Healthy Lungs and Breathing - Solutions and Information;Lungs,breathing, lung disease,lung infection,lung association,lung problem,lung disorder,heart and lung and information on healthy lungs and breathing

Flavay™ has been successfully used for controlling hay fever and allergies
for many decades in Europe and is now available in the
United States as a dietary supplement...

Flavay™ has been successfully used for controlling hay fever and allergies for many decades in Europe and is now available in the United States as a dietary supplement. Research now shows several ways that Flavay™ may influence the immune response to help normalize the balance of chemicals in the body that control inflammation and allergies.

An allergic reaction is a process of inflammation caused by a disorder of the immune system. The body comes in contact with a substance (an allergen) that it perceives as harmful—even though it is harmless. The body releases histamine in an attempt to fight the allergen and it is the histamine that triggers the symptoms common to allergies: inflammation, sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes.

Research demonstrates that Flavay™ inhibits the release and synthesis of histamine (which produces accelerated blood flow, dilates capillaries and increases their permeability, thereby leaking plasma into surrounding tissue), a key factor in the promotion of inflammation. Studies demonstrate that the anti-histamine action of Flavay™ is obtained through inhibiting the activity of the enzyme histidine decarboxylase. Studies show that Flavay™ may lower the production of histamine with as much as 86% inhibition of histidine decarboxylase.

This action is mediated through the free-radical scavenging property of Flavay™.

When the body fights off an allergen, the immune system's cytokines go to work, sending messages to the brain that cause more white blood cells to mobilize. The more white blood cells your body activates, the more free radicals they produce, like pellets of poison, that go to work to destroy invaders by breaking down the genetic material of bacteria, toxins, and viruses.

When functioning properly, the immune system is capable of identifying foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria and our immune components do not turn against our own body's cells. Unfortunately, however, free radicals can interfere with the biological components of our healthy cells in the same way they destroy invaders, literally dismantling the body's essential cellular proteins, fatty cell membranes and DNA.

The most important natural defenses we have against free radical damage are our body's natural "antioxidants," a broad range of chemical substances that all have one thing in common: they ward off free radical damage to cells. However, in allergic reactions and asthma, the body's specialized antioxidant mechanisms fail. The cause of the failure might be genetic, environmental, or even dietary, but the consequences are the same: unchecked free radical activity.

Contemporary research shows that elevated levels of the free radical, nitric oxide (sometimes referred to as "NO"), appear to contribute to a number of seemingly different disorders that all have a common element of abnormal immune or inflammatory responses.

Studies of asthma and other inflammatory disorders have all demonstrated elevated levels of nitric oxide synthesis. Asthmatics exhale significantly higher levels of nitric oxide and type II nitric oxide synthase (also known as "NOS") expression is increased in biopsy specimens from asthmatics.

Flavay™ can significantly scavenge nitric oxide radicals. However, as we'll discuss next, your body needs a certain amount of nitric oxide in order to maintain good health. Nitric oxide is paradoxical. It can both mediate normal physiological functions and it can be highly toxic.

Nitric oxide can act as an anti-inflammatory under normal health conditions, but it can have the opposite effect and cause more inflammation to an already inflamed area when overproduced. The key, therefore, is to maintain the optimum balance of this double-edged sword, nitric oxide.

Free radicals are like pellets of poison that destroy invaders by interfering with their cellular machinery, literally dissolving or breaking down the genetic material of bacteria, toxins and viruses.

When all is going well, the immune system is capable of identifying foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria by accurately "reading" molecular codes found on cell surfaces. These molecular codes are like flags of different armies, and the immune system will not attack a cells if it "reads" a flag belonging to the body's own host army. Unfortunately, however, free radicals can interfere with the biological components of our healthy cells, just as they destroy invaders. This leads to many diseases.

When the immune system's cytokines activate macrophages (the white blood cells capable of gobbling up invading viruses and bacteria), the macrophages produce large amounts of nitric oxide in the course of battle. Nitric oxide is a colorless gas produced by many different cells in the body that, depending on the situation, can be very good or very bad. Nitric oxide plays several important roles in the body:

The real trouble starts when nitric oxide encounters the superoxide free radical and becomes peroxynitrate, which destroys antioxidants like glutathione, vitamin E and common flavonoids, and damages proteins in the body. The good news is that Flavay™ scavenges peroxynitrate and has a remarkable modulatory effect on nitric oxide—helping to maintain optimal levels in the body and neutralizing this free radical where it does harm.

Flavay™ is superior to other antioxidants because its protective effects are multiplied in the body. While it provides its own, powerful antioxidant protection, it also supports the dynamic interplay between other antioxidants in the body. Flavay's ability to “recycle,” or regenerate vitamins C and E after they have quenched free radicals vastly extends their unique antioxidant powers, helping to maintain an optimal, synergistic antioxidant balance in the body.

Flavay™ is rapidly absorbed and very quickly distributed throughout the body. As a free radical fighter, Flavay™ comes to the aid of the body more quickly than other antioxidants, reducing the potential for free radical damage and the ravages of aging. Flavay™ also possesses more reactive sites for neutralizing free radicals than other known antioxidants. Furthermore, Flavay™ permits reactivity with both positively and negatively charged free radical species. What this means is that Flavay™ can “quench” or “scavenge” (neutralize) a broad variety of free radicals. Highly reactive as an antioxidant in both lipid (fat) and aqueous (water) phases, Flavay™ neutralizes oxygen free radicals and is a valuable protector of healthy cells in a variety of internal conditions. This is a unique property among antioxidants, as most work either in lipid or aqueous phases, but not both. As a free radical scavenger, Flavay™ is like an antioxidant prize fighter that can successfully take on all challengers, big or small, in any kind of weather.

Flavay™ is a strong antioxidant that is patented as a scavenger of the free radicals that play a major role in the initiation, duration and breakdown of inflammation.

This means that your immune system works better at controlling inflammations and allergies—all because of Flavay™.

Masquelier, J. Plant extract with a proanthocyanidins content as a therapeutic agent having radical scavenging effect and use thereof. U.S. Patent No. 4,698,360, 1987.
Masquelier, J. A lifetime devoted to OPC and Pycnogenols. Alfa Omega Editrice, Pub., 1996.
Schwitters, B., Masquelier, J. OPC in practice. Alfa Omega Editrice, Publishers, 1995.
Kilham, C., Masquelier, J. OPC: The miracle antioxidant. Keats Publishing, Inc., 1997.
Packer, L., et al. The antioxidant miracle: your complete plan. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1999.
Packer, L., et al. Antioxidant food supplements in human health. Academic Press, 1999.
Lincoln, J., Hoyle, C.H.V., Burnstock, G., Nitric oxide in health and disease. Cambridge University Press, 1997.
Moncada, S., Nistico, G., Bagetta, G., Higgs, E.A. Nitric oxide and the cell. Princeton University Press, 1998.
Facino, R.M., et al. Free radical scavenging action and anti-enzyme activities of procyanidines from vitis vinifera. A mechanism for their capillary protective action. Arzneimittelforschung, 44: 592-601, 1994.
Passwater, R.A. The antioxidants: the nutrients that guard your body. Keats Publishing, Inc., 1985.
Barilla, J. et al. The nutrition superbook: volume 1: the antioxidants. Keats Publishing, Inc., 1995.
Facino RM, et al. Free radical scavenging action and anti-enzyme activities of procyanidines from Vitis vinifera. A mechanism for their capillary protective action. Arzneimittelforschung, 44: 592-601, 1994.
Kuttan R, et al. Collagen treated with catechin becomes resistant to the action of mammalian collagenase. Experientia, 37: 221-223, 1981.
Masquelier, J., et al. Stabilization du collagene par les oligomeres procyanidoliques. Acta Therapeutica, 7:101-105, 1981.
Masquelier, J. Aspects pharmacologiques nouveaux de certains flavonoides. A Vie Medical 12:1969.
Laparra, J., et al. Etude pharmaco-cinetique des oligomers procyandoliques totaux du raisin. Acta Therapeutica, 4, 1978.
Laparra, J., et al. Etude pharmacocinetique des oligomeres flavonoliques. Plantes med et phyto, Tome XI, pp. 133-142, 1977.
Robert A.M.; Groult, N.; Six, C.; Robert, L. Etude de l’action des oligomeres procyanidoliques sur des cellules mesenchymateuses en culture. Ii l’attachment des fibres elastiques aux cellules. (Study of the effect of procyanidolic oligomers on mesenchymal cells in culture. Ii attachment of elastic fibers to the cells.) Pat Biol, (30)6:601-7, 1990.
Porter, Lawrence J., Wong Rosalind Y. Chan, Bock G. The molecular and crystal structure of (+)-2,3-trans-3,4-trans-leucocyanidin [(2r,3s,+r)-(+)-3,3’, 4.4’, 5.7’-Hexahydroxyflavan] dihydrate, and comparison of its heterocyclic ring conformation in solution and the solid state. Journal of the Chemical Society; Perkin Transactions I 1985. pp. 1413-17.
Masquelier, J. Proanthocyanidins et radicaux libres. 1985.
Uchida, S., et al. Condensed tannins scavenge active oxygen free radicals. Med Sci Res, (15) 1987. pp. 831-832.
Ariga, T. Radical scavenging action and its mode in procyanidins b-1 and b-3 from azuki beans to peroxyl radicals. Agric Biol Chem, 54(10) 1990. pp. 2499-2504.
Da Silva, R., et. al. Radical scavenger capacity of different procyanidins from grape seeds. Presented at a symposium, “Free radicals in biotechnology and medicine.” Royal Society Of Chemistry, London January 1990, pp. 79-80.
Bauman, J., Wurm, G., Bruchhausen, F. “Hemmung der prostagladinsynthetase durch flavonoide und phenolderivate im vergleich nit deren 02 radikalfangereigenschaften” Arch Pharm, (Weinheim) 313 (1980) pp. 330-337.
Lombard, J., et al. The brain wellness plan. Kensington Pub. Corp., 1998.
Flesch M., et al., Effects of red and white wine on endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of rat aorta and human coronary arteries. Am J Physiol 1998;275:1183-94.
Fitzpatrick, D.F., Fleming R.C., Bing B, Maggi DA, O'Malley RM. Isolation and characterization of endothelium-dependent vasorelaxing compounds from grape seeds. J Agr & Food Chem In press.
Fitzpatrick, D.F., Maggi D, Bing B, Coffey RG. Vasorelaxation, endothelium, and wine. BioFactors 1997;6:455-459.
Fitzpatrick, D.F., Hirschfield SL, Ricci T, Jantzen P, Coffey RG. Endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation caused by various plant extracts. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 1995;26:90-95.
Fitzpatrick, D.F., Hirschfield SL, Coffey RG. Endothelium-dependent vasorelaxing activity of wine and other grape products. Amer J Physiol 1993;265:H774-H778.
Kuttan, R., Donnelly, P.V., Di Ferrante, N. Collagen treated with catechin becomes resistant to the action of mammalian collagenase. Experientia, 37: 221-223, 1981.
Masquelier, J. Procyanidolic oligomers. J Parums Cosm Arom, 95: 89-97, 1990.
Tixier, J.M., et al. Evidence by in vivo and in vitro studies that binding of pycnogenols to elastin affects its rate of degradation by elastases. Biochem Pharmacol, 33: 3933-3939, 1984.
Kakegawa, H., et al. Chem. Pharm. Bull. 33:5079, 1985.
Harmand, M.F., Blanquet, P. The fate of total flavanolic oligomers extracted from ‘vitus vinifera l.’ in the rat. European Journal of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaccokinetics. 1978, No. 1 pp. 15-30.
Delrieu, P., Ding J., Escande, B., Samain, D. Free-radical scavenging activity of proanthocyanidolic oligomers encapsulated in glycospheres: an in vivo and in vitro study. Cosmetology Department & S Biovectors, Ramonville St. Agne France. pp. 1-9.
Meunier, M.T., Villie, F., et al. Inhibition of angiotensin i converting enzyme by flavanolic compounds: in vitro and in vivo studies. Planta Medica, May 26, 1986. pp. 12-15.
Barbier, A., et al. Activite angioprotectrice des oligomeres procyanidolques chez l’animal-oedenme de la patte. Sanofi Res Toul Cedex Fr, pp31-40.
Barbier, A., et al. Activite angioprotectrice des oligomeres procyanidolques chez l’animal-activite aniagoniste vis-a-vis des mediateurs de l’inflamation. Sanofi Res Toul Cedex Fr, pp. 31-40.
Dubos, C., Durst, G., Hugonot, H. Evolution de la resistance capillaire, spontanement ou artificiellement diminuee par l’action d’une substance capillaro-toxique chez des personnes agees--action benefique d’un agnet actif sur la micro-circulation: l’Endotelon. Inform. Therapeut. 1980. pp. 302-305.
Dartenuc, J.Y., et al. Resistance capillaire en geriatrie etude d’un microangioprotecteur-Endotelon. Bordeaux Med. 13:903-7, 1990.
Lagrue, G., Olivier-Martin, F., Grillot, A. “Etude des effets des oligomeres du procyanidol sur las resistance capillaire dand l’hypertension arterielle et certaines nephropathies.” Sen. Hosp. Paris 18-25 Septembre, 1981.
Beylot, C., Bioulac, P. Essai therapeutique d’un angioprotecteur peripherique, l’Endotelon. Actualite Therapeutique Gaz. Med. de France (87)22:2919-24, 1980.
Lesbre, F.X., Tigaud, J.D. Effect de l’Endotelon sur l’indice de fragilite capillaire dan une population specifique: les sujets cirrhotiques. Gaz. Med. de France, (90)24 1983.
Sarrat, L. Abord therapeutique des troubles fonctionnels des membres inferieurs par un microangioprotecteur l’Endotelon. Bordeaux Med, 11:685-8, 1981.
Delacroix, P. Etude en double aveugle de l’Endotelon dans l’insuffisance veineuse chronique. Therapeutique, la Revue de Medicine, (27-28) Sept. 1981. pp. 1793-1802.
Thebaut, J.F, Thebaut, P., Vin, F. Etude de l’Endotelon dand les manifestations fonctionnelles de l’insuffisance veineuse peripherique-resultats d’une etude en double aveugle portant sur 92 patients.” Gazette Medicale, (92)1, 1985. pp. 96-100.
Chang, W.C., Hsu, F.L. Inhibition of platelet aggregation and arachidonate metabolism in platelets by procyanidins. Prostagland Leukotri Essent Fatty Acids, 38:181-8, 1989.
Masquelier, J. Pycnogenols: recent advances in the therapeutical activity of procyanidins. Supplement of Planta Medica, Journal of Medicinal Plant Research and Journal of Natural Products, July 1980 pp. 243-256.
Henning, B., et al. Lipid peroxidation and endothelial cell injury: implications in atherosclerosis. Free Rad Path & Med, (4)1988 pp. 99-106.
Masquelier, J. “Les procyanidols du vin leur role dans l’alcoolisme.” pp. 88-93.
Gazave, J.M. “Notions recentes sur les capillaires” unpub. bulletin from the Laboratoire De Physiologie Patholigie pp. 26-29.
Ruf, J.C. Wine and polyphenols related to platelet aggregation and atherothrombosis. Office International Vigne et du Vin, Nutrition and Health Unit, Paris France; Drugs under Experimental and Clinical Research (Switz.) 25/2-3 (125-131), 1999.
Blaszo, G. Gabor, M. Oedema-inhibiting effect of procyanidin. Acta Physiologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae, Tomus 56(2):235-240, 1980.
Tayau, M.F, LeFevre, G. Action du leucocyanidol sur l’hyalaluronidase. Bull Soc Pharm Bordeaux, 95:132-136, 1956.
Lamy, M. Utilization des oligomeres procyanidoliques en gynecologie. Essai Therapeutique Tomel (14) Sept. 2, 1981. pp. 1021-22.
Henriet, J.P “Une Etude Exemplaire Pour Un Phlebotrope: l’etude EIVE.’ Unpub., pp. 77-83.
Pfister, A., Simon, M.T., Gazave, J.M. Sites de fixation des oligomeres procyanidoliques dans la paroi des capillaires sanguins du poumon decobaye. Acta Therapeutica (8) 1982. pp. 223-237.
Kuttan, R., Donnelly, P., Di Ferrante, N. “Collagen treated with (+) -catechin becomes resistant to the action of mammalian collagenase.” Laboratory of Connective Tissue Research, Dept. of Biochem. Baylor Col. of Med., Houston TX. 28, May, 1980.
Gendre, P., Laparra, J., Barraud, E. “Effect protecteur des oligomeres procyanidoliques sur le lathyrisme experimental chez le rat.” Ann. Pharm. Francaises, (43)1, 1985 pp. 61-73.
Corbe, C., Boissin, J.P., Siou, A. Light vision and chorioretinal circulation. Study of the effect of procyanidolic oligomer (Endotelon). Jn. Fr. Opthalmol, (11)5:453-460, 1988.
Boissin, J.P., Corbe C., Siou, A. Chorioretinal circulation and dazzling: use of procyanidol oligomers (Endotelon). Bull Soc Ophtalmol Fr, 88(2):173-4, 177-9, 1988.
Proto, F. et al. Electrophysical study of vitis vinifera procyanoside oligomers effects on retinal function in myopic subjects. Ann Ott Clin Ocul, 114:85-93, 1988.
Saracco, J.B., Estachy, G.M. Etude d l’Endotelon en opthalmologie. Gaz Med de France, 88:2035-2038, 1981.
Scharrer, A., Ober, M. Anthocyanosides in the treatment of retinopathies. Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd, 178:386-389, 1981.
Corbe, C., et al. Microangiopathy of the retina. J. Fr. Opthalmol, 11:453, 1988.
Verin, M.M., Vildy, A., Maurin, J.F., Retinopathies et O.P.C. Bordeaux Medicale, (16)11. pp. 1467-74, 1978.
Soyeux, A. et al. Endotelon. Diabetic retinopathy and hemorheology. Bull Soc Ophtalmol Fr. 87(12):1441-4, 1987.
Fromantin, M. “Les oligomeres procyanidoliques dans le traitement de la fragilite capillaire et de la retinopathie chez les diabetiques. A propos de 26 cas.” Med Int, 16(11):432-434, Nov. 1981.
Arne, J.L. Contribution a l’etude des oligomeres procyanidoliques: Endotelon, dans la retinopathie diabetique (a propos de 30 observations). Gaz. Med. de France, Vol. 89, No. 30, Oct. 8, 1982.
Baruch, J. Effect of Endotelon in postoperative edema. Results of a double-blind study versus placebo in 32 female patients. Ann Chir Plast Esthet 29(4):393-5, 1984.
Rao, C.N. et al. Influence of bioflavonoids on the collagen metabolism in rats with adjuvantinduced arthritis. Ital J Biochem. 30:54-62, 1981.
Gabor, M. Pharmacologic effects of flavonoids on blood vessels. Angiologica, 9:355-374, 1972.
Havsteen, B. Flavonoids, a class of natural products of high pharmacological potency. Biochem Pharmacol, 32:1141-48, 1983.
Reimann, H.J., Lorenz, W., Fischer, M., Frölich, R., Meyer, H.J. Berkhauser Verlag, Vol. 7/1, Univ. of Marburg/Lahn, Ger., 1977.
Masquelier, J. Action protectrice du vin sur l’ulcere gastrique. Resultats, p. 61.
Amella, M., et al. Inhibition of mast cell histamine release by flavonoids and bioflavonoids. Planta Medica, 5116-20, 1985.
Shaw, R. How [Australian] PycnoGenol [MASQUELIER’s®] Helps Sports People.
Masquelier, J. Procyanidolic oligomers (leucocyanidins). Parfums Cosmet Arom 95:89-97, 1990.
Pecking, A., Desprez-Curely, J.P., Megret, G. Oligomers procyanidoliques (Endotelon) dans le traitement des lymphoedemes post-therepeutiques de members superieurs. Symposium Satellite, Congres International d’Angiologie, Toulouse, France, 4-7 Oct. 1989.
Fahey, T.D., Pearl M. Hormonal effects of phosphatidylserine during 2 weeks of intense training. Abstract submitted to national meeting of the Amer College of Sports Medicine, June 1998.
Monteleone, P., Maj, M., Beinat, L., Natale, M., Kemali, D. Blunting by chronic phosphatidylserine administration of the stress-induced activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis in healthy men. Eur J Clin Pharm 43: 385–388, 1992.
Fahey, T.D., et al. The hormonal and perceptive effects of phosphatidylserine administration during two weeks of resistive exercise-induced overtraining. Bio of Sport 15(3):135-44, 1998.
Laparra, J., Michaud, J. Masquelier, J. Action des oligomeres procyanidoliques sur le cobaye carence en vitamin c. Tavaux Originaux, University of Bordeaux, 1976.
Masquelier, J. Action comparee de divers facteurs vitaminiques p sur l’oxydation de l’acide ascorbique par les ions cuivriques. Bull. de la Societe de Chimie Biologique XXXIII (3-4) 1951. pp. 302-304.
Masquelier, J. Action comparee de divers facteurs vitaminiques p sur l’acide ascorbique-oxydase. Bull. de la Societe de Chimie Biologique XXXIII (3,4) 1951. pp.304-306
Kakegawa, H., Matsumoto, H., Endo, K., Satoh, T., Nonaka, G., Mishioka, I. “Inhibitory effects of tannins on hyaluronidase activation and on the degranulation from rat mesentery mast cells.” Chem. Pharm. Bull. 33(11)1985. 5079-5082.
Reiman, H.J., Lorenz, M., Fischer, R., Frolich, H., Meyer, J. “Histamine and acute haemorrhagic lesions in rat gastric mucosa: prevention of stress ulcer formulation by (+)-catechin, an inhibitor of specific histidine decarboxylase in vitro.” Dirkhauser Verlag,Vol. 7/1, 1977.
Pariente, J.J. Parientl-Amsellem, J. “Les oedemes post-traumatoqies chez le sportif: essai controle de l’Endothelon.” Actualite Therapeutique 90(3) 2/11 1983 pp. 231-235.
Masquelier, J., et al. “Flavonoids et Pycnogenols” Int J Vit Nut Res, (49)3:307-311, 1979.
Yu, C. L. et al. Mutagenicity of proanthocyanidins. Food Chem. Toxicol. 25(2):135-9, 1987.
Pantaleoni, G.C., Quaglino, D. Univerisity of Aquila Pharmacol-Toxicologica Report, 1971.
Laparra, J., et al., Acta Therapeutica, 4:233, 1978.
Volkner, Wolfgang Muller, Ewald, Micronucleus assay in bone marrow cells of the mouse with Pycnogenol. Cytotest Cell Research GmbH & Co., projects 143010 & 143021; Feb. 1989.
Acute and chronic toxicity tests. International Bio-Research, Inc., Hanover, Germany, 1967-1971.
Dumon, M., Michaud, J., Masquelier, J. Proanthocyanidin content in vegetable extracts to be used in the preparation of medicines. Bull. Soc. Pharm. Bordeaux, 129:51-65, 1990.