Masquelier's OPCs + II Kert and Marilynn Goode, Independent Distributors Matol Botanical International, Ltd."

Matol's Magnificent Product

A powerful antioxident vitamin formula from select natural grape seed extracts, using Dr. Masquelier's original and exclusive extracting process, produces potent 100% biologically active OPCs.*

Contains Beta 1,3-D-Glucan, a powerful free radical scavenger. It is a unique compound derived from the cell walls of yeast and is known to have potent protective properties.*

Contains Acrola Cherry Extract which is one of the richest sources of vitamin C. It is a powerful antioxident that supports the natural production of collagen, which is a vital factor in healthy looking skin. Antioxidents may reduce sunburn reactions which can cause damage leading to wrinkles.*

What are OPCs?

OPCs (Oligomeric Proantho Cyanidine) are a complex of a specific molecule known as flavan-3-ol which is a vital nutrient that supports virtually every metabolic system in the body. When OPC is present it neutralizes the free radicals and "protects" the vitamin C. Let’s first explore the relationship between OPCs and vitamin C, and finally give a better understanding of antioxidants and free radicals.

Vitamin C is essential for the creation of collagen and elastin, the superstructure of the cardiovascular system. When vitamin C serves as an antioxidant and neutralizes free radicals, it is destroyed in the process. Without vitamin C the cardiovascular system becomes weakened, and with a severe lack of vitamin C, scurvy and death is the result. This role of "protector nutrient" is actually what lead to the discovery of OPCs by Dr. Masquelier.

How OPCs Were Discovered

Winter of 1534 - 35: Jacques Cartier and his crew had discovered the St. Lawrence Waterway but ice prevented them from leaving. They were subsisting mostly on salted meat and biscuits; there were no fresh fruits and vegetables. By December 1534 scurvy had killed 25 of the 110-man crew, and more than 50 others were seriously afflicted. (Scurvy is the final result of vitamin C deficiency and leads to death in a short time.

A Quebec Indian told Cartier about a tea brewed from the bark and needles of the Anneda tree (arbor vitae by other accounts) which appears to be a type of pine. Cartier tried the remedy on two of his sailors, and they improved so much in a week that he gave the tea to all the crew. They all recovered.

The needles contained vitamin C, about 50 milligrams per 100 grams of needles, and the bark contained flavonoids, which make vitamin C more effective. The pine bark tea and its poultice were quickly effective against the horrible scurvy.

More than 400 years later, Professor Jacques Masquelier, intrigued by the story, reasoned that the pine needles had not contained enough vitamin C to completely account for the recovery of Cartier’s crew, but the effectiveness of the vitamin C had been enhanced by something in the pine bark. This related to some of his previous work.

In 1948, while working on his doctoral thesis, Dr Masquelier had discovered that the red material in peanut skins contained OPC bioflavonoids that doubled the strength of blood vessels within a few hours after administration to laboratory animals. He later learned that the OPC had enhanced the effectiveness of vitamin C by neutralizing the free radicals that destroy the vitamin.

The story of Jaques Cartier led Masquelier to begin research on the bark of the Maritime Pines (Pinus maritima), which are abundant in Southern France. He found that the richest source of the most bioavailable and bioactive flavonoids were in the bark.

Dr. Masquelier's pine bark extract was commercialized as a fully researched and patented registered medicine in 1950, approved by the French government under various trade names. He also extracted the substance from peanut skins and later from grape seeds.

Grape Seed vs. OPC

We became acquainted with grape seed extract in the mid-1990s and experienced tremendous benefits. What about "grape seed extract", is it the same as OPC?

When Professor Masquelier published his findings in 1966, he believed that the extract was one compound.. Improved analytical instruments have shown that the extract is a defined mixture of proantho cyanidins or OPCs.

In 1991, Dr. Masquelier explained that he preferred grape seed (pip) extract, because bioflavonoids extracted from grape seeds are superior to those from pine bark in both concentration and antioxidant effect

MASQUELIER's® is a U.S. trademark, registered by Jacques Masquelier’s company, the International Nutrition Company in FRANCE. So, Matol can rightfully say their product contains "Masquelier’s Original OPCs." Masquelier’s Original OPCs are extracted from grape seed, but not all grape seed extract in the health food stores is from Masquelier.

Masquelier’ OPCs is unique and is distinctly different from grape seed extract. This nutrient can only be obtained through a highly specialized, proprietary extraction process. Specifically, it is this highly selective process which yields potent, 100% biologically active Masquelier's Original OPCs, the nutrient that supports virtually every metabolic system in the body.

Antioxidants and Free Radicals

Much has been written about the health benefits of antioxidants. Let’s take a look at what free radicals are and why they are affected by an antioxidant. To simplify our discussion, let’s look at the On-line Medical Dictionary for some terms that will help us understand the relationship.

oxidant
A molecule or atom that accepts electrons in an oxidation-reduction reaction ... the electron-accepting molecule is the oxidizing agent or oxidant

free radical
...Radicals seek to receive or release electrons in order to achieve a more stable configuration, a process that can damage the large molecules within cells.

(So, a free radical is an oxidant if it accepts electrons. Free radicals occur naturally in our bodies as we convert food to energy, but the occurrence of free radicals is increased drastically by environmental pollution, radiation, and stress)

It is also thought that oxidative damage in joints may trigger the autoimmune response that characterizes the persistence of the rheumatoid disease process.

antioxidants
In biochemistry and medicine, antioxidants are enzymes or other organic substances, such as vitamin e or beta-carotene, which are capable of counteracting the damaging effects of oxidation in animal tissue.

free radical scavengers
Substances that influence the course of a chemical reaction by ready combination with free radicals.

So, antioxidants are also known as free radical scavengers. OPCs Plus II is an antioxidant and a free radical scavenger.

Think of free radicals as enemy invaders, hell-bent on damaging or destroying your cells or changing them into unhealthy ones. Now think of antioxidants as the cavalry, charging in to neutralize this enemy and save the day, or in this case to keep the cells that make up the organs of your body in tip-top shape.

What is Beta 1, 3-D-Glucan?

Beta 1, 3-D-Glucan is a unique compound derived from the cell walls of yeast. It is known to have a radioprotective effect, an adjuvant effect, an anti-neoplastic effect, and act as a powerful free radical scavenger.

What is Acerola Cherry?

Acerola Cherry is rich in Vitamin C as well as in carotene, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, proteins and mineral salts principally iron, calcium and phosphorus. It is considered to be one of the richest sources of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, and to have very active anti-fungal properties.

Benefits of OPC+II

Protect against heart attack and stroke
Matthias Rath, M.D., is the author of Why Animals Don’t Get Heart Attacks, But Humans Do (1994). In his book he says, "The connection between vitamin C deficiency and instability of the blood vessels is long established. Unfortunately, the next logical step has not been recognized until now: cardiovascular disease is nothing else than an early form of scurvy."

Summarizing Dr. Rath’s explanation of heart disease: (1) low intake of vitamin C or its destruction by free radicals causes a deficiency of vitamin C. (2) Collagen is not produced in adequate amounts to maintain the cardiovascular system. (3) Cracks and lesions occur in the arteries. (4) Our body attempts to repair the cracks with cholesterol and fat globules resulting in clogged arteries, which leads to (5) heart attack and stroke. (OPC+II can protect vitamin C and help prevent cardiovascular disease.)

The Skin
OPC+II supports collagen biosynthesis, a vital factor in maintaining healthy-looking skin. Breakdown of skin collagen produces visible signs of aging. OPCs also protect against radiation damage. It strengthens capillaries to reduce edema, bruising, and varicose veins. In the 1970’s European users called it "the skin vitamin."

Allergies
European physicians have known since 1950 that OPC strengthened capillaries and reduced swelling in the legs and ankles. They have used OPC with great success against hay fever and allergies since 1960.

(* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.)