Grapeseed Extract

Grape seed extract is often derived from red grapes (Vitis vinifera), which are cultivated worldwide. The extract is prepared from the seeds and skins, which are rich in flavanols, especially proanthocyanidins.1,2 The seeds and skins are separated from the grape pomace and washed prior to extraction. The extract is then purified, concentrated, and standardized for proanthocyanidin content before drying.

Health Benefits

Grape seed extract has beneficial antioxidant properties.1-3 Grape seed extract may lower blood glucose levels, which may aid in reducing the risk of the development of diabetes.4 Grapeseed extract may prevent symptoms in chronic venous insufficiency such as: heaviness, itching, and swelling.2,5 Grapeseed extract may improve endothelial function, decrease oxidative stress, and lower blood pressure, playing a role in maintaining healthy circulation and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.3,6,7 Grapeseed extract may prevent photoaging.8

References

  1. Yilmaz Y, Toledo RT. Major flavonoids in grape seeds and skins: antioxidant capacity of catechin, epicatechin, and gallic acid. J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Jan 28;52(2):255-60. PubMed PMID: 14733505.
  2. Castrillejo VM, Romero MM, Esteve M, Ardévol A, Blay M, Bladé C, Arola L, Salvadó MJ. Antioxidant effects of a grapeseed procyanidin extract and oleoyl-estrone in obese Zucker rats. Nutrition. 2011 Nov-Dec;27(11-12):1172-6. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2010.12.010. Epub 2011 Apr 15. PubMed PMID: 21497054.
  3. Kar P, Laight D, Shaw KM, Cummings MH. Flavonoid-rich grapeseed extracts: a new approach in high cardiovascular risk patients? Int J Clin Pract. 2006 Nov;60(11):1484-92. Review. PubMed PMID: 17073843.
  4. Sapwarobol S, Adisakwattana S, Changpeng S, Ratanawachirin W, Tanruttanawong K, Boonyarit W. Postprandial blood glucose response to grape seed extract in healthy participants: A pilot study. Pharmacogn Mag. 2012 Jul;8(31):192-6. PubMed PMID: 23060692
  5. Costantini A, De Bernardi T, Gotti A. [Clinical and capillaroscopic evaluation of chronic uncomplicated venous insufficiency with procyanidins extracted from vitis vinifera]. Minerva Cardioangiol. 1999 Jan-Feb;47(1-2):39-46. Italian. PubMed PMID: 10356940.
  6. Grape Seed Extract. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. NIH. Accessed in July 2015. https://nccih.nih.gov/health/grapeseed/ataglance.htm
  7. Belcaro G, Ledda A, Hu S, Cesarone MR, Feragalli B, Dugall M. Grape seed procyanidins in pre- and mild hypertension: a registry study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:313142. PubMed PMID: 24171039
  8. Costa A, Lindmark L, Arruda LH, Assumpção EC, Ota FS, Pereira Mde O, Langen SS. Clinical, biometric and ultrasound assessment of the effects of daily use of a nutraceutical composed of lycopene, acerola extract, grape seed extract and Biomarine Complex in photoaged human skin. An Bras Dermatol. 2012 Jan-Feb;87(1):52-61. PubMed PMID: 22481651.