Grape Seed Extract

Grapes date back to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, who had cultivated the fruit for consumption and wine-making. Throughout history, the fruit as well as other parts of the grapevine have been used by mankind for both nutritive and medicinal purposes. In Europe, folk healers formulated an ointment from the sap of grapevines for treating eye and skin diseases. It is said that grape seed extract was used in the Indian folk medicine for snakebites. Grapes and raisins are considered as a home remedy to relieve constipation. Unripe grapes were used in the treatment of sore throat. The leaves of the grapevine were used to stop bleeding and inflammation.

Grape Seeds and French Paradox

French paradox, indicates the low incidence of heart diseases among French people as compared to those in the western countries. Researchers were of the view that this may be due to the intake of red wine, which is an inseparable part of the French diet. Red wine, made from red grapes, contains flavonoids called oligomeric proanthocyanidins, which are good for cardiovascular health. Grape seeds are rich in these flavonoids and hence this health benefit of red wine was attributed to grape seeds.

It was in the 1970s, when a French biochemist isolated a substance from the grape seed called oligomeric proanthocyanidin, which acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body. Grape seeds, which were considered as a waste product of the wine and juice industry, suddenly transformed to a hot property, for their medicinal value. Today, grape seed extract, made from whole grape seeds, is used by many health care professionals all over the world.

Constituents of Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed extract contains many ingredients, which are beneficial for health. It includes protein, lipids, carbohydrates and polyphenols in the form of flavonoids. The most important among them are polyphenols, which can fight viruses, carcinogens and allergens. Proanthocyanidin, a type of polyphenol, is found abundantly in grape seed extract and has anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and anti-allergic properties. A standardized grape seed extract contains 92 to 95% Proanthocyanidin. Another important constituent is resveratrol, which helps in protecting the brain. Resveratrol is found in the skin and seeds of grapes. It is also said that grape skin contains a plant-protective agent called saponins, which helps in preventing the absorption of cholesterol. Seeds of red grapes are the most preferred ones for making grape seed extract, as they are rich in polyphenols.

Grape Seed Extract - Health Benefits

Health benefits of grape seed extract are due to the presence of the above mentioned ingredients. Research shows that grape seed extract is useful in preventing or treating many diseases.

• Proanthocyanidin in grape seed extract curbs the oxidation of LDL bad cholesterol), which in turn prevents cardiovascular diseases.
• It also prevents aggregation of platelets to form clots, which causes stroke.
• Antioxidants in grape seed extract fight high blood pressure by protecting the blood vessels from damage and also by acting as a muscle relaxant.
• It is good for healthy functioning of the brain, skin and eyes.
• Proanthocyanidin helps to protect the skin from the ultraviolet rays of the sun and also prevents premature aging.
• It makes the capillaries and veins stronger, thereby promoting the health of the cardiovascular system.
• Grape seed extract is said to be useful in preventing the growth of cancer cells in breast, stomach, colon, prostate, and lungs.
• It also helps in the healing of wounds.
• The anti-virus property of the grape seed extract can help in inhibiting HIV virus replication.
• It prevents the growth of bacteria, which cause tooth decay.
• It also helps in increasing the bone density, thereby curbing the chances of contracting osteoporosis.

Grape Seed Extract is available in the form of capsules, tablets or in the liquid form. Intake of grape seed extract may sometimes cause side-effects like headache, dizziness or nausea.

Although, researches are underway to prove the efficacy of the medicinal properties of grape seed extract, many health care professionals administer it to their patients. So far, there is no authentic research regarding the interactions between grape seed extract and other medicines. It would always be safe to consult your doctor before resorting to grape seed extract for any medical treatment.