Procydin

Description

Research, particularly during the last decade, has confirmed that many of the most common chronic diseases affecting people today are associated with a deficiency of antioxidant nutrients.

Generally known antioxidant nutrients are vitamins A, C and E, beta-carotene, and the minerals selenium, zinc, copper and manganese. A lesser-known but much more powerful antioxidant is the proanthocyanidin complex.

Proanthocyanidins, which belong to the bioflavonoid family, are found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains and in beverages such as tea and wine. However, the richest sources appear in pine bark and grape-seed extract, the main ingredient of PROCYDIN.

The proanthocyanidin complex is one of the most powerful antioxidants available today, and can play a significant role in strengthening the immune system and preventing a range of chronic diseases, including cancer. Its power is attributed to it being a mixture of several types of antioxidants that function effectively in different regions of the body.

The role of antioxidants is to protect cells and tissues from free radical damage, also called oxidative stress. Free radicals are toxic molecules produced by the body during metabolism such as eating and breathing, and can be described as the body's own "exhaust fumes". But they also penetrate us from outside, mostly via the skin, lungs or the intestinal tract, from sources such as air pollution, insecticides, cigarette smoke and substances that we consume.
Free-radical damage is a common factor in over a hundred autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, heart diseases, cancer, asthma, high blood pressure, stress, depression, high cholesterol and hardening of the artery walls, to mention a few.

Excessive free radicals over a prolonged period can wreak havoc in the body as they can accumulate in cell membranes, causing them to break and the cell content to leak, rendering the cells useless. If they damage the DNA in the cells, these cells can become confused and start behaving abnormally, such as suddenly starting to grow uncontrollably and forgetting what type of cells they are. This happens in many types of cancer.

Excessive free radicals over a prolonged period can wreak havoc in the body as they can accumulate in cell membranes, causing them to break and the cell content to leak, rendering the cells useless. If they damage the DNA in the cells, these cells can become confused and start behaving abnormally, such as suddenly starting to grow uncontrollably and forgetting what type of cells they are. This happens in many types of cancer.
Recent studies have even established a connection between free radical damage and brain diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Clinical depression and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are also linked to excessive free radicals.

The body can cope with some free radicals and, in fact, needs them to function effectively. The damage occurs when there is an overload of free radicals over a period of time.

The body produces its own antioxidant enzymes to keep free radicals under control. However, to produce sufficient quantities, it needs fuel in the form of antioxidant nutrients such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

Unfortunately, few people these days consume sufficient quantities of these foods to bolster their antioxidant systems. Furthermore, these days not even a balanced diet guarantees the ideal intake of essential nutrients, particularly antioxidants. A substantial percentage of antioxidants is lost in the growing, harvesting, storing and cooking food processes.

Scientists have also expressed concern that the nutrient levels in fruits, vegetables and some crops, have declined so drastically in the past 50 years. Recent analyses of vegetables, fruits and wheat have revealed a 5- to 35-percent decline in concentrations of some vitamins, minerals and proteins over the last half-century. These findings underscore the advice of leading health practitioners and nutritionists over the past few years that supplementing, especially with micronutrients such as antioxidants, is vital for good health.

The proanthocyanidin complex is one of the most versatile antioxidants available today and can play a significant role in preventing diseases. As a blend of several types of antioxidants, it functions effectively in different regions of the body, including, with its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, the brain. Here it directly protects brain cells against free radicals. Few dietary antioxidants have this capability.

One of the main health benefits of proanthocyanidins is that they help to stimulate blood circulation. Good blood circulation is key to a stronger immune system because blood carries nutrients to the cells and removes toxic waste, both of which actions are essential for maintaining a healthy body. When blood circulation slows down, fewer nutrients reach the various organs and cells and your body struggles to rid itself of toxins. They have anti-inflammatory properties and can be useful in treating or preventing a wide range of inflammatory diseases.

Other benefits of proanthocyanidins are that they help to:
Strengthen the immune system and stimulate the formation of T-cells.
Strengthen vascular walls by inhibiting the body's enzymes that break down collagen. They also stimulate collagen repair, thereby increasing the strength and elasticity of blood vessels, protecting them against rupture, leakage and degeneration. Collagen is the building block of veins and arteries.
Maintain proper 'slipperiness' of the blood cells, preventing clots from forming in the coronary arteries.
Control cholesterol levels. Cholesterol deposits are formed in artery walls when the low-density lipoproteins (LDL), the so-called 'bad' cholesterol, are damaged by oxidation (free radicals). This can lead to hardening of the walls.
Benefit diabetics since they help to improve blood circulation (also to the capillaries) protecting the eyes from deterioration.
Stabilise blood sugar levels.
Lower blood pressure. This appears to be caused by their effect on the endothelium, the innermost layer of arterial blood vessels that expands and contracts in response to blood flow.

Research conducted by various reputable institutions in Europe and elsewhere has shown the proanthocyanidin complex to be safe and non-toxic. It can be taken in combination with medication since there are no known drug interactions. Pregnant women and children can also use it.

The proanthocyanidin complex is one of the most versatile antioxidants available today and can play a significant role in preventing diseases. As a blend of several types of antioxidants, it functions effectively in different regions of the body, including, with its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, the brain. Here it directly protects brain cells against free radicals. Few dietary antioxidants have this capability.

Specific Uses

Arthritis Osteoarthritis:

Osteoarthritis is the consequence of the gradual wearing out of the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones, causing damage. The joints eventually become inflamed, swell and become painful, and usually affects older people. It may also develop as a result of an injury or overuse of joints and generally affects only a few joints ‚Äì usually the major weight-bearing joints of the hips, knees and spine. Obesity increases the chances of developing this type of arthritis since extra weight causes unnecessary strain on joints, particularly the knee-joints. Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are ways of limiting the damage to your joints and improving your quality of life.

Extensive research, notably over the past decade, has revealed that antioxidants such as the proanthocyanidin complex, PROCYDIN's main ingredient, greatly benefit people suffering from arthritis for the following reasons:

They have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and also protect against free radical damage.
They have strong immune-strengthening properties and enable the body more effectively to fight the inflammation caused by arthritis.
They stimulate collagen renewal - collagen occurs in cartilage ‚Äì improving flexibility of the joints

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a malfunctioning autoimmune system and can affect old and young. Your risk of developing arthritis increases with age. It affects more women than men and they also contract it at an earlier age. It is the most painful and crippling form of arthritis and often leads to total destruction of joints, deformity and permanent disability. It can affect people of all ages, even children, and many joints of the body may be involved simultaneously. The onset of the disease can be sudden, but it usually develops more slowly. Early warning signs often include morning stiffness, tiredness and painful joints. There is no cure for arthritis but early diagnosis and treatment will limit damage to your joints and improve your quality of life.

Although it's not a medicine, arthritis sufferers can greatly benefit from supplementing their diet with PROCYDIN. Studies have shown that proanthocyanidins, its main ingredient, can protect your body in various ways:

They help to repair collagen in cartilage, thereby improving flexibility of the joints.
They help to prevent the production of enzymes that lead to inflammation and bring relief from pain.
They mop up free radicals before these can do damage to cells and tissues.
They strengthen the immune system and enable the body more effectively to fight the inflammation caused by arthritis.

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD / ADHD)

PROCYDIN may not only bring relief to people suffering from chronic diseases, but can also play a preventative role because of its immune-boosting properties. Its active ingredients, proanthocyanidins, have many health benefits. Since proanthocyanidins form a complex of many nutrients, they have several diverse actions. Some act mainly as antioxidants, others have antihistamine-like actions, and others block the actions of undesirable compounds in our bodies. As a result, some of the nutrients, particularly the antioxidants, affect many body systems and as such may play a role in preventing many diseases.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

With the debate over drugs for treating children with hyperactivity, generically known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) continuing, parents are make break-throughs with non-drug, natural alternatives. After recent exposures of cases in the US where drugs had been administered to children as young as two and three years old, ostensibly to ‚Äúkeep them calm‚Äù, the issue has again come under the spotlight.
Since their safety and efficacy have not been proved, current legislation in the US and South Africa prohibits the use of these drugs for children under six years old. Furthermore, some critics claim that the drugs are toxic and are often prescribed for children who don't suffer from ADD. Many children are at times inattentive or behave unruly and impulsively. Hence, ADD is not always easy to diagnose. However, when such symptoms and behaviour become more frequent and severe compared with that of their peers and start interfering with their ability to function normally, chances are that they do in fact suffer from ADD.

The symptoms normally start from age four to seven and seem to peak from between eight to ten years old. Children seldom outgrow ADD - they rather develop skills to cope with it. It affects boys more than girls. Children can also suffer from ADD without being hyperactive. Non-hyperactive children with ADD are mostly girls. Scientists have not yet been able to pinpoint its exact cause but studies show that drug abuse during pregnancy, genetics and toxins in the environment play an important role. Lead, found in dust, soil, and present in some water pipes, is such a toxin. Recent research results suggest that ADD may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. To understand how the disorder interferes with children's ability to concentrate, sustain attention or memory formation and retrieval, it is important to understand how the brain communicates and processes information. Each brain cell has one axon, that part of a cell that sends messages to other cells, and many dendrites that receive messages from other cells. Since these don't actually touch, special chemicals called neurotransmitters carry messages from the end of the axon to the dendrites that will receive it. With ADD there appears to be a flaw in the way the brain manages the manufacture, storage or flow of neurotransmitters, causing chemical imbalances. There are either insufficient neurotransmitters or the levels of transmission are not regulated, swinging from high to low. New techniques recently developed for studying the brain have enabled scientists to test new theories about the causes of ADD. Studies using a non-invasive technique called the PET scanner (Position Emission Tomography) to observe the brain at work have shown a link between its level of activity and ability to pay continued attention. When researchers measured the level of glucose used by areas of the brain that inhibit impulses and control attention it showed that in people with ADD, these brain areas used less glucose. Therefore, the level of brain activity in these areas was lower than in people without ADD. Fears about the long-term effects of the drastic drugs generally prescribed for ADD and their side effects such as loss of appetite, insomnia and stomach- and headaches are prompting many parents and health practitioners to follow a more holistic approach, comprising of a healthy diet complimented by nutritional supplements. One such natural alternative is the antioxidant complex proanthocyanidins, the main ingredients of PROCYDIN that is being used with great success.

The main benefits of proanthocyanidins for sufferers of ADD are:

They stimulate blood circulation, including microcirculation in the brain, assisting the body to deliver essential nutrients such as zinc, selenium, magnesium, calcium and copper to the brain. These are helpful in treating ADD. A number of studies are pointing to an association between zinc deficiency and ADD.

Studies indicate that proanthocyanidins may stimulate brain cells by regulating enzymes that help control the chemical messengers. The proanthocyanidin complex is one of the few dietary antioxidants that readily crosses the blood-brain barrier that protects brain cells from harmful compounds that circulating in the blood stream. Brain cells are very sensitive to some compounds, even though these may not damage other cells in the body.

Proanthocyanidins also help to boost the immune system. Researchers now understand that there is a two-way chemical dialogue between the brain and the immune system and each can directly influence the other. If the immune system is not functioning properly, it may negatively affect brain functioning.

Other important nutrients:

Nutrition plays a crucial role in treating hyperactivity. Apart from antioxidants, which help to stimulate brain cells, there are a number of other nutrients, which should be included in the diet, such as:

Vitamins B vitamins and C, magnesium, calcium and zinc.

Chromium, an important mineral since it is a muscle-relaxant. A combination of the essential fatty acids (EFAs) the Omega-3 and -6 EFAs. Omega-3 EFAs are found in fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and pilchards and Omega-6 EFAs are found in cold-pressed oils, such as olive, flax and evening primrose oil.

Parents should consult a nutritionist before giving children supplements since they have an immature immune system and could react adversely to dosages that are just guessed.

AIDS PROCYDIN may not only bring relief to people suffering from chronic diseases, but can also play a preventative role because of its immune-boosting properties. Its active ingredients, proanthocyanidins, have many health benefits. Since proanthocyanidins form a complex of many nutrients, they have several diverse actions. Some act mainly as antioxidants, others have antihistamine-like actions, and others block the actions of undesirable compounds in our bodies. As a result, some of the nutrients, particularly the antioxidants, affect many body systems and as such may play a role in preventing many diseases.
PROCYDIN may not only bring relief to people suffering from chronic diseases, but can also play a preventative role because of its immune-boosting properties. Its active ingredients, proanthocyanidins, have many health benefits. Since proanthocyanidins form a complex of many nutrients, they have several diverse actions. Some act mainly as antioxidants, others have antihistamine-like actions, and others block the actions of undesirable compounds in our bodies. As a result, some of the nutrients, particularly the antioxidants, affect many body systems and as such may play a role in preventing many diseases.

Aids

Proanthocyanidins, the main ingredient of PROCYDIN, may benefit AIDS patients since it is such a powerful immune-booster. Dr Ronald Watson of the University of Arizona in the US, who specialises in studying the immune system, has conducted several studies with proanthocyanidins and the immune system. In one study, Dr Watson and his students found that proanthocyanidins boosted the levels of immune components called cytokines. T cells work by secreting cytokines, which are potent chemical messengers whose actions include encouraging healthy cell growth and generally directing cellular traffic. The number of these cytokines decrease during HIV infection, leading to defects in T cells and B cells, which are other important types of immune cells. All of these immune cells are also important in the body's resistance to cancer. He concluded that antioxidants, particularly proanthocyanidins, not only directly boosted the performance of the immune system, but also alleviated the severity of symptoms associated with various infections and reduced the duration of the infections.

Antioxidants may enhance antiretroviral treatment. AIDS patients supplementing their diet with antioxidants may enhance the effects of antiretroviral treatment, according to researchers in Norway. In a study conducted at the Rikshospitalet in Oslo and Haudeland Hospital in Bergen free radicals (oxidants) were strongly implicated in the development of HIV infection. The researchers found that highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) restored some - but not all - of the body's natural antioxidant activity. Thus, patients undergoing HAART still had lower levels of antioxidant activity than healthy subjects did. They concluded that antioxidant supplements might enhance the efficacy of HAART. A large number of studies have also shown that oxidative stress begins in early HIV disease stages and worsens over time. Oxidative stress occurs when the body's supply of antioxidants is insufficient and becomes unable to cope with all the free radicals that are formed. So, throughout the disease much higher than normal levels of antioxidants that can stop these free radicals in their tracks are needed to prevent damage.
When there are insufficient antioxidants, immune cells and vital organs like the liver can be damaged, writes Lark Lands, a US medical journalist and long-time AIDS treatment educator and advocate of an integrated approach to HIV/AIDS. For example, research has shown that cellular levels of glutathione, the most important intercellular antioxidant, begin to decrease within weeks of HIV infection. Lower levels of glutathione have been implicated in the death of immune cells. But that's not all. Research has also shown that the liver is dependent on adequate supplies of glutathione to break down toxic chemicals. Taking nutrients that help stabilise glutathione levels, which include alphalipoic acid, glutamine and vitamins E and C, can help maintain immune cells, protect the liver and support the body against oxidative stress. Lands emphasises that there are many antioxidants which work in different ways and in different places in the body to protect it against oxidative stress. Therefore, keeping as many as possible antioxidants at optimum levels is important. The bottom line is that everyone living with HIV needs to be following a diet that will boost the immune system, counter the symptoms of the disease and ensure adequate amounts of nutrients to counter toxicity, inflammation and oxidative stress. Ideally, your diet should include the following supplements: a multiple vitamin, an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory (fish oil).

Brain Protection

Our brain is key to our physical and emotional wellbeing. It regulates physical action, governs thinking, personality, mood, and the senses. But, because it is such a complex organ it needs certain nutrients for optimal functioning to keep us healthy and happy. Many scientists blame many of today's illnesses, including diseases of the brain such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, on our unhealthy diets. Latest research shows that certain nutrients can indeed alter mood, improve memory and brain functioning and reduce our health risks. It also suggests that taking extra vitamins could help preserve memory, especially as we age. Scientists agree that free radicals are the brain's biggest enemies. They are heavily implicated in degenerative brain diseases. Unfortunately, we are increasingly exposed to higher free radical levels than what our natural defence systems can handle. Our lifestyles and eating patterns further contribute to increased levels of free radicals in our bodies. Brian cells are especially vulnerable to free radicals since it generates more free radicals per gram of tissue than any other organ. We exacerbate the situation by eating the wrong foods. Fatty foods, especially foods high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, increase the free-radical load on our brains. Also detrimental to cells is too much polyunsaturated vegetable oil, such as sunflower oil. Too much of the wrong fats can disturb the fat balance and result in chronic inflammatory responses in brain tissue, thought to eventually lead to subtle brain damage, strokes and Alzheimer's disease. Recent studies have established a connection between free radical damage and brain diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.Fortunately, there is something you can do to protect your brain. The best defence is antioxidants, specifically the proanthocyanidin complex, the main ingredient in the supplement PROCYDIN. In standard in vitro studies, proanthocyanidins demonstrated their antioxidant properties by neutralising free radicals 50 times more effectively than vitamin E and 20 times more effectively than vitamin C.Their superiority as brain nutrients stems from their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier to protect brain cells directly. Few dietary antioxidants have this capability.

Other benefits are:

They can protect neurons by keeping blood vessels supple and open, stimulating blood circulation, including microcirculation in the brain, assisting the body to deliver essential nutrients such as zinc, selenium, magnesium, calcium and copper to the brain.
Studies indicate that they may also stimulate brain cells by regulating enzymes that help control the chemical messengers.
They help to boost the immune system. Researchers now understand that there is a two-way chemical dialogue between the brain and the immune system and each can directly influence the other. If the immune system is not functioning properly, it may negatively affect brain functioning.

Specification

Composition:
Each capsule contains 70 MG Proanthocyanidins, 30 mg Ca-Ascorbate, 30 mg Bioflavonoids, 15 mg vitamin E, 75 mg Microcrystalline Cellulose.¬†¬†¬†¬†¬†¬†¬† ¬†

Pharmacological action:

The extract contains proanthocyanidins and flavonoids obtained from Vitis Vinifera (grape) seeds. This nutrient acts as an antioxidant and stabilises collagen and elastin - both important proteins in connective tissues, as well as blood vessels and muscles. Microcrystalline Cellulose is a naturally occurring substance and has been proven to be stable, safe and physiologically inert.

Indications:

Procydin is a nutritional supplement with antioxidant properties, thereby enhancing the immune function. It assists in promoting the peripheral circulatory system, preventing or improving vascular disorders such as varicose veins, edema, diabetic complications such as neuropathy and retinopathy and improves wound healing. As antioxidant it acts as a free radical scavenger. Free radicals have been implicated in many auto-immune diseases such as arthritis and atherosclerosis. Procydin assists in the treatment of such diseases, reduces inflammatory conditions and also relieves pain associated with these illnesses. Procydin acts as antilipidperoxidant, thereby normalizing cholesterol levels.

Contra-indications:

No known contra-indications.

Dosage:

Adults weighing less than 70 kg: take 3 capsules simultaneously in the morning for 3 days, then 2 capsules daily for 5 days, thereafter 1 capsule per day. Persons weighing more than 70 kg: take 3 capsules in the morning for 5 days, therafter 2 capsules per day. Children weighing less than 40 kg: take 1 capsule on alternate days.

Identification:

Size 2 hard yellow and black gelatin capsule containing a red-brown powder.

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