OPC (oligomerous pro-cyanidine or proanthocyanide) belong to the flavanoles group. It was discovered in the '40s by the Frenchman Masquelier while he was testing the red inner skin of the peanut for poisonous components. In the process he discovered OPC - a transparent substance that had a strong protective influence on blood vessels. At a later stage OPC was also found in the bark of the Pinus Maritima, a type of pine tree found in the Bordeaux region, as well as in grape pips. OPC can also be found to a smaller extent in the bark, peel, pips and leaves of other plants.

OPC is a secondary vegetable material which is used by plants as a protection against damaging external influences from the environment. The term secondary is used to distinguish it from a primary vegetable material such as a carbohydrates, a protein or a fat. It iis precisely because of its health promoting and anti-oxidant properties that it is in no way a second rate material. On the contrary, its positive influence on health is being acknowledged more and more often. Especially the anti-oxidant characteristic is seen as more and more important. The protective action of OPC on the cells slows down the aging process more significantly than vitamins C or E. Scientific studies have shown that OPC works in synergy with vitamin C, i.e. that when taken together each substance enhances the working of the other.

Research has shown that OPC can lessen the probability of heart problems and that it helps lower cholesterol levels. It restrains the formation of histamines so that a certain protection against allergies is formed and blister formation is lessened. The veins, arteries and capillary vessels are stabilised. Less water is taken in by the surrounding tissues and deposits in the blood vessels are avoided. OPC is also known as collagen vitamin because it is involved in the biosynthesis of collagen and elastine in skin and tissue as it hinders them being disturbed. For the biosynthesis of collagen vitamin C is necessary so as to change the amino acids proline and lysine into active collagen. OPC work together with vitamin C and enhances its action, thus activates the production of collagen and reduces the risk of cellulite.

OPC has an extensive biological availability and is taken in virtually completely by the body. It is soluble in water and reaches within three quarter of an hour its highest concentration in the blood. Various tests have shown that the resistence of arteries and bloodvessels was doubled after only 24 hours.