Edema &
Leg Edema
"Italian scientists
from the University of Florence studied the effect of OPC's on
venous congestion in the legs - leg edema. The study involved
40 subjects consisting of 13 men and 27 women between the ages
of 34 and 74, having an average age of 60 years. The subjects
were randomly divided into two groups. One group served as the
control group and received a placebo supplement that appeared
identical to the OPC supplement but contained an inactive substance.
The other group received 300 milligrams of OPC daily for 60 days.
"All of those taking the OPC had relief from at least some
of the symptoms. There was a decrease in the feeling of heaviness
in lower limbs in 11 percent of those receiving OPC after 30 days,
and in 33 percent after 60 days.
"The swelling disappeared in 26 percent of those taking the
OPC's after 30 days, and in 63 percent after 60 days (circumference
measured above the ankle before and after test). Pain in the lower
limbs was totally relieved in 38 percent of those taking OPC's
after 30 days, and in 67 percent after 60 days."
"Veins are fairly
frail structures. Defects in the wall of a vein lead to dilation
of the vein and damage to the valves. When the valves become damaged,
the increased static pressure results in the bulging veins known
as varicose veins." (Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, by
Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D., 1991).
TESTS WITH OPC's
Capillary problems manifest
themselves as a series of symptoms resulting from poor circulation
in the legs. This complex of symptoms is classified as varicose
veins....we find that people complain about these functional problems
such as: pain, swelling, itching, restlessness and cramps which,
in many cases, also can cause insomnia. All these functional problems,
as we shall see, are favorably influenced by OPC.
Venous insufficiency
was tested (1985) on ninety-two patients who were administered
300mg of OPC per day. Also here it concerned functional disorders
such as "heavy legs," "itching," "nighttime
cramps," and edema. After using OPC for four weeks, the treatment
appeared to be successful for 75% of the patients.
HOW DOES OPC PROTECT
OUR VASCULAR SYSTEM?
"OPC's main claim
to fame is it's unique ability to strengthen the walls of blood
vessels weakened by age and disease. OPC thus reverses the fragility
of blood vessels, making them more intact and supple so blood
flows through easily and doesn't leak out. OPC accomplishes this
by actually creating tougher, thicker, more tightly knit blood
vessel walls that are less likely to stretch, leak, or burst.
As Dr. Masquelier explains, two proteins in the vessel wall, collagen
and elastin, greatly determine the elasticity and permeability
of the vascular wall, whether the wall is solid, strong, and flexible,
or fragile and leaky. OPC attaches to these two building block
proteins, preventing their degradation by destructive enzymes
and encouraging their synthesis and maturation. In short, OPC
reinforces the structure of the connective tissue that makes blood
vessels strong and resistant." (Miracle Cures, by Jean Carper)
That's why OPC is, you
could say, the vitamin of the vascular wall. " (OPC in Practice,
by Bert Schwitters in Collaboration with Prof. Jack Masquelier)
