Grape Seed Extract
[media id=5 width=500 height=400]
Introduction
This fact sheet provides basic information about grape seed extract—uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. The grape seeds used to produce grape seed extract are generally obtained from wine manufacturers. The leaves and fruit of the grape have been used medicinally since ancient Greece.
Common Name—grape seed extract
Latin Name—Vitis vinifera
What It Is Used For
- Grape seed extract is used for conditions related to the heart and blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and poor circulation.
- Other reasons for the use of grape seed extract include complications related to diabetes, such as nerve and eye damage; vision problems, such as macular degeneration (which can cause blindness); and swelling after an injury or surgery.
- Grape seed extract is also used for cancer prevention and wound healing.
How It Is Used
Grape seed extract is prepared from the seed of grapes. It is available in capsule and tablet forms.
What the Science Says
- Laboratory studies have shown that grape seed contains antioxidants-substances that prevent cell damage caused by free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that can damage cell function. However, it is still unclear how grape seed might affect human health.
- Grape seed extract has shown some beneficial antioxidant effects in preliminary clinical trials. However, few trials have looked at specific diseases or conditions, and little scientific evidence is available.
- A study funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) found that grape seed extract did not reduce the hardening of breast tissue that can occur after radiation therapy for breast cancer.
- NCI is also funding studies evaluating whether grape seed extract is effective in preventing breast and prostate cancers.
- NCCAM is studying whether the action of grape seed extract and its components may benefit the heart or have protective effects in the brain.
Side Effects and Cautions
- Grape seed extract is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth. It has been used safely for up to 8 weeks in clinical trials.
- Side effects that have been reported most often include headache; a dry, itchy scalp; dizziness; and nausea.
- The interactions between grape seed extract and medicines or other supplements have not been carefully studied.
- Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
Grape Seed Extract, Grape Seed Extract types, Grape Seed Extract aliases, Grape Seed Extract source, Grape Seed Extract plants, Grape Seed Extract plant morphology, Grape Seed Extract acquisition, Grape Seed Extract traits, Grape Seed Extract chemical composition, Grape Seed Extract taste, Grape Seed Extract function, Grape Seed Extract functional indications, Grape Seed Extract of the details, Grape Seed Extract information, Grape Seed Extract photos, Grape Seed Extract pictures, Grape Seed Extract videos, Grape Seed Extract photo studio, acupuncture side effects,alternative cancer therapies,alternative health,antioxidant,antioxidant supplement,antioxidant supplements,antioxidant vitamin,antioxidant vitamins,antioxidants,antioxidants health,benefit of grape seed extract,benefits of grape seed extract,benefits of grape seed oil,botanical extract,brain cancer,buy grape seed,buy grape seed extract,buy opc,buy opc 3,cancer,cancer support groups,extract grape oil seed,extraction,food extracts,grape extract,grape fruit seed extract,grape oil,grape seed,grape seed antioxidant,grape seed benefits,grape seed extract,grape seed extract benefits,grape seed extract blood pressure,grape seed extract dog,grape seed extract dogs,grape seed extract dosage,grape seed extract for dog,grape seed extract liquid,grape seed extract side effects,grape seed extract supplement,grape seed extract supplements,grape seed extract uses,grape seed extracts,grape seed oil,grape seed oil benefits,grape seed oil health benefits,grape seed supplement,grape seed supplements,grape seeds extract,grape skin extract,grapefruit extract,grapeseed,grapeseed extract,grapeseed oil,grapeseed oil extract,herbal health,herbs,holistic health,isotonic opc,isotonic opc 3,kidney cancer,liver cancer,muscadine grape seed,muscadine grapes,natural antioxidant,oligomeric proanthocyanidins,opc 3,opc 3 antioxidant,opc antioxidant,opc grape seed,opc grape seed extract,opcs,ovarian cancer,pancreatic cancer,pine bark extract,proanthocyanidin,proanthocyanidins,pycnogenol,red wine extract,resveratrol side effects,seed extract,seeds grape,side effects