Grape Seed Extract Health Benefits

Grape seed extract is derived from the small seeds of red grapes. The active ingredients are called oligomerc procyanidolic complexes or OPC for short. Grape seed extract contains more than 20 times the antioxidant properties of vitamin C and 50 times more than vitamin E. Studies have shown that grape seed extract exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-cancerous health benefits.

Blood Pressure and LDL

• According to one study, grape seed extract demonstrated the ability to lower blood pressure. Individuals were given either a placebo or 150-300 mg of grape seed extract. "The average drop in systolic pressure was 12 millimeter. The average drop in diastolic pressure was 8 millimeter" said the study's lead researcher, C. Tissa Kappagoda. Kappagoda added that the group taking a higher dose of grape seed extract also had reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

Cancer

• Other studies have found that grape seed extract may prevent the expansion and growth of breast, stomach, colon, prostate and lung cancer cells in laboratory tests. Grape seed extract may also be helpful in preventing damage to human liver cells that can be caused by chemotherapy and other medications during treatment.

  In addition, antioxidants, such as grape seed extract, have been reported to possibly be beneficial in cancer prevention. Although grape seed has only been studied in laboratories in the United States for its anti-cancer effects (no human studies), the antioxidant properties of grape seed have been seen as favorable.

Pancreas

• In one study, patients with chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), grape seed extract showed promise. It appeared to significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of symptoms such as abdominal pain and nausea. This occurred even after conventional medications failed to help. These results are very preliminary and further studies will be needed to confirm these findings.

Inflammation and Vision

• Additional studies have found that grape seed extract may inhibit chemicals that cause inflammation in the body. These inflammatory changes that have been studied are of joints and mucosal linings. This would be useful in individuals that suffer from allergies, asthma and arthritic pain.

  Grape seed extract may also be of benefit in individuals with specific vision disorders such as corneal ulcerations, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration and vitreous degeneration.

Dosage and Cautions

• Dosage range is 25-100 mg, one to three times a day. The most common dosage is 50 mg twice a day.

  Studies have reported that grape seed may affect the blood's clotting ability and could alter the effects of certain medications. If you are using any other medications check with your pharmacist or physician before using grape seed extract or any dietary supplements.