The invention relates to compositions, such as pharmaceuticals, foods, food additives, or dietary supplements, containing A-type procyanidins, and methods of use thereof, for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of a human or a veterinary animal to treat or prevent NO-responsive health conditions, treat hypertension, cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease and/or vascular circulation disorders, prevent or reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure and/or kidney failure, or to improve blood flow, for example renal blood flow. The composition may optionally contain an additional NO modulating agent and/or a cardiovascular-protective or therapeutic agent, or may be administered in combination with such an agent.