Source: University of Mayland Medical Center
Also listed as: Vitis vinifera
The medicinal and nutritional value of grapes ( Vitis vinifera ) has been heralded for thousands of years. Egyptians consumed this
fruit at least 6,000 years ago, and several ancient Greek philosophers
praised the healing power of grapes -- usually in the form of wine.
European folk healers developed an ointment from the sap of grapevines
to cure skin and eye diseases. Grape leaves were used to stop bleeding,
inflammation, and pain, such as the kind brought on by hemorrhoids.
Unripe grapes were used to treat sore throats and dried grapes
(raisins) were used to heal consumption, constipation, and thirst. The
round, ripe, sweet grapes, were used to treat a range of health
problems including cancer, cholera, smallpox, nausea, eye infections,
and skin, kidney, and liver diseases.
Seedless varieties were developed to appeal to fickle consumers, but
researchers are now discovering that many of the health properties of
grapes may actually come from the seeds themselves.
Among other beneficial effects, the active compounds in grape seed
are believed to have antioxidant properties. In fact, a recent study of
healthy volunteers found that supplementation with grape seed extract
substantially increased levels of antioxidants in the blood.
Antioxidants are substances that destroy free radicals -- damaging
compounds in the body that alter cell membranes, tamper with DNA
(genetic material), and even cause cell death. Free radicals occur
naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet
light, radiation, smoke, certain prescription and non-prescription
drugs, and air pollution) can also increase the number of these
damaging particles. Free radicals are believed to contribute to the
aging process as well as the development of a number of health
problems, including heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants found in
grape seeds can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help
prevent some of the damage they cause.
Grapes are native to Asia near the Caspian Sea, but were brought to
North America and Europe around the 1600s. This plant's climbing vine
has large, jagged leaves, and its stem bark tends to peel. The grapes
may be green, red, or purple.
Vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid, and compounds called
procyanidins (also known as condensed tannins, pycnogenols, and
oligomeric proanthocyanidins or OPCs) are highly concentrated in grape
seeds. These healthful compounds can also be found in lower
concentrations in the skin of the grape. Procyanidins are also found in
grape juice and wine, but in lower concentrations. Resveratrol is
another of grape's healthful compounds which are related to
procyanidins and found mainly in the skins. Resveratrol has gained much
popularity as an antioxidant supplement.
Today, health care professionals use standardized extracts of grape
seed to treat a range of health problems related to free radical
damage, including blood sugar regulation problems, heart disease, and
cancer. Studies in laboratories, animals, and people lend some support
to these uses.
Flavonoids found in red wine have been reported to protect the
heart. They may inhibit the oxidation of LDL ("bad") cholesterol. (LDL
oxidation which can lead to hardening of the arteries or
atherosclerosis). Studies have demonstrated a relationship between
flavonoid intake (from foods) and reduced risk of death from coronary
heart disease.
The Mediterranean diet is comprised of whole grains, fresh fruits
and vegetables, fish, olive oil, and moderate, daily wine consumption.
In a long-term study of 423 patients who suffered a heart attack, those
who followed a Mediterranean diet had a 50 - 70% lower risk of
recurrent heart disease compared with controls who received no special
dietary counseling. Some researchers believe that some of the
beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet are due to flavonoids
found in red wine. (Another well-known theory along these lines is
called "The French Paradox." The belief is that drinking wine protects
those living in France from developing heart disease at as high a rate
as those living in the United States, despite the rich fatty foods they
eat.)
Others speculate that the healthful effects of moderate wine
consumption are due to its alcohol content and not its flavonoid
content. If the flavonoids are contributing to heart protection, then
grape seed extracts offer an important alternative to alcohol,
particularly given the down sides of drinking alcohol (see below). A
third concept is being proposed by a group of researchers who believe
that the beneficial effects of wine may be triggered by a complex
interaction of alcohol and flavonoids. As the controversy of which
ingredient in wine is the most important continues, both grape seed
extracts and red wine continue to be promoted for heart health. In
addition, several test tube and animal studies confirm that
antioxidants from grapes offer cardioprotection in their own right.
It is also important to note that the use of alcohol is not
advocated by the American Heart Association and other organizations
because of the potential for addiction and the other serious
repercussions, such as motor vehicle accidents and the development of
hypertension, liver disease, breast cancer, and weight gain. If you do
drink red wine, you should have no more than 2 glasses (20 g ethanol)
per day.
High cholesterol
A study of 40 people with high cholesterol assessed the effects of
grape seed extract, chromium, a combination of both, or placebo for 2
months. The combination of grape seed extract and chromium was more
effective than either substance alone or placebo in reducing total and
LDL ("bad") cholesterol.
A more recent study tested the effects of a patented grape seed
extract on lipid peroxidation (which aids in the formation of "bad"
cholesterol) in a group of heavy smokers. Twenty-four healthy male
smokers, (aged 50 years or greater) were given either placebo or 2
capsules (75 mg of a grape procyanidin extracts and
soy-phosphatidalcholine), twice daily for 4 weeks. "Bad" cholesterol
levels (low density lipoprotein or LDL) were lower in those taking the
grape seed supplement than those on placebo. The authors concluded that
grape seed extract may help prevent cholesterol oxidation and further
damage to the cardiovascular system in people who smoke.
High blood pressure
Antioxidants, such as grape seed, help protect blood vessels from
damage. Damaged blood vessels can lead to an increased demand on the
heart. In several animal studies, a grape seed extract substantially
reduced blood pressure. Human studies are needed to determine whether
grape seed extract confers the same benefits to people with high blood
pressure.
Pancreatitis
In one recent study of only three patients with chronic pancreatitis
(inflammation of the pancreas), a commercially available grape seed
extract significantly reduced the frequency and intensity of abdominal
pain after conventional medications failed to improve symptoms. Further
studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
Cancer
Studies have found that grape seed extracts may prevent the growth
of breast, stomach, colon, prostate, and lung cancer cells in the
laboratory. Grape seed extract may also be effective in preventing
damage to human liver cells caused by chemotherapy medications.
Antioxidants, such as grape seed extract, have been reported beneficial
in cancer prevention. Although grape seed has not been studied in
humans for its anticancer effects, the antioxidant properties of grape
seed are proven beneficial. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before
combining antioxidants with any chemotherapy drugs to make sure they
interact safely together.
Other conditions
Health care professionals may recommend grape seed extract for a
variety of circulatory ailments (including varicose veins and chronic
venous insufficiency). Grape seed may also be used for other diseases
related to free radical damage (oxidation), including blood sugar
regulation and age-related macular degeneration, an eye disorder that
develops with age and can lead to blindness. Grape seed extract may
help improve night vision and photophobia (sensitivity to light) as
well.
Grape seed extract may also be helpful in those with asthma and
allergies. Several studies support the use of proanthocyanidins, such
as those found in grape seed, as a supplement for allergic conditions
(including airborne and food allergies).
Grape seed is available as a dietary supplement in capsules,
tablets, and liquid extracts. Look for products that are standardized
to 40 - 80% proanthocyanidins or an OPC content of not less than 95%.
Pediatric
There are no known scientific reports on the pediatric use of grape
seed. Therefore, grape seed extracts and supplements are not currently
recommended for children. Whole grapes, however, make a healthy and
safe snack for children.
Adult
To help keep the body health and protect against free radical damage
(oxidation), take 25 - 150 mg of a standardized extract (40 - 80%
proanthocyanidins or 95% OPC value), 1 - 3 times daily.
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the
body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain components that can
trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or
medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under
the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of
botanical medicine.
At the recommended dosage, grape seed is considered safe. However,
pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid grape seed supplements.
There are no known scientific reports of interactions between grape
seed and conventional medications. However, the proanthocyanidin
component of grape seed may increase the chances for bleeding. If you
are taking blood thinning medications or have bleeding disorders, do
not use grape seed without the supervision of a health care provider.
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- Review Date:
1/24/2007
- Reviewed By: Ernest B. Hawkins, MS, BSPharm, RPh, Health Education
Resources; and Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing
in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided
by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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