Leucoanthocyanins

PhytochemicalFlavonoidBest with a meal

What is it

Leucoanthocyanins (also called leucoanthocyanidins or proanthocyanidins) are colorless flavonoid compounds that can be converted to colored anthocyanins under acidic, heated conditions. They are widely found in plant foods including grapes, apples, cocoa, berries, and tea.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Chronic venous insufficiency

Good Evidence

Several RCTs of grape seed and pine bark extracts show modest improvement in symptoms.

Blood pressure / endothelial function

Good Evidence

Meta-analyses suggest modest reductions in BP with proanthocyanidin-rich extracts.

How it works

Leucoanthocyanins serve as building blocks for condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins) and the colored anthocyanin pigments. Functionally, proanthocyanidins are powerful antioxidants with vascular-protective effects: they stabilize collagen, scavenge free radicals, and may improve endothelial function. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) from grape seed and pine bark have been studied for chronic venous insufficiency, blood pressure, and skin health.

Dosage

No formal RDA. Grape seed extract OPCs studies typically use 150-300 mg/day. Pine bark (Pycnogenol) studies use 100-200 mg/day.

When and how to take it

Often taken with meals for tolerability; daily intake matters more than specific timing.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Grape seed extract (OPC)

Common supplement form.

Variable bioavailability of larger oligomers.

Pine bark extract (Pycnogenol)

Branded proanthocyanidin product.

Standardized.

Safety

Generally well tolerated. Mild gastrointestinal upset and headache possible. Allergy to source plant possible.

Who should be cautious

Caution with anticoagulants and before surgery. Pregnancy/breastfeeding data is limited for high-dose extracts.

Interactions

May potentiate anticoagulants and antiplatelets at high doses. May affect blood pressure medications.

Food sources

Grapes

Amount
1 cup
%DV
—

Apples (with skin)

Amount
1 medium
%DV
—

Cocoa

Amount
1 tbsp powder
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Are leucoanthocyanins the same as anthocyanins?⌄

They are precursor compounds; anthocyanins are the colored pigments and proanthocyanidins are the colorless precursors and condensed forms.

Do OPC supplements work?⌄

Modest cardiovascular and venous benefits in clinical trials. Whole food sources also provide them naturally.

References

Leucoanthocyanins on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Leucoanthocyanins (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Leucoanthocyanins with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.