Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera) is a natural substance available in capsule
and tablet form. It is usually sourced from grape seeds provided by wine manufac turers. Uses for Grape Seed Extract Since ancient Greece, various parts of the grape have been used for medicinal pu rposes. In alternative medicine, grape seed extract is purported to help with th e following conditions: high blood pressure high cholesterol atherosclerosis poor circulation complications due to diabetes constipation gastrointestinal disorders age-related macular degeneration Proponents claim that grape seed oratory studies, scientists have e radicals (chemical by-products r). However, it is still unclear ans.
extract can help protect against cancer. In lab
demonstrated that grape seed can help fight fre known to cause DNA damage associated with cance whether grape seed can lower cancer risk in hum
Health Benefits of Grape Seed Extract
Although scientific support for the benefits of grape seed extract is limited. 1) Diabetes-Related Complications In a 2009 study of 32 type 2 diabetes patients at high cardiovascular risk, part icipants took 600 mg of grape seed extract or a placebo every day for four weeks . Study results showed that grape seed extract significantly improved markers of inflammation and glycemia. The study's authors suggest that grape seed extract may have a therapeutic role in decreasing cardiovascular risk. See Natural Treatments For Diabetes and also Natural Remedies For Diabetes Preve ntion. 2) High Blood Pressure In a 2009 study of subjects with metabolic syndrome, researchers found that four weeks of treatment with grape seed extract lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Metabolic syndrome is marked by a cluster of health problems (including excess b elly fat, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, and inflamm ation) known to raise your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. More: Natural Remedies For High Blood Pressure 3) Alzheimer's Disease Grape seed extract may help delay the development of Alzheimer's disease, accord ing to an animal study published in 2009. In tests on mice, scientists discovere d that grape seed extract eased inflammation and prevented the accumulation of s ubstances known to form the brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.
More: Natural Alzheimer's Prevention.
Caveats Grape seed extract is generally well-tolerated when taken by mouth however it ma y cause adverse effects such as headache, dry or itchy scalp, dizziness, and nau sea. Supplements haven't been tested for safety and due to the fact that dietary supp lements are largely unregulated, the content of some products may differ from wh at is specified on the product label. Also keep in mind that the safety of suppl ements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical cond itions or who are taking medications has not been established. You can get addit ional tips on using supplements here. Using Grape Seed Extract for Health Due to the lack of supporting research, it's too soon to recommend grape seed ex tract for any health purpose. If you considering using it, talk with your primar y care provider first. Self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standa rd care may have serious consequences. Sources: Kar P, Laight D, Rooprai HK, Shaw KM, Cummings M. "Effects of grape seed extract in Type 2 diabetic subjects at high cardiovascular risk: a double blind randomi zed placebo controlled trial examining metabolic markers, vascular tone, inflamm ation, oxidative stress and insulin sensitivity." Diabet Med. 2009 26(5):526-31. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. "Grape Seed Extract [NCCAM Herbs at a Glance http://nccam.nih.gov/health/grapeseed." NCCAM Publicat ion No. D370.?Created March 2007.?Updated May 2008. Sivaprakasapillai B, Edirisinghe I, Randolph J, Steinberg F, Kappagoda T. "Effec t of grape seed extract on blood pressure in subjects with the metabolic syndrom e." Metabolism. 2009 58(12):1743-6. Wang YJ, Thomas P, Zhong JH, Bi FF, Kosaraju S, Pollard A, Fenech M, Zhou XF. "C onsumption of grape seed extract prevents amyloid-beta deposition and attenuates inflammation in brain of an Alzheimer's disease mouse." Neurotox Res. 2009 15(1 ):3-14. Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is intended for educational p urposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment by a lic ensed physician. It is not meant to cover all possible precautions, drug interac tions, circumstances or adverse effects. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your doctor before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen.