Evidence supporting the use of: Proanthocyanidins
For the health condition: Circulation (poor)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Proanthocyanidins, a class of polyphenols found in foods like grapes, berries, and pine bark (notably in standardized extracts like Pycnogenol), have been studied for their potential benefits on circulation. The evidence supporting their use for poor circulation is primarily scientific, though the strength of evidence is moderate rather than conclusive.

Several clinical trials have indicated that proanthocyanidin-rich extracts can improve various parameters of circulatory health. For example, studies on patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) have shown that proanthocyanidins can reduce symptoms like leg swelling, heaviness, and discomfort. The proposed mechanism involves strengthening capillary walls, reducing capillary permeability, and exerting antioxidant effects that protect vascular endothelium. Pycnogenol and grape seed extract, both rich in proanthocyanidins, have been reported to improve microcirculation and reduce edema in people with venous disorders.

However, while these findings are promising, the majority of clinical trials have been small and of varying quality. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews suggest beneficial effects, but often call for larger, high-quality trials to confirm efficacy and establish optimal dosages. Major health organizations do not yet universally endorse proanthocyanidins as a primary treatment for circulatory conditions, but they are commonly used as adjuncts or supplements in Europe and elsewhere for venous insufficiency and related issues.

In summary, there is scientific support for the use of proanthocyanidins in improving circulation, especially in conditions like CVI, but the level of evidence is moderate and further research is warranted.

More about proanthocyanidins
More about Circulation (poor)

Other ingredients used for Circulation (poor)

Acetyl L-carnitine
Ajoene
algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
amino acids
anthocyanins
arjun tree
ashwagandha
asparagus
astaxanthin
astragalus
beet
bergamot
berry flavor
bilberry
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
black pepper
sesame
black tea
blueberry
bromelain
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
butcher's broom
caffeine
capsaicinoids
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celery
chen pi
cherry
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cinnamon
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clove
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Coleus forskohlii
cordyceps
turmeric
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
diallyl trisulfide (DATS)
dong quai root
eleuthero
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
flaxseed
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
garlic bulb
ginger
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
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gotu kola
grape
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
hawthorn
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hesperidin
hibiscus
horse chestnut
horseradish
Indian tinospora
iron
knotweed
kudzu
L-arginine
l-carnitine
L-citrulline
lovage
magnesium
Marine lipid
Moringa
mustard seed
Naringin
Nattokinase
Nettle
Niacin (vitamin B3)
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
nicotinamide riboside
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
orange
oyster mushroom
pine bark
policosanol
pomegranate
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rhizome
rose hips
rosemary
rutin
safflower oil
shiitake mushroom
black ginger
spinach
tocotrienols
Triphala
ubiquinol
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin B
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zanthoxylum
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enzymes blend (proprietary)
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ashitaba
2-(nitrooxy)ethyl 2-amino-3-methylbutanoate
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
Aralia
arjuna
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antler
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Angelica
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Products containing proanthocyanidins

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.