Isotonix™ OPC-3®

Primary Benefits of Isotonix™ OPC-3®:

• Contains antioxidants that protect the cells and tissues from damages by free radicals. Free radicals are small, highly reactive molecules which can be formed in cigarette smoke, processed, fried or microwaved foods, environmental chemical pollution, radiation, and essentially normal metabolism
• Bilberry, grape seed and pine bark contain bioflavonoids known as anthocyanosides and procyanins. These antioxidant compounds are known to be 50 times as powerful as vitamin C or E in quenching free radicals
• Helps maintain healthy blood vessels and joints
• Helps maintain healthy eyes
• Helps maintain healthy immune function
• For symptomatic relief of allergies (if symptoms persist, consult your health care professional)
• For temporary relief of the pain and inflammation of arthritis and rheumatism (if symptoms persist, consult your health care professional)

  
  

$55.95 AUD

Scientific Support for Isotonix™ OPC-3®:

• Bayeta, E., et al. Pycnogenol inhibits generation of inflammatory mediators in macrophages. Nutrition Research 20: 249-259, 2000.
• Blazsó, G., et al. Anti-inflammatory and superoxide radical scavenging activities of a procyanidins containing extract from the bark of Pinus pinaster Sol. and its fractions. Pharm Pharmacol Lett 3: 217-20, 1994.
• Cho, K., et al. Effect of bioflavonoids extracted from the bark of Pinus maritima on proinflammatory cytokine interlukin-1 production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264. 7. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 168: 64-71, 2000.
• Cho, K., et al. Inhibition mechanisms of bioflavonoids extracted from the bark of Pinus maritima on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Annals of the NYAcademy of Sciences 928: 141-156, 2001.
• Devaraj, S., et al. Supplementation with a pine bark extract rich in polyphenols increases plasma antioxidant capacity and alters the plasma lipoprotein profile. Lipids 37:931-4, 2002.
• Fine, AM, Oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes: history, structure, and phytopharmaceutical applications. Altern Med Rev 5:144-51, 2000.
• Fitzpatrick, D., et al. Endothelium-dependent vascular effects of Pycnogenol. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology 32: 509-515, 1998.
• Frankel, E., et al. Inhibition of oxidation of human low-density lipoprotein by phenolic substances in red wine. Lancet 341: 454-7, 1993.
• Freedman, J., et al. Select flavonoids and whole juice from purple grapes inhibit platelet function and enhance nitric oxide release. Circulation 103:2792-8, 2001.
• Frémont, L. Biological effects of resveratrol. Life Sciences 66: 663-673, 2000.
• Gulati, O. Pycnogenol^® in venous disorders: a review. European Bulletin of Drug Research 7: 1-13, 1999.
• Hosseini, S., et al. Pycnogenol^® in the management of asthma. Journal of Medicinal Food 4: 201-209, 2001. HHHh
• Kohama, T., et al. The treatment of gynecological disorders with Pycnogenol^®. European Bulletin of Drug Research 7: 30-32, 1999.
• Kohama, T., et al. Analgesic efficacy of French maritime pine bark extract in dysmenorrhea. Journal of Reproductive Medicine 49: 828-32, 2004.
• Liu, X., et al. Antidiabetic effect of Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract in patients with diabetes type II. Life Sci 75:2505-13, 2004.
• Liu, X., et al. French maritime pine bark extract pycnogenol dose-dependently lowers glucose in type 2 diabetic patients. Diabetes Care 27: 839, 2004.
• Manna, S., et al. Resveratrol suppresses TNF-Induced activation of nuclear transcription factors NF-kB, activator protein-1, and apoptosis: potential role of reactive oxygen intermediates and lipid peroxidation. The Journal of Immunology 164: 6509-19, 2000.
• Maritim, A., et al. Effects of pycnogenol treatment on oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 17:193-9, 2003.
• Miyagi, Y., et al. Inhibition of human low-density lipoprotein oxidation by flavonoids in red wine and grape juice. Am J Cardiol 0:1627-31, 1997.
• Monograph. Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry). Altern Med Rev 6:500-4, 2001.
• Murias M., et al. Resveratrol analogues as selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors: synthesis and structure-activity relationship. Bioorg Med Chem 12: 5571-8, 2004.
• Nuttall SL, Kendall MJ, Bombardelli E, Morazzoni P. An evaluation of the antioxidant activity of a standardized grape seed extract, Leucoselect. J Clin Pharm Ther 23: 385-89, 1998.
• Packer, L., et al. Antioxidant activity and biologic properties of a procyanidin-rich extract from pine (Pinus maritima) bark, pycnogenol. Free Radic Biol Med 27:704-24, 1999. Review.
• Rohdewald, P. A review of the French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol^®), a herbal medication with a diverse clinical pharmacology. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 40:158-68, 2002. Review.
• Rohdewald, P. Pycnogenol^®. In "Flavonoids in Health and Disease". Ed. Catherine Rice-Evans and Lester Packer. New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1998. 405-19.
• Roseff, S., et al. Improvement in sperm quality and function with French maritime pine tree bark extract. Journal Reproductive Medicine 47: 821-4, 2002.
• Roseff, S., et al. Improvement of sperm quality by Pycnogenol^®. European Bulletin of Drug Research 7: 33-6, 1999.
• Saito, M., et al. Antiulcer activity of grape seed extract and procyanidins. J Agric Food Chem 46: 1460-4, 1998.
• Schönlau, F., et al. Pycnogenol^® for diabetic retinopathy. International Ophthalmology 24: 161-171, 2002.
• Schönlau, F., et al. The cosmeceutical Pycnogenol^®. J Appl Cosmetology 20: 241-6, 2002.
• Segger, D. and Schönlau, F. Supplementation with Evelle^® improves skin smoothness and elasticity in a double blind, placebo-controlled study with 62 women. Journal of Dermatological Treatment 15:222-26, 2004.
• Shi, J., et al. Polyphenolics in grape seeds-biochemistry and functionality. J Med Food 6:291-9, 2003. Review.
• Sharma, S., et al. Pycnogenol^® inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells. Phytotherapy Research 17: 66-69, 2003.
• Spadea, L., et al. Treatment of vascular retinopathies with Pycnogenol^®. Phytotherapy Research 15: 219-23, 2001.
• Stein, J., et al. Purple grape juice improves endothelial function and reduces the susceptibility of LDL cholesterol to oxidation in patients with coronary artery disease. Circulation 100:1050-5, 1999.
• Takada, Y., et al. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents differ in their ability to suppress NF-kappaB activation, inhibition of expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and cyclin D1, and abrogation of tumor cell proliferation. Oncogene 23: 9247-58, 2004.
• Ueda, T., et al. Preventative effect of natural and synthetic antioxidants on lipid peroxidation in the mammalian eye. Ophthalmic Res 28: 184-92, 1996.
• Wallerath, T., et al. Resveratrol, a polyphenolic phytoalexin present in red wine, enhances expression and activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Circulation 106:1652-8, 2002.
• Watson, R. Pycnogenol^® and cardiovascular health. Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine 1: 27-32, 2003.
• Wei, Z., et al. Pycnogenol enhances endothelial cell antioxidant defense. Redox Report 3: 219-24, 1997.
• Yamakoshi, J., et al. Proanthocyanidin-rich extract from grape seeds attenuates the development of aortic atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits. Atherosclerosis 142:139-149, 1999.
• Ames, BN, et al. Oxidants, antioxidants, and the degenerative diseases of aging. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 90:7915-7922, 1993.
• Bagchi, D, et al. Oxygen free radical scavenging abilities of vitamins C and E, and a grape seed proanthocyanidin extract in vitro. Res Commun Mol Pathol Pharmacol 95:179-89, 1997.
• Bagchi, D, et al. Free radicals and grape seed proanthocyanidin extract: importance in human health and disease prevention. Toxicology 148: 187-97, 2000.
• Bagchi, D, et al. Cellular protection with proanthocyanidins derived from grape seed. Ann NY Acad Sci 957:260-70, 2002.
• Cao G, Alessio H, Cultler R. Oxygen-radical absorbance capacity assay for antioxidants. Fre Rad Biol & Med 14:301-11, 1993.
• Drew B, Leeuwenburgh C. Aging and the role of reactive nitrogen species. Ann NY Acad Sci 959:66-81, 2002.
• Gibson, L, et al. Effectiveness of cranberry juice in preventing urinary tract infections in long-term care facility patients. J Naturopathic Med 2:45-47, 1991.
• Graham DY, Smith JL, Bouvet, AA. What happens to tablets in the stomach. J Pharm Sci 79:420-24, 1990.
• Havsteen B. Flavonoids, a class of natural products of high pharmacological potency. Biochem Pharm 32:1141-48, 1983.
• Halpern, MJ, et al. Red wine polyphenols and inhibition of platelet aggregation: possible mechanisms, and potential use in health promotion and disease prevention. J Int Med Res 26:171-80, 1998.
• Joseph JA, Shukitt-Hale B, Denisova NA, Bielinksi D, Martin A, McEwen JJ, Bickford PC. Reversals of age-related declines in neuronal signal transduction, cognitive, and motor behavioral deficits with blueberry, spinach, or strawberry dietary supplementation. J Neuroscience 19: 8114-21, 1999.
• Kay CD, Holub BJ. The effect of wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) on post-prandial serum antioxidant status in human subjects. Br J Nutr 88: 389-98, 2002.
• Kehrer JP. Free radicals as mediators of tissue injury and disease. Crit Rev Toxicol 23:21-48, 1993.
• Koch R. Comparative study of Venostatin and Pycnogenol in chronic venous insufficiency. Phytother Res 16:S1-5, 2002.
• Koparker AD, Augsburger LL, Shangraw RF. Intrinsic dissolution rates of tablet fillers and binders and their influence on the dissolution of drugs from tablet formulations. Pharm Res 7:80-85, 1990.
• Mazza G, Kay CD, Cottrell T, Holub BJ. Absorption of anthocyanins from blueberries and serum antioxidant status in human subjects. J Agric Food Chem 50:7731-37, 2002.
• Nesaretnam K, et al. Effect of tocotrienols on the growth of a human breast cancer cell line in culture. Lipids 30:1139-43, 1995.
• Ofek I, Goldhar J, Zafriri D, Lis H, Sharon N. Anti-Escherichia coli adhesion activity of cranberry and blueberry juices. New England J Med 324:1599, 1991.
• Qureshi, A, et al. Response of hypercholesterolemic subjects to administration of tocotrienols. Lipids 30:1171-77, 1995.
• Rimbach G, Virgili F, Park YC, Packer L. Effect of procyanidins from Pinus maritime on glutathione levels in endothelial cells challenged by 3-morpholinosydnonimine or activated macrophages. Redox Rep 4:171-77, 1999.
• Sobota AE. Inhibition of bacterial adherence by cranberry juice: potential use for the treatment of urinary tract infactions. J Urology 131:1013-1016, 1984.
• Soloway MS, Smith RA. J Am Med Assoc 260:1465, 1988.
• Tomco, A, et al. Antioxidant effects of tocotrienol in patients with hyperlipidemia and carotid stenosis. Lipids 30: 1179-83, 1995.
• Zheng W, Wang SY. Oxygen radical absorbing capacity of phenolics in blueberries, cranberries, chokeberries, and lingonberries. J Agric Food Chem 51:502-9, 2003.

What Makes Isotonix™ OPC-3® Unique?

Isotonix OPC-3® is an isotonic-capable supplement that functions as a potent free-radical scavenger. Employing water-soluble extracts from the most powerful OPCs — grape seed, grape skin and pine bark — Isotonix OPC-3 delivers a powerful antioxidant punch in an effective isotonic solution that is easily absorbed by the body.

Isotonix OPC-3 has been shown to:

• Protect the cells and tissues from damage by free radicals
• Help maintain healthy blood vessels and joints
• Help maintain healthy eyes
• Help maintain healthy immune function
• Provide symptomatic relief of allergies*
• Temporarily relieve the pain and inflammation of arthritis and rheumatism*
• Aid in the maintenance or improvement of general well-being

Isotonix OPC-3 has a pleasant, natural flavour and mixes instantly when added to water. It should be taken on an empty stomach for the fastest, most effective delivery of the active ingredients and maximum nutritional benefit.

Note: If you are taking OPC-3 for the first time, you may want to double the dosage for the first 10 days before switching to the standard dosage. This will help your body adjust to the increased supplementation.

*If symptoms persist, consult your health care professional.

Related terms: grape, grape skin, pine bark, opc, opc 3, free radical

Frequently Asked Questions about Isotonix™ OPC-3®:

When we claim our products are isotonic, is there any formal experiment or report to prove the absorption rate and the isotonic state?

Isotonix™ products make the label claim of being isotonic capable. When prepared as directed, the solution is within a range of tonicity matching the human body.

The basis for the isotonic line is physiologic. Isotonic solutions work via normal body physiology to deliver nutrients quickly as compared to solid forms. These physiologic principles have been well described in medical references and in the medical literature. Here are a few sample references:

• Ganong, WF Review of Medical Physiology, 13th ed. Norwalk, CT Appleton & Lange, 1987.
• Graham, DY, Smith, JL, Bouvet AA "What Happens to Tablets in the Stomach" Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 79 (5): 420-24, 1990.
• Hunt, "Mechanisms and Disorders of Gastric Emptying," Annual Review of Medicine, 1983.
• Seigel, JA. "Biphasic Nature of Gastric Emptying" Gut 29: 35-39, 1988.
• Erdman, JW. "Bioavailability of Trace Minerals from Cereal and Legumes", Cereal Chemistry 58(1), pages? 1981.

The general consensus is that an isotonic liquid might be likely to lead to elevated bioavailability since the transit through the stomach is rapid and might be expected to lead to improved nutrient stability due to minimal contact with stomach acid. Also, once the nutrients are in the small intestine, the nutrients that are absorbed via passive diffusion would be expected to be more bioavailable since they arrive at the major absorptive site at a high concentration. This elevated amount of nutrient on the lumen side sets up a concentration gradient which flows down the concentration gradient from high levels to lower levels inside the intestinal epithelial cells. However, for nutrients that are absorbed by specialised active transport processes, the establishment of a concentration gradient is not that important. The body will spend energy (as ATP) to transport those molecules across the cell membrane regardless of whether the nutrients are present in high or low concentrations.

Are Market Australia's Health & Nutrition products natural or organic? Are there any synthetic ingredients in the isotonic range and if so, why?

Our ingredients come from both natural and synthetic sources. Some ingredients are derived from the electrolysis of sea water, such as the calcium carbonate, or extracted from plants, like Pycnogenol and grape seed extract. Some ingredients, like calcium phosphate, are synthesised. The advantage of synthesis is that purity is better controlled, there are no allergens, it is non-GMO, and there is no microbial contamination. Our vitamins and non-active ingredients meet USP specifications for identity, quality and purity.

I have Type 2 diabetes. Will the Isotonix™ range increase my sugar level? What products are safe for people with diabetes?

The types of sugars found in Isotonix™ products were chosen because they do not exhibit a dramatic impact on blood sugar levels when compared to sucrose or table sugar. For example, one serving of Isotonix OPC-3® contains two grams of sugar, and one serving of Isotonix Coenzyme Q10 also contains two grams of sugar, which is equivalent to approximately two grapes. For some individuals, including some diabetics, this amount is not of concern. However, it may be of concern for diabetics, especially if they are on a strict sugar intake. If you are diabetic and concerned about the sugar content, we recommend consulting your physician to determine whether this amount of sugar is appropriate for your use.

Can you overdose on any of the supplements?

If using the supplements as directed, there should be no risk of overdosing.

Is our Isotonix™ design or formula patented?

Isotonix is in the process of getting trademarked; however there are other products on the market that claim to be isotonic. We have tested a group of knock-off products and generally find them not to be isotonic. These products also tend not to have a pleasant taste and may contain synthetic flavouring. One of the products used sucrose as a sweetener instead of fructose and glucose. We use top quality extracts in Isotonix, and we make certain that the blended materials taste good, have a good colour in solution and are isotonic. We use extracts from world-class botanical extract companies that have been in business for 25 to 65 years. Their extracts are considered to be top of the line.

Seeing that OPC-3 is so good, why do we need the Isotonix™ Antioxidant and/or Vitamin C?

Taking a variety of antioxidants is important because each antioxidant targets certain types of damaging free radicals — getting a variety will help cover all of your health bases.

Certain products like OPC-3 and especially Vitamin C crystallise after a while. Does this affect the potency of the product? 

Crystallisation does not affect the potency or formulation of the product. The formula still can be used; however, it may require a little more effort when mixing with water.

How does OPC-3 help relieve allergy symptoms?

It may take three to four weeks to see results while using Isotonix OPC-3®.

How long will it take for OPC-3 to work in the body?

It may take three to four weeks to see results while using Isotonix OPC-3®.

People who are Lactose intolerant often ask about the lactose in the OPC-3? Where does the lactose come from if this is a vegetarian and non-dairy product?

The bilberry extract contained in Isotonix OPC-3® has a trace amount of lactose (2.5 mg per serving). If you consider that an eight fluid ounce glass of skim milk or an eight fluid ounce serving of yoghurt contains 14-15 grams of lactose (14,000-15,000 milligrams), then that should put things into perspective for a person with lactose intolerance. That is, one 8 oz. serving of yoghurt contains 5600 to 7000 times more lactose than a serving of OPC-3.

Does OPC-3 weaken your body's normal ability to fight disease by making it weaker at fighting free radicals if you stopped taking OPC-3 or take it continuously and then stop?

No, OPC-3 would not weaken your body's normal ability to fight disease. OPC-3 contains powerful antioxidant compounds known as proanthocyanidins and polyphenolic organic acids. If you stop taking this product, you will not have as many of these free radical-fighting compounds in your body.

Can OPC-3 be taken if I am taking warfarin or aspirin?

OPCs have a mild blood-thinning effect, which could potentially enhance your prescribed medications. If you are taking any type of prescription medication, we advise you to consult your physician first.

Can OPC-3 affect blood pressure (raise it) if taken with vitamin C?

No. There is no evidence that OPC-3 raises blood pressure; in fact, Pycnogenol® interacts with nitric oxide synthase in endothelial cells and stimulates the production of nitric oxide from the amino acid arginine. Nitric oxide diffuses into the smooth muscle layer of large blood vessels, causing the vessels to relax and dilate. This tends to lower blood pressure somewhat, not raise it. Vitamin C does not have any effect on blood pressure.

If a person is allergic to grapes, can they still take OPC-3?

We would not recommend that individuals with grape allergies use OPC-3 due to the grape seed and red wine extracts.

Does OPC-3 interfere with other commonly used medications?

We would not recommend Isotonix OPC-3® to be used with anticoagulants since its mild blood-thinning properties could enhance the effects of prescription medications.

If your customer is taking corticosteroids (i.e., Prednisone) for their condition, they should allow at least four to six weeks while on this therapy to understand what effects the drugs have on inflammation before using Isotonix OPC-3. If they begin to take OPC-3, this supplement could confound the results that are being achieved with corticosteroid treatment. Their physician will be able to fully assess the impact of corticosteroids on inflammation if OPC-3 is not taken at the same time, at least for the first month or so. The proanthocyanidins are not steroids, and they do not exhibit the same mechanism of action as corticosteroids on inflammatory white blood cells and other cell types. However, they are antioxidants and are able to scavenge oxygen and nitrogen free radicals, which can cause considerable cell and molecular damage. Proanthocyanidins can inhibit the tissue-remodeling enzymes secreted by inflammatory white blood cells and minimize tissue disruption. The proanthocyanidins are also known to block the synthesis and secretion of histamine, which can cause tissue swelling associated with inflammation. As always, if you are currently taking any prescription medication, please consult your physician.

Why does my stomach feel upset after taking OPC-3 (sometimes giving me reflux)?

Some individuals experience acid reflux due to a sensitivity to the citric acid and OPC content in Isotonix™. If that is the case, we would advise using a lower amount (or a split amount) of OPC-3.

What is the recommended period of stopping OPC-3 before someone is to have an operation?

Isotonix OPC-3® should be discontinued at least 72 hours prior to surgery.

Are the ingredients of OPC-3 (pine bark, bilberry and grape seed extract) pesticide free?

All ingredients extracted from natural sources (such as pine bark, citrus, bilberry, grape seed and grape skin extracts) are tested using gas chromatography for pesticide residue and are pesticide free.

On the label of ingredients and contents, what does 100:1 equivalent to fresh fruit 2.5g bilberry extract, 120:1 equivalent to dry seed grape seed extract; 600:1 equivalent to dry bark extract mean?

These numbers represent extraction ratios for the herbal extracts. Australia's TGA requires this presentation of extraction ratios on the labels. These numbers say something about the level of effort that is going into purifying the active materials from each plant source.

For example, if a person ate 2.5 grams of fresh bilberries, you would get 25 mg of active polyphenolic compounds such as anthocyanidins. In this case, since we are providing extracts as powders, the botanical company has done the extractions at this level of equivalency.

You can see that in some cases as with grape seed, the extraction ratio is higher still at 120:1, and for pine bark Pycnogenol the extraction ratio is much higher at 600:1. So, using Pycnogenol, for example, another way of looking at this is it takes 600 kilograms of pine bark to yield one kilogram of high purity polyphenolic compounds.

Australian Isotonix OPC-3® is the best OPC-3 in the world — very high quality ingredients, standardisation of particle sizes in the blend (contributes to rapid solubility), excellent colour and taste.