Grape Seed Extract
From Health Facts
Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-17 (EDT)
See Also | Food Supplements |
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Grape seed extract, as the name suggests, is derived from grapes and contains one of the most beneficial groups of plant bioflavonoids; the proanthocyanidins. Mixtures of proanthocyanidin molecules are commonly referred to as procyanidolic oligomers or PCO.
Food Sources
Grape seed extract is derived from the ground-up seeds of red wine grapes.
Uses
Grape seed extract has been found to have a number of health benefits including:
- Potent antioxidant activity and effective at free-radical scavenging.[1]
- Reduces swelling caused by injury.
- Visual function: Grape seed PCO extract supplementation aids in visual functioning even in healthy individuals. This improvement is due to improved retinal functioning.
- Activin, a constituent in grape seed extract has been found to reduce tissue damage caused by cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury.[2]
- Cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention: The ability for PCOs to protect against these disease is largely due to its antioxidant action. Animal studies have shown that PCO extracts prevent damage to cholesterol and the lining of arteries, and lower blood cholesterol and decrease the size of cholesterol deposits in arteries. They also decrease platelet aggregation and vascular constriction.
- Venous and capillary disorders: such as venous insufficiency, varicose veins, capillary fragility, and disorders of the retina such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Prescribing Considerations
The recommended dosages have not yet been established. To determine what your specific requirements are talk to your naturopathic doctor or other trained medical professional.
- Grape seed extracts are available that contain a total of 92% or 95% PCO. The suggested dosage ranges from 50-300mg/day, with a maintenance dosage in the range of 50-100mg/day.[2]
Safety
Grape seed extract is generally considered safe. Specific safety precautions include:
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
- The safety of grape seed extract has not been established and is best avoided.
- Drug interactions:'
- There are no known drug-herb interactions or strict contraindications to grape seed extract, but due to its mechanism of action it could interact with blood thinners, NSAID painkillers (aspirin, Advil, Aleve, etc.).
References
- ↑ Murray Michael (1996)Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements: The Essential Guide for Improving Your Health Naturally. Prima Publishing.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Murray F (2000) 100 Super Supplements for a Longer Life. Keats Publishing.