Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are polyphenols, a type of bioflavonoid antioxidant compounds. Like other antioxidants, OPCs neutralize free-radicals in the body, potentially reducing the effects of oxidation on biological systems. OPCs are available from a number of dietary sources, most notably grape seeds, grape skins and red wine.

In the past, OPCs have been associated with heart and vascular health benefits. OPCs may improve vascular dilation, lowering blood pressure, and they may reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, reducing arterial plaque formation, and improving vascular health.

Recent studies have also found that OPCs may reduce the risk of obesity, some types of skin cancer, and may protect against Alzheimer's Disease. A recent study published in the British Journal of Nutrition has found that OPCs may improve memory in animals with cognitive decline, adding more support to their role as a potential brain-booster.

There is a certain amount of cognitive decline that normally occurs as humans age; however, accelerated decline is associated with dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. In this study, Japanese and South Korean researchers used special mice that experience early senescence. These mice are the standard research tool used to mimic the effects of age-related cognitive decline in humans. The mice show problems with memory and learning as they age, just as age-related decline presents itself in humans.

Half of mice were randomly selected to receive OPCs for five weeks, and were then tested against the control mice using a Morris water maze, object location, and object recognition tests. The mice that had received the OPCs had significantly better scores in all three tests indicating that the OPC-mice had "improved spatial and object recognition" as compared to the control mice.

The researchers noted that the mice that received the OPCs had increased densities of axons, dendrites and synapses in the brains compared to the control mice, suggesting that the OPCs may provide protection against memory decline due to aging.

While there have been no conclusive studies in humans yet, this is not the first study to show that OPCs may have brain benefits in animals. A 2008 mouse study found that OPCs may reduce the build-up of beta-amyloid protein plaques in the brain. Likewise, the Mediterranean Diet, which is rich in polyphenols from red wine fruits and vegetables, has also been linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer's Disease.

Learn more about OPC Grape Seed Extract here.

1. Lee, Y. A., E. J. Cho, et al. (2009). "Oligomeric proanthocyanidins improve memory and enhance phosphorylation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 in senescence-accelerated mouse prone/8." Br J Nutr: 1-11.