title: Improvement in circulation and in cardiovascular risk factors with a proprietary isotonic bioflavonoid formula OPC-3.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Science, G D'Annunzio University Chieti, Pescara, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Cesarone
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Di Renzo
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Errichi
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Schönlau
authors.forename: James L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Wilmer
authors.forename: Julian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Blumenfeld
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005542:Forearm / Q000098:blood supply; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000187:drug effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply; D013318:Stroke Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D005419:Flavonoids; D010936:Plant Extracts