Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed extracts are derived from whole grape seeds that have a high concentration of vitamin E, linoleic acid and flavonoids with the main class of flavonoids being a group called proanthocyanidins.

Proanthocyanidins are a class of biologically active flavonoids found throughout the plant kingdom, and are one of the most potent antioxidants in nature. Typically concentrated in the bark of trees and in the outer shells of seeds, proanthocyanidins help protect plants against oxidative elements such as oxygen and sunshine. One of the richest sources of proanthocyanidins in nature is grape seeds. Recent studies in animals, as well as some human studies, have shown that grape seed proanthocyanidin extracts possess a broad spectrum of biological, pharmacological and chemoprotective properties against free radicals and oxidative stress. Some grape seed extracts have also been reported to promote collagen formation, enhance cardiovascular health and improve microcirculation. There is a growing body of scientific evidence to suggest that proanthocyanidins are far more powerful antioxidants than vitamins C, E or beta-carotene and that they may prevent many of the effects related to premature aging and protect the body’s cells against the toxic effects of drug induced, chemical and environmental pollutants.

Another polyphenol naturally present in grape seeds is resveratrol, which is being investigated for its possible effect on cancer cell growth, proliferation or apoptosis (programmed cell death) of cells, and other potential chemopreventive mechanisms.

Preliminary research using disease models is investigating the beneficial properties of grape seed extract for the treatment of :

• Skin and wounds – induced vascular endothelial growth factor and accelerated healing of injured skin in mice.
• Teeth – seed phenolics may inhibit oral sugar metabolism and retard growth of certain bacteria that cause dental caries.
• Bones – grape seed extracts enhanced bone density and strength in experimental animals.
• In vitro cancer studies – grape seed proanthocyanidins for decreasing tumor numbers and reducing the malignancy of papillomas.
• Ultraviolet damage – dietary proanthocyanidins are under study for mechanisms against carcinogenesis and for sunscreen protection.
• Anti-viral effects.
• Liver function.
• Blood flow and fluid balance.

The potential for beneficial effects of grape seed extracts in human disease and health issues has been studied in a number of controlled clinical trials, in particular conditions such as breast cancer, and cardiovascular diseases and health issues such as post menopausal hormonal imbalance.

1. Joshi SS; Kuszynski CA; Bagchi D. The cellular and molecular basis of health benefits of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2001 Jun;2(2):187-200.
2. Feringa HH; Laskey DA; Dickson JE; Coleman CI. The effect of grape seed extract on cardiovascular risk markers: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Am Diet Assoc. 2011 Aug;111(8):1173-81. doi: 10.1016/j.jada.2011.05.015.
3. Manjinder Kaur; Chapla Agarwal; Rajesh Agarwal. Anticancer and Cancer Chemopreventive Potential of Grape Seed Extract and Other Grape-Based Products. J Nutr. 2009 September; 139(9): 1806S-1812S.
4. Bagchi D, Sen CK, Ray SD, Das DK, Bagchi M, Preuss HG, Vinson JA. Molecular mechanisms of cardioprotection by a novel grape seed proanthocyanidin extract. Mutat Res. 2003 Feb-Mar;523-524:87-97.
5. Bagchi D, Bagchi M, Stohs SJ, Das DK, Ray SD, Kuszynski CA, Joshi SS, Pruess HG. Free radicals and grape seed proanthocyanidin extract: importance in human health and disease prevention. Toxicology. 2000 Aug 7;148(2-3):187-97.