18 Grape Seed Extract Health Benefits
Grapes (Vitis vinifera) are native to Asia near the Caspian Sea, but they were brought to North America and Europe. Grapes have been heralded for their medicinal and nutritional value for thousands of years. Egyptians ate grapes at least 6,000 years ago, and several ancient Greek philosophers praised the healing power of grapes, usually in the form of wine. The leaves and fruit of the grape have also been used medicinally since ancient Greece. European folk healers made an ointment from the sap of grapevines to treat skin and eye diseases. Grape leaves were used to stop bleeding, inflammation, and pain, such as the kind brought on by hemorrhoids. Unripe grapes were used to treat sore throats, and dried grapes (raisins) were used for constipation and thirst. Round, ripe, sweet grapes were used to treat a range of health problems including cancer, cholera, smallpox, nausea, eye infections, and skin, kidney, and liver diseases.
Plant Description of Grapes
Grape plant is a climbing vine and has large, jagged leaves, and its stem bark tends to peel. Grapes are small round or oval berries that feature semi-translucent flesh encased by a smooth skin. The grapes may be green, red, or purple. While table, wine, and raisin grapes come from the same family (Vitaceae) and genus (Vitis) of plant, there are about 60 different species of this plant type, and within these 60 species, there are literally thousands of grape varieties. Table grape varieties are most often larger in size, have been propagated to be seedless, and have relatively thin skins. Wine grapes are usually smaller in size, contain seeds, and have relatively thick skins. Among several different types of benefits, the thicker skin of the wine grapes helps provide the wine with a richer aroma. All types of grapes come in a variety of colors. While green, red, and black are the most commonly consumed color varieties in the U.S., grape colors also include amber/yellow, blue black, crimson, pink, and purple. Although you may also hear the color “white” being used to refer to grapes, “white grapes” are actually green in color.
Chemical constituents in Grape seeds
Few fruits have garnered as much attention in the health research literature as grapes. Part of the reason may be their widespread presence in diets worldwide. With the exception of Antarctica, grapes are cultivated on all of the earth’s continents, and researchers from many different countries have been especially interested in this food. But an even greater part of the reason involves the amazing nutrient composition of grapes themselves. Every year, it seems like the list of health-supportive grape nutrients grows longer, and it can be challenging just to keep up with the many phytonutrients provided by this popular food.
Organized according to science-based categories, the list below will give you a general idea of the phytonutrient richness of grapes. While a single grape variety is unlikely to contain all of the phytonutrients listed below, grapes as a group have been shown to provide us with the following health-supportive nutrients:
Stilbenes, resveratrol, piceatannol, pterostilbene, Flavanols, catechins, epicatechins, procyanidins, proanthocyanidins, viniferones, Flavonols, quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, isorhamnetin, Phenolic Acids, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, Carotenoids, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin.
In addition to the above-listed nutrients, grapes have also been shown to contain the hormone and antioxidant melatonin as well as unique oligopeptides (small protein-like molecules) that have anti-bacterial and other properties.
Grapes have long been classified as a low glycemic index (GI) food, with GI values ranging between 43-53. But having a low GI value is not necessarily the same as having blood sugar benefits. In the case of grapes, recent studies have shown that the low GI value of grapes is also a good indicator of this fruit’s blood sugar benefits. Better blood sugar balance, better insulin regulation, and increased insulin sensitivity have now been connected with intake of grape juices, grape extracts, and individual phytonutrients found in grapes.
Grapes are indeed much-loved, but grapes are not only just a tasty fruit, grape seed also has substantial benefits. Since the 1980s, many studies have been done relating to the health benefits of grape seed, and the results were encouraging. A study of healthy volunteers found that taking grape seed extract did substantially increase levels of antioxidants in their blood. Antioxidants are believed to prevent and control the disease by protecting cells against damage from unstable oxygen molecules, namely free radicals which are harmful compounds in the body that damage DNA (genetic material) and even cause cell death. Free radicals are believed to contribute to aging, as well as the development of a number of health problems, including heart disease and cancer. Medical research has demonstrated significant antioxidant properties of grape seed oligomeric proanthocyanidins. Together with tannins, polyphenols and polyunsaturated fatty acids, these seed constituents display inhibitory activities against several experimental disease models, including the failure of cancer, heart disease and other disorders of oxidative stress.
Vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid, and OPCs are highly concentrated in grape seeds. These compounds can also be found in lower concentrations in the skin of the grape. OPCs are also found in grape juice and wine, but in lower concentrations. Resveratrol is another of grape’s compounds which is related to OPCs and found mainly in the skins. Resveratrol has become very popular as an antioxidant and is being studied in connection with a variety of diseases. The function of grape seed anti-oxidant is more powerful than vitamin C and vitamin E, and may involve radical, cooling, and inhibit the enzyme-action. Oligomer procyanidolic has been declared the most valuable flavonoids in grape seed extract.
Health Benefits of Grape Seed
With their overwhelming number of health-supportive phytonutrients, it is not surprising that grapes have been shown to provide many of our body systems with predictable benefits. Areas of benefit in grape research include the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, immune system, inflammatory system, blood sugar regulating system, and nervous system. Another area of special benefit is cancer prevention, with risk of breast, prostate, and colon cancer emerging as the most likely areas of grape anti-cancer benefits. The following paragraphs will give you a closer look at some key areas of health research on grapes.
Grape seed extract for high cholesterol
There isn’t enough evidence to say whether taking grape seed extract can lower cholesterol, although two preliminary studies showed promising results. A study of 40 people with high cholesterol looked at whether taking grape seed extract, chromium, a combination of both, or placebo for 2 months would lower cholesterol. The combination of grape seed extract and chromium was more effective than either grape seed alone or placebo in lowering total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Another study looked at the effects of a proprietary grape seed extract on lipid peroxidation (the breakdown of fats in the blood) in a group of heavy smokers. In the study, 24 healthy male smokers (aged 50 years or greater) took either placebo or 2 capsules (75 mg of a grape procyanidin extracts and soy phosphatidalcholine), twice daily for 4 weeks. “Bad” LDL cholesterol levels were lower in those taking the grape seed supplement than those taking placebo.
Grape seed extract for Hypertension
Theoretically, grape seed extract might help treat hypertension or high blood pressure. Antioxidants, like the ones found in grape seed, help protect blood vessels from damage. Damaged blood vessels can lead to higher blood pressure. In a 2009 study of subjects with metabolic syndrome, researchers found that four weeks of treatment with grape seed extract lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. There is some evidence that grape seed extract supplements may help lower blood pressure. According to a University of California Davis School of Medicine research study, participants taking grape seed extract experienced significant drops in their blood pressure, with an average 12 mm decrease in systolic and 9 mm decrease in diastolic pressure. While this may be because grape seed’s antioxidants protect blood vessels from damage, more research is needed to fully understand grape seed extract’s effect on hypertension.
Grape seed extract for Venous Insufficiency
Studies have found that some compounds in grape seed extract may be effective in relieving symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (when veins have problems sending blood from the legs back to the heart) and reducing edema (swelling) after an injury or surgery. In chronic venous insufficiency, blood pools in the legs, causing pain, swelling, fatigue, and visible veins. A number of high quality studies have shown that OPCs from grape seed can reduce symptoms.
Grape seed extract for Cardiovascular Benefits
No body system is better situated to reap the benefit of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory molecules in grapes than the cardiovascular system. All cells in our blood need protection from potential oxygen damage (especially in our arteries where oxygen concentration in our blood is especially high). Our blood vessel linings also need strong antioxidant support. Chronic inflammation in our cardiovascular system is also a primary concern for many types of cardiovascular disease, and optimal regulation of inflammatory system activity is especially important in lowering our risk of atherosclerosis and other conditions.
The list of cardio benefits provided by grapes and grape components is perhaps the most impressive of all grape benefits. Despite eating fairly large amounts of saturated fat in their overall diet, the French population as a whole has been observed to have much lower levels of heart disease than would be expected with high saturated fat intake. One of the reasons might be the anti-inflammatory (and antioxidant) support provided to their cardiovascular system on a regular basis by red wine.
All of the following cardio benefits have been demonstrated in research studies on grapes and grape components:
Better blood pressure regulation, including blood pressure reduction if high
Better total cholesterol regulation, including total cholesterol reduction if high
Reduced LDL cholesterol levels
Reduced LDL oxidation
Reduced levels of reactive oxygen molecules in the blood
Reduced likelihood of cell adhesion to the blood vessel walls
Less clumping together of platelet cells, when inappropriate
Enhanced release of nitric oxide from endothelial cells lining the blood vessel walls in situations where vasodilation is needed
Better inflammatory regulation in the blood
Increase levels of glutathione in the blood
Grape seed extract for Vascular Fragility
Small randomized trials have found beneficial effects of grape seed extract for vascular fragility (weakness in small blood vessels). Larger trials are needed to confirm these findings. Antioxidants in Grape seed extract help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals (highly reactive molecules that can damage cell function). Preliminary studies have shown some beneficial antioxidant effects; however, more research is needed.
Grape seed extract for Anti-Cancer Benefits
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of grapes make them a natural protection against cancer because chronic oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can be the key factors in the development of cancer. If our cells get overwhelmed by oxidative stress (damage to cell structure and cell function by overly reactive oxygen-containing molecules) and chronic excessive inflammation, our risk of cell cancer is increased. By providing us with rich supplies of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients, grapes can help us avoid this dangerous combination of chronic oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.
Breast Cancer: Research on grapes, grape components and cancer has focused on three cancer types: breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer. In the case of breast cancer, the grape phytonutrients receiving the most research attention have been the catechins, proanthocyanidins, and stilbenes (especially resveratrol).
Colon cancer: For colon cancer, more research attention has been focused on grape flavonoids and grape anthocyanins. (This research tendency may mean that dark purple, red, and black grapes could end up being better choices for colon cancer prevention than green grapes, even though the jury is still out in this area.) One interesting development in the research on grapes and colon cancer prevention has involved studies on GADF, or grape antioxidant dietary fiber. While GADF is a proprietary product that may eventually be sold in the marketplace as a dietary supplement, the idea that grape fiber and grape antioxidants combine to provide our colon with special support makes perfect sense. Fiber is greatly needed for a healthy colon, and grapes provide us with approximately 1 gram of fiber in every 60 calories. Antioxidants are also needed, and grapes come through strong in the antioxidant category. This antioxidant-plus-fiber combination may be one of the reasons that colon cancer prevention has jumped out in health research on grapes. In the area of prostate cancer, it is the stilbenes (including resveratrol) have been the major focus in research on the anti-cancer properties of grapes.
Grape seed extract for Blood Sugar Benefits
In terms of blood sugar regulation, not all fruits are created equal. Watermelon, for example, has a relatively high glycemic index (GI) value in the range of 70-75, and is not considered to be a food that can be freely eaten by persons having difficulty with blood sugar balance. Grapes, on the other hand, have long been classified as a low glycemic index (GI) food, with GI values ranging between 43-53. In the case of grapes, recent studies have also shown that the low GI value of grapes is a good indicator of this fruit’s blood sugar benefits. Studies have now connected grape intake to better blood sugar balance, better insulin regulation, and increased insulin sensitivity. We suspect that the strong phytonutrient content of grapes plays a key role in providing these blood sugar-related benefits.
Grape seed extract for diabetic retinopathy
Small randomized trials have found beneficial effects of grape seed extract for diabetic retinopathy (an eye problem caused by diabetes).
Grape seed extract for Eye Health
Another important area that grape seed extract can help is eye health. Grape seed extract is frequently recommended to combat macular degeneration, cataracts, and eye strain. Studies have shown that 300 mg daily reduces eye strain from prolonged computer use in 60 days.
Grape seed extract for Edema
Edema — swelling caused by surgery or an injury — seems to go away faster when people take grape seed extract. Edema is common after breast cancer surgery, and one double blind, placebo controlled study found that breast cancer patients who took 600 mg of grape seed extract daily after surgery for 6 months had less edema and pain than those who took placebo. Another study found that people who took grape seed extract after experiencing a sports injury had less swelling than those who took placebo.
Grape seed extract for Cognitive Benefits
Several recent studies on grape extract intake by animals, as well as grape juice intake by humans, suggest that grapes may provide us with some important cognitive benefits. For example, daily consumption of Concord grape juice in a 1-2 cup amount over a period of several months has been shown to improve the scores of study participants on the California Verbal Learning Test. Other studies on animals have shown that excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the brain can be prevented with intake of grape extracts, as can excessive accumulation of beta-amyloid protein in the hippocampus region of the brain. Synthesis of pro-inflammatory messaging molecules in the brain (including IL-6, IL-1B, and TNF-alpha) has also been shown to be reduced by intake of grape extracts. While large-scale human studies are needed to confirm these potential benefits, we expect that grape benefits for our cognitive health will be confirmed in future research.
Grape seed extract for anti-aging and longevity benefits
Several grape phytonutrients are now believed to play a role in longevity. At the top of the list in this area of research is resveratrol (a stilbene phytonutrient present mostly in grape skins, but also in grape seeds and grape flesh). Resveratrol has recently been shown to increase expression of three genes all related to longevity. (These three genes are SirT1s, Fox0s, and PBEFs.) Interestingly, some researchers have shown a parallel between activation of these longevity genes by resveratrol and activation by calorie-restricted diets. In aging and longevity research, our ability to get optimal nutrition for the fewest possible amount of calories is related to our longevity, and the more we can decrease our calories while staying optimally nourished, the better our chances of healthy aging and longevity.
One particular type of phenol found in grape seed is called procyanidin. It was initially discovered in 1936 by Professor Jacques Masquelier, who called it Vitamin P, (although the name didn’t really catch on, and has since fallen out of usage). As well as the disease prevention mentioned above, procyanidins are thought to protect the body from premature ageing. Scientists think they do this by increasing vitamin C levels in the cells and scavenging for toxins so the organs can get rid of them.
Grape seed extract for ADD
Grape seed extract can also be effective in treating conditions such as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), as it aids in regulating the neurotransmitters in the brain and inhibits the breakdown of norepinephrine and dopamine. Grape seed extract is one of the few antioxidants that can help to protect nerve and brain tissue by penetrating the blood brain barrier.
Grape seed extract for Alzheimer’s Disease
Grape seed extract may help delay the development of Alzheimer’s disease, according to an animal study published in 2009. In tests on mice, scientists discovered that grape seed extract eased inflammation and prevented the accumulation of substances known to form the brain plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Grape seed extract for Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Along with their strong antioxidant support, grapes provide us with equally strong anti-inflammatory benefits. Once again, research studies in this area have seldom involved dietary intake of whole grapes, but rather supplemental intake of grape components or grape extracts. Still, we have every reason to believe that these same anti-inflammatory benefits are offered by whole, fresh grapes, perhaps just not to the same extent in a short-term situation (like the few weeks or months that characterize most research studies). Grapes have been determined to lower our risk of excessive and unwanted inflammation in a variety of ways. Many pro-inflammatory messaging molecules can have their activity level reduced by grape intake. These molecules include interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1-beta (IL-1B), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Overproduction of the pro-inflammatory enzymes cyclo-oxygenase 1 and 2 (COX-1 and COX-2) is also less likely following intake of grape components.
Grape seed extract for Anti-Microbial Benefits
Numerous grape phytonutrients have been shown to have anti-microbial properties. These phytonutrients range from common flavonoids like quercetin to less common stilbenes like piceatannol and resveratrol. Recent studies have determined that grapes may also contain unique sets of oligopeptides (short protein-like molecules) that have anti-microbial properties. Exactly how we benefit from these anti-microbial substances in grapes is not yet known. But researchers have begun to speculate about their possible role in helping us prevent microbe-related problems like food-borne illness. While research in this area is clearly in its early stages, it will be interesting to see whether diets that are rich in grapes (or grape products like red wine) turn out to be associated with reduced risk of microbe-related problems like food-borne illness.
Grape seed extract for Wound Recovery
Grape seed supplements also appear helpful in wound recovery, says the Davis Heart and Lung
Research Institute at Ohio State University. A study by OSU researchers found that wounds treated with grape seed extract healed faster and with less scarring than wounds treated with a placebo solution. Grape seed extract seems effective at treating chronic venous insufficiency and diabetic retinopathy, but more research is needed.
Grape seed extract for a Younger looking skin
Procyanidins also bond with collagen, the most abundant protein in the body and a key component of skin, gums, bones, teeth, hair and body tissues.The bonding promotes cell health and skin elasticity, making it seem more youthful, in a process that works almost like a natural face-lift. Procyanidins additionally help protect the body from sun damage, which can also cause premature ageing of the skin.
How to take grape seed extract
You don’t have to drink litres of wine or grape juice, or eat sacks of grape seeds to get these helpful chemicals into your body. Thanks to modern technology, we now have high-quality grape seed extract in the form of supplements. That means you can enjoy all the health-giving properties of grape seed simply by taking a pill. Meanwhile, it’s a bonus to know that all these amazing added benefits are coming from the “waste products” of wine, so that an enjoyable pastime for some folks results in a health boost for millions of others. Grape seed is available as a dietary supplement in capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. Look for products that are standardized to 40 – 80% proanthocyanidins or an OPC content of not less than 95%.
Pediatric
Grape seed extracts are not recommended for children. Whole grapes, however, make a healthy and safe snack for children.
Adult
Grape seed often comes in standardized extracts with certain levels of proanthocyanidins. Speak to a knowledgeable provider to find the right dose for your issue.
Side Effects of Grape Seed Extract
Well tolerated
Grape seed extract is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth. It has been used safely for up to 8 weeks in clinical trials. Not everyone agrees that grape seed extract benefits your health, and more scientific research on grape seed’s effects should be done to clarify the issue. Consult your physician before taking grape seed extract, as it may not be safe for everyone. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not consume grape seed extract supplements. If you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, avoid grape seed extract unless your doctor agrees it is appropriate for you.
Side effects :
The use of herbs is a time honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine. Side effects that have been reported include a dry, itchy scalp, dizziness, headache, high blood pressure, hives, indigestion, nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, sore throat, cough, and rash.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take grape seed supplements.
Interactions
Interactions between grape seed extract and medicines or other supplements have not been carefully studied.
Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
Category: HERBS
