Grape Seed PCO Phytosome is a nutritional supplement high in procyanidolic oligomers (PCOs), compounds with powerful antioxidant activities.^† Grape Seed PCO Phytosome is formulated with proprietary Phytosome technology for exceptional absorption and delivery to targeted sites.^† Studies indicate that this increases the antioxidant activity of the grape seed compared to non-Phytosome grape seed.^†

In clinical studies, grape seed extract has been shown to support healthy blood pressure levels that are already within normal limits, support healthy skin pigmentation, and support healthy cholesterol levels that are already within normal limits.^†1,2

Grape Seed PCO Phytosome^† features:

• A proprietary Phytosome process, which combines one part standardized grape seed extract with 2 parts phosphatidylcholine, creating a grape seed supplement with exceptional absorption and delivery to targeted sites.^†
• Offers antioxidant activity more than 50 times stronger than vitamin E^†
• This combination is easily absorbed and highly bioavailable, so more PCOs are delivered to body tissues

INTRODUCTION
Grapes (Vitus vinifera) are one of the few foods used for medicinal, nutritional, and social benefits. They also have a long history of use. Archeologists frequently find prehistoric evidence of grapes while conducting field work. Ancient Egyptian tombs contain painted scenes of the dressing, pruning, and cultivating of grapes on their walls. In Egyptian hieroglyphics, grapes are praised for their sweetness and their abundant growth. The Greeks and Romans have eaten grapes and made wine for literally thousands of years. ³ Many cultures used wine not only as a beverage, but also as a beneficial compound. European folk healers developed an ointment from the sap of grapevines to support skin and eye health.^† Modern research has validated the historical use of grapes as medicine. Rich in plant compounds, grapes and grape seed extracts are frequently in the news for their health benefits.^†4,5

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Grapes have several compounds known to support human health, including proanthocyanidins, types of flavonoids with diverse beneficial biochemical and antioxidant effects.^† While proanthocyanidins are found in cocoa, chocolate, apples, and berries, grape seeds are a nutrient dense source.³ Extensive research of proanthocyanidolic oligomers in grape seed extract have demonstrated support for:

• Skin integrity during UV-radiation-induced episodes of oxidative stress.^†6,7
• Healthy vision by preventing oxidative stress in the cornea and other structures.^{† 7,8}
• Healthy hearts, blood vessel strength, and circulation.^†8,9
• Healthy teeth and gums.^†10
• Postprandial blood sugar metabolism.^†11
• Immune system cells, tissues, and immune mediators health.^†12,13
• Development and integrity of cellular membranes and other cell structures.^†14,15
• Healthy aging.^†16

Double-Strength Proanthocyanidins
The most potent proanthocyanidins are those bound to other proanthocyanidins. When two proanthocyanidin molecules are linked together it is referred to as a "dimer", for three it is a "trimer", for four it is a "tetramer".¹⁷Collectively mixtures of proanthocyanidin dimers, trimers, tetramers and larger molecules are referred to as proanthocyanidolic oligomers or PCOs for short.¹⁸ Scientific studies have shown that the antioxidant power of PCOs is 20 times greater than vitamin E and 50 times greater than vitamin C.^†19,20

 

Phytosome Technology
The proprietary Phytosome technology, which combines one part standardized grape seed extract with two parts phosphatidylcholine, dramatically improves absorption.^† Research indicates Phytosomes are absorbed more effectively than non-Phytosome products.^† With this enhanced delivery, more of the key compounds get where they're needed most, in the body's cells.^†

Clinical Research
PCOs bound to phosphatidylcholine (Phytosome) have been the subject of clinical trials. The benefits of the extract found in Grape Seed PCO Phytosome^™ were examined in a single-blinded randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study involving 20 healthy volunteers. Study subjects were given 300 mg of the phosphatidylcholine-grape seed extract complex daily for five days. Blood samples were analyzed at baseline and again at the completion of the study. The results demonstrated that supplementation led to an over 10% increase in serum antioxidant levels.^†21

Another multicenter trial including 24 healthy men (aged 50-63 years) examined a number of blood parameters following four weeks of supplementation. Benefits reported include a 14% reduction in free radical activity (as measured by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration).^†22

Conclusion
Grape Seed PCO Phytosome with PCOs provides superior antioxidant activity for healthy skin integrity, vision, blood vessel strength, blood sugar metabolism, immune response, cells, and aging.^†

RECOMMENDATIONS
One capsule three times daily.

PRECAUTIONS
If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs, consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use.