
History of Changes
Keywords provided by Carolinas Healthcare System:
flavonoids
food supplements
endothelial function
no conditions allowed, healthy volunteers only
Angiology. 2008 Aug-Sep;59(4):408-14. Epub 2008 Jul 15.
Improvement in circulation and in cardiovascular risk factors with a proprietary isotonic bioflavonoid formula OPC-3.
Cesarone MR, Di Renzo A, Errichi S, Schönlau F, Wilmer JL, Blumenfeld J.
Department of Biomedical Science, G D'Annunzio University Chieti, Pescara, Italy.
This study investigated the efficacy of isotonic bioflavonoid supplementation, OPC-3 on 61 individuals presenting with
risk factors meeting the criteria for metabolic syndrome. Subjects were supplemented with a proprietary isotonic
bioflavonoid OPC-3 or placebo over 2 months. Plasma oxidative stress status was significantly lowered by 10.1% with
OPC-3. All major cardiovascular risk factors were improved with blood pressure, total cholesterol, and fasting blood
glucose lowered. OPC-3 significantly improved endothelial function as evaluated by increased vasorelaxation in
reactive hyperemia and enhanced diastolic carotid artery flow. Cardiac ultrasound scanning revealed a significant
increase of left ventricular ejection fraction. Skin microcirculation was enhanced, and better tissue perfusion led to
significantly increased transcutaneous oxygen partial pressure and decreased pCO(2). With OPC-3 a dramatic and
significant plasma C-reactive protein decrease by 52.1% occurred. Individuals may improve key cardiovascular risk
factors by daily supplementation with the bioflavonoid OPC-3 as an important part of a healthier lifestyle.
PMID: 18628275 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18628275
Publication Types, MeSH Terms, Substances
Publication Types:
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Randomized Controlled Trial
MeSH Terms:
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Biological Markers/blood
Blood Pressure/drug effects
Cardiovascular Agents/adverse effects
Cardiovascular Agents/therapeutic use*
Cardiovascular Diseases/etiology
Cardiovascular Diseases/metabolism
Cardiovascular Diseases/physiopathology
Cardiovascular Diseases/prevention & control*
Carotid Arteries/drug effects
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Carotid Arteries/physiopathology
Dietary Supplements*
Double-Blind Method
Female
Flavonoids/adverse effects
Flavonoids/therapeutic use*
Forearm/blood supply
Hemodynamics/drug effects*
Humans
Male
Metabolic Syndrome X/complications
Metabolic Syndrome X/drug therapy*
Metabolic Syndrome X/metabolism
Metabolic Syndrome X/physiopathology
Microcirculation/drug effects
Microcirculation/physiopathology
Middle Aged
Oxidative Stress/drug effects
Plant Extracts/therapeutic use*
Regional Blood Flow/drug effects
Risk Factors
Skin/blood supply
Stroke Volume/drug effects
Treatment Outcome
Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex
Vasodilation/drug effects
Ventricular Function, Left/drug effects
Substances:
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Biological Markers
Cardiovascular Agents
Flavonoids
Plant Extracts
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources:
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HighWire Press - PDF
EBSCO
OhioLINK Electronic Journal Center
Ovid Technologies, Inc.
Swets Information Services
Medical:
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Dietary Supplements - MedlinePlus Health Information
Metabolic Syndrome - MedlinePlus Health Information