Overview

Grapes are the fruit of grapevines. Vitis vinifera and Vitis labrusca are two common grapevine species. Vitis labrusca is commonly known as Concord grapes. The whole fruit, skin, leaves and seed of the grape plant are used as medicine. Grape seeds are by-products of the manufacturing of wine. Be careful not to confuse grape with grapefruit, and other similar sounding medicines.

Grape is used for poor circulation that can cause the legs to swell (chronic venous insufficiency or CVI) or for eye stress. Various grape products are also commonly used for diseases of the heart and blood vessels, other eye problems, gastrointestinal health, and many other conditions. But there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Fruit

Primary Functions:

Poor circulation

Also Known As:

Activin, Black Grape Raisins, Calzin, Draksha, Enocianina, European Wine Grape

How Does It Work?

Grape contains flavonoids, which can have antioxidant effects, lower the levels of low density lipoproteins (LDLs, or "bad cholesterol"), relax blood vessels, and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. The antioxidants in grape might help to prevent heart disease and have other potentially beneficial effects. Red grape varieties provide more antioxidants than white or blush grape varieties.

Grape leaf might reduce inflammation and have astringent effects. In other words, grape leaf seems to be able to draw tissue together, which could help stop bleeding and diarrhea. These properties appear to be greatest in the red leaves.

Uses

• Poor circulation that can cause the legs to swell (chronic venous insufficiency or CVI). Taking grape seed extract or proanthocyanidin, a chemical in grape seeds, by mouth seems to reduce symptoms of CVI such as tired or heavy legs, tension, and tingling and pain. Research suggests that taking a specific grape leaf extract by mouth decreases leg swelling after 6 weeks.
• Eye stress. Taking grape seed extract by mouth might help decrease stress on the eyes from glare.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

ADULTS
BY MOUTH:

  For poor circulation that can cause the legs to swell (chronic venous insufficiency or CVI):

• A standardized red vine grape extract knows as AS 195 360 mg or 720 mg once daily for 6 to 12 weeks has been used.
• A specific grape seed extract containing proanthocyanidin 150-300 mg daily for one month has also been used. Proanthocyanidin is one of the active ingredients in grape.

  For eye stress:

• A specific grape seed extract containing proanthocyanidin 200 mg daily for 5 weeks has been used.
• Grape seed extract proanthocyanidin at a dose of 300 mg per day has also been used.

Grape Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to take grape seed extract?

Grape seed extract is generally well tolerated when taken in moderate amounts. It has been tested safely for up to 14 weeks in studies of people. It's possibly unsafe if you have a bleeding disorder or are going to have surgery or if you take anticoagulants (blood thinners), such as warfarin or aspirin.

Is grape seed extract a blood thinner?

Anticoagulants (blood thinners): Grape seed extract may act as a blood thinner, and could increase the risk of bleeding if taken with other blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin.

What is the best grape seed extract?

Jazzee Grape Seed Extract (GSE) offers very good quality at a bargain price. The wife has high blood pressure and GSE is helping to lower it. Her results have been so good that we have recommended this product to family members and friends.

What does grape seed extract do for skin?

Soften and Smooth Your Skin

Grape seed oil is rich, moisturizing and gentle; massage therapists sometimes reach for it to give their treatments an extra skin-hydrating benefit. Grape seed extract, meanwhile, delivers vitamin E, a nutrient that concentrates in the membranes of skin cells and helps hold on to moisture.

Who should not take grape seed extract?

Interactions. If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using grape seed extract. It could interact with drugs like blood thinners, NSAID painkillers (like aspirin, Advil, and Aleve), certain heart medicines, cancer treatments, and others.

Does grape seed extract reduce inflammation?

Grape seed extract (GSE) is a dietary supplement made from the seeds of grapes. It's a potent source of antioxidants, particularly proanthocyanidins. The antioxidants in GSE may help alleviate the oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissue damage that can occur alongside chronic diseases.

Does grape seed extract increase testosterone?

To document that grape seed extract taken orally will decrease plasma estrogen levels (estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and E1-conjugates) and increase precursor androgen levels (testosterone and androstenedione) in healthy postmenopausal women.

Is grape seed extract good for kidneys?

Grape seed and skin extract (GSSE) is known to contain powerful antioxidants. This study is the first to make a link between GSSEs and high-fat-diet-induced renal disease. New insight into grape seed extract as a therapeutic and preventative measure to fight obesity-induced kidney damage is presented in a new study.

Is grape seed extract good for hair?

In hair products, Grape Seed Extract is commonly used as a deep moisturizer, sealant, shine enhancer, and heat protector from blow drying and flat ironing. ... Some call it an Rx for their damaged hair, as it prevents frizz, mends split ends, and helps keep hair stronger and healthier so it can grow longer.

Is grape seed extract an antiviral?

Grape seed extract (GSE) has antiviral activities against hepatitis A virus (HAV) and human norovirus surrogates (feline calicivirus (FCV-F9) and murine norovirus (MNV-1)). GSE appears to be a suitable natural option for foodborne viral reduction.

Can grapeseed oil cause yeast?

A study conducted in Italy examined grape seed extract's ability to attack Candida, a yeast-like parasitic fungus that can, sometimes, cause thrush. Grape seed oil contains flavan-3-ols.

What are the benefits of grape seed?

Here are 10 health benefits of grape seed extract, all based on science.

• Can reduce blood pressure.
• Can improve blood flow
• Could reduce oxidative damage.
• May improve collagen levels and bone strength.
• Supports your brain as it ages.
• Can improve kidney function.
• Can inhibit infectious growth.
• May reduce cancer risk.

What are the side effects of grape seed extract?

Side effects may include headache, itchy scalp, dizziness, and nausea. Risks. People allergic to grapes should not use grape seed extract. If you have a bleeding disorder or high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before you start using grape seed extract.

Why is grapeseed oil bad for you?

For this reason, it's advertised as a good choice for high-heat cooking like frying. However, this may be bad advice, as grapeseed oil is also high in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Because grapeseed oil is incredibly high in polyunsaturated fats, it really is one of the worst oils you could possibly use for frying.

Does grapeseed oil tighten skin?

Our Pure Grapeseed Oil contains fatty acids and polyphenols which can prevent premature aging. It also contains vitamins E C and D which promote moisture and help protect the skin from harmful free radicals. Use our cold-pressed Grapeseed Oil to tighten skin and fight signs of aging.

Does grape seed extract raise blood pressure?

March 27, 2006 -- Grape seed extract might help control blood pressure, a new study shows. The news comes from scientists at the University of California at Davis. They studied 24 adults with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of abnormalities that raises the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Can grape seed extract make you tired?

The presence of an antioxidant known as Naringenin in grape seed extract helps in stabilizing the metabolism of glucose in our body. A sudden drop in our blood sugar levels, is a major reason behind the feeling of general weakness and fatigue we could experience, as the day passes by.

When should I take grape seed extract?

Take grape seed extract at any time of day, but be consistent about when you take it, especially if you are using it to fight a particular condition. To realize a consistent benefit from grape seed extract, you need to take it regularly.

Is grape seed extract good for allergies?

Grape seed extract is said to reduce the production of histamine. This may reduce the severity of nasal allergies. Studies have found that grape seed extract may help symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency.

Is grape seed extract good for arthritis?

Early research suggests that grape seed extract may help to treat rheumatoid arthritis. People with rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from taking grape seed extract, a natural plant-derived extract that is often included in high-quality antioxidant supplements.

Is grape seed extract good for varicose veins?

Grape seed extract: This antioxidant compound has been traditionally used for the treatment of varicose veins and CVI, and has also been shown to help maintain a healthy blood pressure and reduce swelling in the legs.

Does grape seed extract boost immune system?

Strengthens Your Immune System

In addition to its own immune-system-boosting properties, grape seed extract also stimulates the vitamin C already in the body.

 

Clinical Studies