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Home > SUPPLEMENT RESEARCH > Grape Seed
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Grapeseed Extracts from Herbal Powers

Grape Seed

Common Name: Vitis vinifera

The flavonoid-rich active compound in grape seed is one of nature's most potent antioxidant. Grape seeds are an excellent source of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC's) and have been the subject of clinical research in France for their antioxidant activity. Proanthocyanidins, a group of polyphenolic bioflavonoids, have been reported to exhibit a wide range of biological, pharmacological and chemoprotective properties against oxygen free radicals. Grape seed extract may effectively penetrates cell membranes throughout the body with its antioxidant properties. It can even cross into the brain (traversing the blood-brain barrier) to protect brain cells from free-radical damage.

According to a study published on Res Commun Mol Pathol Pharmacology, At a 100 mg/l concentration, Grape Seed Extract exhibited 78- 81% inhibition of superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical. Under similar conditions, vitamin C inhibited these two oxygen free radicals by approximately 12-19%, while Vitamin E inhibited the two radicals by 36-44%. The combination of superoxide dismutase (SOD)and catalase inhibited superoxide anion by approximately 83%, while mannitol resulted in an 87% inhibition of hydroxyl radical. The results demonstrate that Grape Seed Extract is a more potent scavenger of oxygen free radicals as compared to vitamin C and Vitamin E, as almost as strong as SOD, and just a little weaker compared to mannitol.

Benefits of Grape Seed Extract:

  • Promote Development of Collagen: Studies suggest that the active components of grape seed inhibit the destruction of collagen structures. Support of collagen structures is important to the overall health of the tiny capillaries that supply energy to the body’s tissues. Studies involving people with various circulation problems have showed that majority of the people taking the grape seed extract are showing improvement in their condition.
  • Potent Antioxidant: Grape seed extract are naturally rich in these antioxidants, with an extra-ordinary class of bioflavonoids called proanthocyanidins that are even more powerful than vitamins E and C. OPC may scavenge many types of harmful free-radicals that can damage cell membranes while supporting healthy blood flow.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Grape seed extract may inhibit the release of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, a pain and inflammation-causing chemical.
  • Healthy Skin: Grape Seed Extract are also naturally high in silicon, a mineral essential for healthy, soft, smooth skin. Grape Seed Extract may keep collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid within the skin in good shape by blocking enzymes that might disrupt their chemical structure. Its flavonoids also inhibit allergic reactions that can generate skin problems.
  • Radioprotective Effects: Grape Seed Extract (92% proanthocyanidins) was found to be more radioactive protective against chromosomal damage induced by X-rays, compared to rutin, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ascorbic acid, 6- n-propyl-2-thiouracil-6c (PTU), and diosmin. This may be due to the antioxidant property of Grape Seed Extract and its ability to scavenge free radicals.
  • Protectant to the heart: Grape Seed Extract is a potent antioxidant that may prevent the plaque development that can clog arteries and provide protective support to the cardiovascular system.
  • Improve HDL Cholesterol: Other studies have suggested that using 2 tablespoons a day of grape seed oil (which is related to grape seed extract)to replace other oils in cooking could increase HDL ("good") cholesterol by 14% and reduce triglycerides by 15% in just four weeks.
  • Protectant to the Eye: Grape seed extract improves blood flow in the eye's tiny vessels and warding off the free-radical damage that cause eye macular degeneration. In addition, findings of one recent study indicate that taking 300 mg of Grape Seed Extract daily, will ease eyestrain and enhance perception of contrast after just 60 days, especially useful for people who stare at computer monitors for extended periods.

 

 

Recomended Dosage: Always use a grape seed extract that is standardized to contain 92% to 95% Proanthocyanidin.

  • For antioxidant and anti-aging benefits: Take 100 mg each morning. Smokers should take 100 mg three times a day.
  • For Eye health: Take 100mg-200mg once a day.
  • For Healthy skin: Take 100mg twice a day.
  • For Cardiovascular health: Take 100mg twice a day.

Research

Polyphenol glucosylating activity in cell suspensions of grape (Vitis vinifera). Krasnow MN, Murphy TM. Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, USA, Jun 2004.

Genotoxic evaluation of a vinifera skin extract that present pharmacological activities. Aiub C, Stankevicins L, da Costa V, Ferreira F, Mazzei J, Ribeiro da Silva A, Soares de Moura R, Felzenszwalb I. Departamento de Biofisica e Biometria e, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Jun 2004.

Major flavonoids in grape seeds and skins: antioxidant capacity of catechin, epicatechin, and gallic acid. Yilmaz Y, Toledo RT. Department of Food Science and Technology, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA, Jan 2004.

Procyanidins from grape seeds protect endothelial cells from peroxynitrite damage and enhance endothelium-dependent relaxation in human artery: new evidences for cardio-protection. Aldini G, Carini M, Piccoli A, Rossoni G, Facino RM. Istituto Chimico Farmaceutico Tossicologico, University of Milan, Viale Abruzzi Milan, Italy, Oct 2003.

Antihypertensive, vasodilator and antioxidant effects of a vinifera grape skin extract. Soares De Moura R, Costa Viana FS, Souza MA, Kovary K, Guedes DC, Oliveira EP, Rubenich LM, Carvalho LC, Oliveira RM, Tano T, Gusmao Correia ML. Department of Pharmacology, IBRAG-CB State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Nov 2002.

Synergistic antioxidative properties of phenolics from natural origin toward low-density lipoproteins depend on the oxidation system. Shafiee M, Carbonneau MA, d'Huart JB, Descomps B, Leger CL. Laboratoire de Nutrition Humaine et Atherogenese, UPRES-EA 2033, Faculte de Medecine, Universite de Montpellier I, F-34060, Montpellier, France, 2002.

Articles

"Grape Seed Extract's: Wonder AntiOxidant", Chris Kilham, www.medicinehunter.com.


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