Gravinol

What is Gravinol?

Gravinol is a natural, "super-antioxidant" ingredient that transforms conventional foods, beverages and cosmetics into functional health products.

Imagine a nutritional bar that reduces muscle fatigue ...a beverage that protects eyesight ...a cereal that strengthens arteries ...or a cosmetic that suppresses rather than masks the effects of aging.

The possibilities are limitless with Gravinol.

Power from Nature

Gravinol is a unique, patented extraction of OPCs from premium grape seeds. It is produced through a proprietary, all-natural process without the use of chemical solvents.

Primary health benefits derived from Gravinol include:

• Cardiovascular
• Digestive
• Exercise Performance
• Skin Care
• Vision

Power from Nature

Grape seeds are a rich source of active phenolic compounds called oligomeric proanthocyanidins, or OPCs. These are nature's super-antioxidants. More powerful than beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E, OPCs protect the body from ravaging free radicals.

Validated by Science

Developed by Japan's Kikkoman Corporation, one of the world's longest continuously operating food companies, Gravinol represents the leading science on OPCs.

Innovation and trust are hallmarks of Kikkoman. So rather than rely on "borrowed" science, the company has conducted rigorous in vivo and in vitro studies specific to Gravinol. Research results include-

• A proprietary technology with 45 international patent applications.
• Confirmation of Gravinol's role as: 1) a natural food preservative that inhibits oxidative deterioration of vitamins, lipids and other vital components, and 2) super-antioxidant for therapeutic and preventative health applications.
• Affirmed status as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) according to scientific procedures set forth in 21 CFR, Part 170.36.

The Next Generation

Gravinol's 100% solubility and transparency in water is ideal for beverages. Its neutral flavor makes it suitable for various flavoring systems. And Gravinol works synergistically with soy to improve the flavor profile and health benefits of soy-based products. In fact, Gravinol is specifically patented for use with soy protein-based foods.

"Gravinol embodies the creative business philosophy under which Kikkoman has operated for centuries," notes Dr. Takuro Koga of Kikkoman's Biochemical Division. "We've taken a common ingredient and expanded its beneficial uses far beyond the original applications. This evolutionary model is building a bridge for customers entering the awakening world of 21st century functional foods and beverages."

Winner of the 1999 Japan Bioscience, Biotechnology and Agrochemistry Society Award for Achievement in Technological Research, Gravinol has already secured the #1 market share position for grape seed extracts in the Japanese market.

Gravinol's impact on the U.S. market is just beginning.

How can Gravinol be used?

Gravinol's product applications are diverse, and increasing with continual new research findings. It is ideally suited for-

1. Processed foods (e.g., nutritional bars, cereals and beverages)
2. Soy-based food products (e.g., sports nutrition drinks and cardiovascular foods based on combinations with isoflavones)
3. Dietary supplements (e.g., allergy, antioxidant, digestive,immune-supportive, physical performance and vascular formulas)
4. Cosmetics (e.g., anti-aging, sunscreen and skin whitening products)
5. Pet and animal feeds

What science supports the use and benefits of Gravinol?

Data has been published on the following physiological functions and uses of proanthocyanidins, including the following:

1. Free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities.DOWNLOAD
2. Improvement and effects on plasma oxidation resistance.
3. Anti-atherosclerotic effects.DOWNLOAD
4. Prevention of stomach ulcers.DOWNLOAD
5. Improving fecal flora and odor in healthy adults.DOWNLOAD

Gravinol Characteristics

Gravinol U.S. Patents

1. Protein food (flavor of protein food improved by proanthocyanidin); U.S. Patent #6,045,849; Ariga, et al. April 4, 2000
2. Anti-atherosclerotic food (A proanthocyanidin and an isoflavone are incorporated into a food); U.S. Patent #6,264,997; Yamakoshi, et al. July 24, 2001
3. Agent for the prevention or treatment of cataracts; U.S. Patent #5,804,597; Yamakoshi, et al. September 8, 1998
4. Deodorant agents for oral use for discharges, and method for relieving odor of discharges; U.S. Patent #6,395,280; Yamakoshi, et al. May 28, 2002
5. Process for preparation of proanthocyanidins; U.S. Patent #5,773,262; Ariga, et al. June 30, 1998
6. Process for improving the property of proanthocyanidins and for preparing an improved proanthocyanidin product; U.S. Patent #5,814,494; Ariga, et al. September 29, 1998