NEOAGING SCIENCE
OPC: Studies, Effects & Scientific Background
Science is our foundation: At NEOaging, we develop all products based on current studies. Here we show you how OPC works – scientifically sound, evidence-based & with a focus on healthy aging.
OPC (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins) your natural antioxidant
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are plant polyphenols. Grapes and berries are particularly rich in OPCs. They consist of short chains of so-called catechins/epicatechins. Thanks to numerous functional hydroxyl groups, OPCs can scavenge free radicals and thus dampen oxidative processes. Therefore, they are being investigated as natural antioxidants in research, nutritional supplements, and skincare, especially in the context of inflammation, vascular protection, and healthy aging. They are considered to be highly bioavailable.¹
Up to
of all proanthocyanidins in grapes are found in the seeds²
In OPC there are
Main Types in Grapes Dominant: Type A and B¹
Up to
antioxidant radical inhibition³
The scientific exploration of OPC (oligomeric proanthocyanidins) dates back to early vitamin research. Alongside vitamin C, Albert Szent-Györgyi also described "vitamin P" with a vascular-stabilizing effect, which, however, could not be clearly chemically classified.⁴ Today, it is known that "vitamin P" was another secondary plant compound (rutin). In 1947, Jack Masquelier isolated a colorless fraction from peanut skins that conveyed the described vitamin P effect. He identified its main components as oligomers of catechin and epicatechin in particular. These compounds are now referred to as OPCs.⁵ Since then, OPCs have been investigated experimentally and clinically with promising results.
They are particularly valued for their antioxidant properties and are a common ingredient in dietary supplements, especially in the areas of lifestyle, well-aging, and longevity. OPCs are derived from plant sources such as grape seeds and belong to the group of secondary plant compounds. Nowadays, they are primarily widespread in the context of a conscious lifestyle, a balanced diet, and a holistic approach to health.
A 2011 meta-analysis with a total of 390 participants investigated the effect of OPC-rich grape seed extract on cardiovascular risk markers. Systolic blood pressure decreased by an average of 1.5 mmHg, and heart rate by 1.4 beats per minute. No significant effect was observed on diastolic blood pressure, blood lipid levels (LDL, HDL, triglycerides), or the inflammatory marker CRP. The observed changes are statistically significant, but clinically rather moderate.
A 2022 meta-analysis showed that OPC-rich grape seed extract reduced heart rate by an average of 1.25 beats per minute and lowered diastolic blood pressure by 2.2 mmHg. For systolic blood pressure, in contrast to the earlier 2011 meta-analysis, no statistically significant effect was found. The results thus confirmed the slight pulse reduction but showed different effects depending on blood pressure values.
A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis from 2020, involving a total of 536 participants, investigated the effect of OPC-rich grape seed extract on the lipid profile. LDL cholesterol decreased by an average of 0.17 mmol/l, and triglycerides by 0.11 mmol/l. No significant effect was found for total and HDL cholesterol overall.
A systematic review with meta-analysis from 2019 investigated OPC-rich grape seed extract and its influence on various metabolic parameters. Fasting blood glucose decreased by an average of 2 mg/dl, total cholesterol by 6 mg/dl, LDL by 5 mg/dl, and triglycerides by 7 mg/dl. The inflammatory marker CRP also decreased moderately. No significant effect was shown for HbA1c, HDL cholesterol, or body weight. The effects are statistically significant, but overall rather moderate.⁹
A systematic review and meta-analysis from 2021 investigated OPC-rich grape seed extract for markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Malondialdehyde (a marker of lipid peroxidation) and oxidized LDL significantly decreased, as did hs-CRP (−0.48 mg/L). Total antioxidant capacity tended to increase. No significant effect was observed for overall CRP and leukocytes. Overall, the data suggests a moderate antioxidant effect.¹⁰
An 8-week randomized controlled study from 2020 with 42 participants investigated the daily administration of OPC-rich grape seed extract in adolescents with metabolic syndrome. HOMA-IR (a marker for insulin resistance) decreased by 1.46 points, and insulin levels decreased by 7 µIU/ml, which is a beneficial development. The differences were statistically significant. Other metabolic parameters did not change significantly. The effects suggest a moderate improvement in insulin sensitivity.¹¹
OPCs (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins) are secondary plant compounds with pronounced antioxidant properties. In the context of the Hallmarks of Aging, they are particularly associated with mechanisms such as oxidative stress and inflammatory regulation. As a result, they simultaneously affect several central biological aging processes and are discussed as a possible modulating factor within age-associated molecular changes.
Affected Hallmarks of Aging:
What is important in NEOaging:
What Studies Show About the Effective Use of OPC
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