Accelerated antioxidant bioavailability of OPC-3 bioflavonoids administered as isotonic solution.

The degree of absorption of bioflavonoids, a diverse and complex group of plant derived phytonutrients, has been a frequent debate among scientists. Monomeric flavonoid species are known to be absorbed within 2 h. The kinetics of plasma reactive oxygen species, a reflection of bioactivity, of a commercial blend of flavonoids, OPC-3 was investigated. OPC-3 was selected to compare absorption of an isotonic flavonoid solution vs tablet form with the equivalent amount of fluid. In the case of isotonic OPC-3 the reactive oxygen species of the subject's plasma decreased significantly (p < 0.05), six times greater than OPC-3 tablets by 10 min post-consumption. After 20 min the isotonic formulation was approximately four times more bioavailable and after 40 min twice as bioavailable as the tablet, respectively. At time points 1 h and later, both isotonic and tablet formulations lowered oxidative stress, although the isotonic formulation values remained significantly better throughout the investigation period of 4 h. These findings point to a dramatically accelerated bioavailability of flavonoids delivered in an isotonic formulation.

Improvement in circulation and in cardiovascular risk factors with a proprietary isotonic bioflavonoid formula OPC-3.

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.