Biotin
Barking up a healthy tree with OPC's What they are: Substances found in grape seeds and in an extract, Pycnogenol, Taken from bark of the French maritime pine (Pine pinaster ssp. atlantica). What they do: These potent antioxidants are under investigation for their therapeutic value in a number of health conditions, including problems with circulation and vision. The adventures of explorer Jacques Cartier, who claimed Canada for France, nearly ended in 1535 when his crew started dying of scurvy, or extreme vitamin C deficiency. Fortunately, they learned from a native american about the aneeda (French maritime pine) tree, full of both vitamin c and substances called oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), which are also found in grape seeds. Today, OPCs have put both grape seed extract and pycnogenol (French maritime pine bark extract) at the therapeutic forefront. OPCs, powerful antioxidants themselves, support the antioxidant action of vitamin c and E. They also help alleviate inflamation; in clinical trials Pycnogenol has helped asthmatic children breathe easier, reduced inflammatory activity linked with lupus and dimished arthritic knee pain (J Asthma 2004; 41: 825-32; Phytother Res 2001; 15:698-704; Biomed Pharmacol 2006; 60:5-9). In addition, OPC protects elastin and collagen, the main proteins in skin tissue; in studies OPCs have forestalled sun damage and speeded wound healting (Free rad Biol Med 2001; 30:154-60; Phytother Res 2004; 18:579-81). Because blood vessels are also made of elastin and collagen, OPCs can help make the vascular system less leaky and more supple; researchers found they diminished the heaviness, pain and swelling associated with venous congestion, or poor circulation in the legs, and reduced leg swelling on long-distance plane flights (Angiology 2005: 56:699-705 ; Clin App Throm/Hemo 2005; 11:289-94). OPCs have also strengthened the tiny vessels in the back of the eye, helping to stabilize vision in people with diabetic retinopathy (Phytother Res 2001; 15:219-23). Relaxed blood vessels mean lower blood pressure, and both Pycnogenol and grape seed extract can help force pressure down (Life Sci 2004; 74:855-62). OPCs may also help fight cholesterol buildup, another big heart risk factor.