Why grape seed

This may lower the risk of certain cancers. Grape seed has been purported to lower cholesterol and to treat atherosclerosis, but there is insufficient evidence to support these claims. Further research is needed to determine the appropriate use of grape seed extract. The tannins in grape seed extract are active antioxidants and antimutagenics.

Because of this, grape seed extract may protect the lining of blood vessels and other tissues from damage. Grape seed extract may protect against damage from free radicals, oxidized LDLs, and other harmful parts of metabolism. Grape seed extract is said to reduce the production of histamine.

This may reduce the severity of nasal allergies. It may also reduce the premature destruction of vitamin C. Grape seed extract may also act as a smooth muscle relaxant in blood vessels. However, the results have shown that it either made no difference or the effect was not significant enough to support its use for these purposes.

Some note that while the procyadins can be powerful in lab experiments, grape seed extract appears to have poor bioavailability, which means the body may not absorb it efficiently enough to make it worth using. It may be that grape seed extract can offer multiple health benefits, but more research is needed to confirm this. Flaxseed provides some essential nutrients. People can add it to their diet for health reasons, and it plays a role in Ayurvedic medicine. Learn about…. Red wine may have several health benefits, according to research.

Learn about the benefits, risks, evidence, and how much to drink, here. Grapeseed oil is a byproduct of winemaking. It is used as a beauty treatment, as many people prefer to use natural products when it comes to their….

Coconut oil features in many foods and has recently gained a reputation for being healthful. However, experts believe the high levels of saturated fat…. What are the benefits of grape seed extract? Benefits Side effects We include products we think are useful for our readers.

Share on Pinterest Grape seed extract may have a range of health benefits. In lab studies, GSE has been found to inhibit 43 strains of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria Candida is a common yeast-like fungus that can sometimes result in candida overgrowth , or thrush. GSE is widely used in traditional medicine as a remedy for candida. In one study, mice with vaginal candidiasis were given an intravaginal GSE solution every 2 days for 8 days.

The infection was inhibited after 5 days and gone after 8 A high intake of antioxidants, such as flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, are associated with a reduced risk of various cancers The antioxidant activity of GSE has shown potential to inhibit human breast, lung, gastric, oral squamous cell, liver, prostate, and pancreatic cell lines in lab settings 38 , 39 , 40 , In animal studies, GSE has been shown to enhance the effect of different types of chemotherapy 42 , 43 , GSE appears to protect against oxidative stress and liver toxicity while targeting chemotherapy action on the cancerous cells 43 , 44 , A review of 41 animal studies found that either GSE or proanthocyanidins reduced cancer-induced toxicity and damage in all but one of the studies Keep in mind that the anticancer and chemopreventive potential of GSE and its proanthocyanidins may not be directly transferable to people with cancer.

More studies in humans are needed. Your liver plays an important role in detoxifying harmful substances introduced to your body through drugs, viral infections, pollutants, alcohol, and more. In test-tube studies, GSE reduced inflammation, recycled antioxidants, and protected against free radical damage during toxin exposure 46 , 47 , The liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase ALT is a key indicator of liver toxicity, meaning that its levels rise when the liver has sustained damage In one study, 15 people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and subsequent high ALT levels were given GSE for 3 months.

Liver enzymes were monitored monthly, and results were compared with taking 2 grams of vitamin C per day. Several animal studies have found GSE can aid wound healing 50 , 51 , Those using the GSE cream experienced full wound healing after 8 days, while the placebo group took 14 days to heal. These results are most likely due to high levels of proanthocyanidins in GSE triggering the release of growth factors in the skin Dosages of around — mg per day for 8—16 weeks have been found to be safe and well tolerated in humans 4.

Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid it, as there is insufficient data on its effects in these populations. GSE may lower blood pressure, thin your blood, and increase blood flow, so caution is advised for those taking blood-thinning or blood pressure medications 4 , 6 , 7. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining antioxidants with any chemotherapy drugs to make sure they interact safely together, and that they do not interfere with effects of the chemotherapy medications.

Grape seed is available as a dietary supplement in capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. Pediatric Grape seed extracts are not recommended for children. Grapes, however, make a healthy and safe snack for children. Grape seed often comes in standardized extracts with certain levels of proanthocyanidins. Speak to a knowledgeable provider to find the right dose for your issue. 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, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine. Common side effects include nausea, itching, dizziness, stomach upset, diarrhea, headache, sore throat, cough, and rash.

Grape seed extract can potentially affect medications broken down by the liver. Numerous medications are broken down by the liver, so check with your physician. Also, OPCs in grape seed extract may interact with the following:. 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.

If you are taking blood-thinning medications, or have bleeding disorders, ask your doctor before taking grape seed extract. Phenacetin: Drinking grape juice may increase how quickly the body breaks down Phenacetin to get rid of it. This may decrease the effectiveness of the Phenacetin you are taking. Al-Habib A. J Toxicol Sci. Antilisterial activities of polyphenol-rich extracts of grapes and vinification byproducts.

J Agric Food Chem. Molecular mechanisms of cardioprotection by a novel grape seed proanthocyanidin extract. Mutat Res. Banerjee B, Bagchi D. Beneficial effects of a novel IH grape seed proanthocyanidin extract in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis. Belleville J.

The French paradox: possible involvement of ethanol in the protective effect against cardiovascular diseases. Bernstein BJ, Grasso T. Prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use in cancer patients. Bielory L. Complementary and alternative interventions in asthma, allergy, and immunology. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised phase II trial of IH grape seed proanthocyanidin extract GSPE in patients with radiation-induced breast induration.

Radiother Oncol. In vivo antioxidant activity of procyanidin-rich extracts from grape seed and pine Pinus maritima bark in rats. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. Effects of botanical dietary supplements on cardiovascular, cognitive, and metabolic function in males and females. Gend Med.