OPC is the abbreviated name commonly used for Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins. Pycnogenol is a registered trade name (in the USA) of Horphag Research Limited, a producer of OPC's from pine bark.

NOTE: In 1979, professor Jack Masquelier coined the word Pycnogenols, to designate a special group of bioflavonoids: the bioflavanols. Pycnogenol means that which creates condensation. The word refers to the natural and spontaneous way in which the flavan-3-ol molecule forms its oligo and polymers. It was Masquelier's intention that this name would be used as a generic name for the totality of extract, as it is obtained by means of the use of his many extraction patents. However, professor Masquelier has not been able to maintain control over the name he invented. Pycnogenols (or Pycnogenol) has become a trademark, deposited and registered in many countries by many different companies. Only in France does Professor Masquelier control the use of this trademark.

OPC's are in many plants, however, at present the best source of OPC's are from Grape Seed and maritime pinetree bark. professor Jacque Masquelier, the original patent holder for extraction procedures for both sources, endorses the Grape Seed, not the Pine Bark. In addition only OPC's extracted from Grape Seed are approved in France.

Important facts from the scientists who discovered the compound. Professor Jacque Masquelier and the European processors who produce it.

• The most potent Proanthocyanidins are produced from Grape Seed. It is 92% to 95% strength from white or red grapes, it makes no difference.
• The same compound extracted from Maritime Pine Bark is weaker. It is 82% to 85% strength.
• All Proanthocyanidins produced under Professor Masquelier's patent, use the same extraction processes as described in the patent.

TESTIMONY Howard McMillan from OK writes:
"I've ben diagnosed with a very serious asthma problem. I have not had a good quality of life for the past four years. I have been taking a lot of medicines just to be able to breathe. I started taking Avengers (OPC Complex), and I am now so relieved that I am breathing without wheezing and gasping for breath. I can breathe deeply and am sleeping good again. I was becoming addicted to some of the bronchial inhalers but now I do not need them. Another blessing, that is noticeable, is my skin. The steroids that I have been taking makes my skin feel and look brittle. Since taking Avengers my skin has a healthy pliable look and feel.

Thank You for Avengers."

If we want maximum health and well being, a growing number of experts claim that we need additional antioxidants to support our bodies natural fighting powers against free radicals. Although almost 50 different nutrients contain antioxidants, very few people ingest enough of them to achieve sufficient protection from free radical activity. Unfortunately, some people eat the wrong kinds of food and modern processing methods may destroy or reduce the beneficial properties of the healthy foods we eat. Even if we ate the right, unprocessed fods, we would probably have to eat enormous quantities of then to get the added antioxidant benefit. But now we have AVENGERS.

Recent studies confirm that OPC's are 50 times stronger than Vitamin E and 20 times stronger than Vitamin C as an antioxidant. In addition, it is an active transporter of Vitamin C, carrying this vitamin to the site of action. Another important advantage is that OPC's stay in the body for approximately 72 hours, whereas Vitamin C only remains in the blood stream for three to four hours.

For purposes of education, it is important to note that the discovery of OPC's may provide a new and very potent supplement that appears to overcome damaging free radicals. Free radicals, including peroxides, are by-products formed in our bodies when molecules of fat react with oxygen. Extensive studies show that free radicals can also develop in the body due to exposure to toxic chemicals in the air, food, and water. They are also formed by the body's normal chemical processes, including metabolism of polyunsaturated fats. Free radicals can be very harmful to the cells of the body. Some scientists believe that free radicals are the common denominator of all disease.

Free radicals come in many shapes and sizes, as well as from a variety of sources including air and water pollution, radiation, pesticides, pharmaceurical and recreational drugs - even normal cellular metabolism. Scientists and doctors worldwide agree that loss of cellular integrity due to free radical damage is the leading factor in the genesis of every known degenerative condition of our time. Simply put, no other nutritional support category is more important for short-term recovery of long-term health and well-being than antioxidant nutrition.

Fortunately, nature has provided us with many types of free radical fighting nutrients known as antioxidants. AVENGERS (OPC complex) is a combination of the most powerful whole food and herbal antioxidants available to provide a complete spectrum of free radical protection that cannot be provided by any other single antioxidant substance.

OPC GRAPE SEED 92+% EXTRACT
Provides high levels of the polyphenol Proanthocyanidin shown to be dozens of times more powerful as an antioxidant than Vitamins E and C. Shown to be effective in the prevention and treatment of all types of cardiovascular and conective tissue condition.

WHEAT & SOY SPROUT COMPLEX
Provides unique free radical protection by nutritionally supporting the "first-line-of -defence", the antioxidant enzyme system including Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase and cetalase. Antioxidant enzymes are bodily produced and provide unsurpassed free radical protection. Live food wheat & soy sprout complex has been shown to provide powerful anti-inflamatory properties - especially for arthritic conditions.

MILK THISTLE 80% EXTRACT
Provides high levels of the phyto-nutrient silymarin which is a major antioxidant especially for the liver. Used extensively in Europe as a regenerative and protective tonic for all types of liver conditions.

GINKGO BILOBA 24% EXTRACT
Made from the leaves of the world's oldest living tree, providing powerful antioxidant compounds called ginkgosides. Shown to improve circulation, especially to the extremities including the brain, thus helping to reduce memory loss as natural preventative treatment for Alzheimers.

GREEN TEA 80% EXTRACT
Provides high levels of the polyphenol Catechin. Catechins are similar in molecular content and function to the Proanthocyanidins found in OPC Grape Seed Extract. Catechins demonstrate a more general and overall level of protection than proanthocyanidins and other polyphenols.

HAWTHORN BERRY EXTRACT
Provides high levels of the polyphenol procyanidin. Hawthorn is historically considered as a powerful tonic for the heart and aorta and modern testing has linked much of Hawthorn's effect as protecting the heart from free radicals.

Free radicals have been linked to diseases like aids, cancer, wrinkling of the skin, and premature aging - conditions which adversely affect everyone in our society in one way or the other. Protection against free radicals is provided by antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, and potent "SUPER FOODS" like selenium and garlic. To date, the most potent antioxidants known are Pranthocyanidins (OPC's).

Avengers (OPC Complex) is an advanced antioxidant formula, an exclusive blend of enzyme-active and phyto-nutrient rich whole food and herbal antioxidant concentrates. Only the highest quality ingredients are utilized to ensure optimum absorpton and biological activity.

(Q) What are OPC's?
(A) Opc is the most powerful scavenger of oxygen free radicals available to the public. It is not a drug. It has no side effects. It may be safely taken in small or large doses.

(Q) What are free radicals
(A) Free radicals are highly toxic oxygen molecules produced by enzymatic oxidation. They are normally inactivated by a family of enzymes present in the aerobic cells called super oxide dismutase (SOD). Free radicals can attack, damage, and ultimately destroy any material. The rusting of metals, the browning of a fresh cut apple and the hardening of paint are common examples. In addition to damaging sensitive cells and tissues in our bodies, free radicals can degrade collagen, reprogram DNA, and are implicated in more than 60 diseases.

(Q) How are oxygen free radicals produced?
Oxygen free radicals are produced by:
 

X-rays Heat Asbestos Pesticides Herbicides Stress

Chemotherapy Tobacco Smoke Trapped Ozone Excessive Exercise Physical Trauma Phenobarbital

Sunlight Infection Air Pollution Carcinogens Cured Meats Car Emissions

(Q) What are Polyphenols?
(A) Polyphenols is the word used for a group of bioflavonoid substances. They form the basic structure for hundreds of molecules. They were identified in 1952 by the researchers Geissmann and Hinneiner for the first time as "Bioflavonoids or Flavonoids." Flavonoids exist in all plants, citrus fruits, and trees.
Ref. OPC in Practice (Bioflavonoids and Their Applications) Bert Schwitters, in collaboration with Professor Jacque Masquelier.

(Q) How quickly do OPC's act in man.
(A) Within 20 minutes, OPC's are obsorbed and on its way to tissue. Within one hour of ingestion, OPC's can be detected in the saliva.

(Q) How long do OPC's remain in the body.
(A) OPC's remain in the system for up to three days. What comes in circulates in bodily fluids and is held in the collagen. It then is gradually eliminated through the urine (primarily) and perspiration (secondarily).

The Advanced Antioxidant Formula is an exclusive blend of enzymo-active and phyto-nutrient rich whole food and herbal antioxidant concentrates. Only the highest quality ingredients are utilized to ensure optimum absorption and biological activity.

"For*mor International makes no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, including warranties of fitness for a particular purchase and of merchantability of this product, except as indicated on its label."

"This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease".

WARNING: If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your health care professional before using the product.

Avengers Recommended Use:
Begin with 6 to 10 tablets per day, in a divided dose for 6 to 10 days. Maintain with 2 to 4 tablets per day in divided dose.