There are several reported benefits of grape seed extract supplements, ranging from improving heart health to preventing cancer. However, experience teaches us not to take the words of supplement manufacturers and marketers at face value. The truth is many supplements do not offer the benefits advertised and may even be detrimental to health. Is this the same with the reported benefits of grape seed extract? Here's what the research says.
Grape seed extract (GSE) is a supplement obtained from the seeds of red wine grapes (Vitis vinifera). The process of obtaining GSE involves manual separation of the seeds from the grapes, air-drying, grinding, and ethanol extraction. The resulting dried seed extract is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, particularly proanthocyanidins.
Considering its high proanthocyanidin quantity, the benefits of grape seed extract unsurprisingly center around its antioxidant properties. Grape seed extract supplements are typically available as capsules and tablets, although some preparations are in liquid form.
Supplement manufacturers and dieticians report several different benefits of grape seed extract. However, it is essential to consider the scientific evidence backing these claims before considering GSE as a viable dietary supplement. Here are these benefits and what science says about them.
Grape seed extract is a rich source of polyphenols and flavonoids with high antioxidant potential. Studies show that their antioxidant properties are higher than other prominent antioxidants like vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene.1 A direct result of the high antioxidant activity of GSE is limiting the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), significantly reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular conditions like atherosclerosis.
The other mechanisms by which GSE provides cardiovascular benefits include reducing blood pressure, inhibiting platelet aggregation, and improving blood flow. Some animal model studies even show that GSE has cardio-protective properties, protecting against myocardial injury. While there is still the need for more human studies sampling a greater population, the results of GSE on heart health are very promising.
Inflammation in itself is not a bad thing, as it is part of the immune system’s natural response to foreign invaders. However, inflammatory responses that persist for too long (chronic inflammation) induce oxidative stress and reduce the antioxidant ability of cells. This can impact several vital organs, including the heart, kidney, and liver.
Also, an increase in oxidative stress in the body can lead to the dysregulation of the NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) Stress Response, which is the system that handles the body’s natural response to stress. The NEM consists of six circuits of related organs, including the Inflammation circuit that helps to keep inflammation in check. Chronic inflammation dysregulates this circuit and can cause a serious condition called Adrenal Fatigue (AF). Adrenal fatigue is a non-Addison's type of adrenal dysfunction in which the body’s stress response cannot keep up with life’s chronic stressors. This condition can further worsen the state of organs, greatly lowering the quality of life.
The anti-inflammatory potential of GSE can have protective effects on the liver and improve kidney function, making it one of the most important benefits of grape seed extract.
The past few decades have seen an increase in the number of people with degenerative brain disorders. Experts believe this is a result of an increase in life expectancy and more effective techniques for diagnosing cases early. While these conditions are incurable, there are ways to limit the cognitive decline they cause. One of these ways is an intake of antioxidants, as they can theoretically protect the brain from age-related oxidative stress.
Therefore, it is only natural that scientists have taken an interest in grape seed extract, which has an abundance of antioxidant-rich procyanidins. However, there is currently no consensus on studies regarding GSE and cognitive decline. Some studies show that daily supplementation of GSE can improve physiological cognitive profiles. Conversely, more recent studies show no significant improvement in cognitive function in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (an early stage of cognitive decline).2
Despite the current lack of conclusive evidence on the positive impact of GSE on cognitive decline, the supplement remains a promising approach in the management of neurodegenerative disorders.
Aside from cognitive decline, GSE may help in preventing other brain conditions. One study found that one of the benefits of grape seed extract is a potent protection against brain ischemia, especially for individuals with a high risk of stroke.3
Wound healing occurs through four main programmed steps: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. These steps involve certain processes, and agents that improve wound healing often target one or more of these steps. In the case of grape seed extract, the process targeted is known as angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels from existing ones.
The angiogenic process requires stimulation by growth factors, with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) being the most important factor. Grape seed extract can trigger the release and expression of VEGF, which enhances wound healing. Researchers also report that GSE can increase the quantity of free radicals at the site of the wound, helping to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms.1
The stimulation of VEGF by grape seed extract goes beyond wound healing, as it can also help in maintaining good skin health.
One of the benefits of grape seed extract is the management of cancer, as the phenolic compounds in the supplement can modulate cell cycle activity. Research indicates that these phenolic compounds can selectively attack cytotoxic cells. Although the exact mechanism of action of these compounds is unknown, the most widely accepted theory links the anticancer effect to its antioxidant activity.
However, despite promising results in studies, there is still a long way to go in proving that this extract has clinically significant effects.
There are essential considerations to ensure you reap the full benefits of grape seed extract. This includes the dose, frequency of use, duration, and time of administration. These are covered below.
There is no one-size-fits-all dose of GSE. The exact dose you use depends on the purpose of use of the supplement. However, most studies use between 300 and 800mg daily for their trials, even rising to 2000mg on some occasions. The best results are usually obtained when the supplement is used in divided doses over the day rather than as a single dose.
In terms of duration of use, there is also no consensus. However, anywhere between 6 and 16 weeks is advisable. Note that GSE supplements cannot and should not replace your normal diet or medications, and any long-term use should be subject to your healthcare provider’s approval.
There are different times of the day when you can use grape seed extract and get faster or better effects and activity. They include between 6 – 8 am, 9 – 11 am, 1 – 3 pm, 5 – 6 pm, and 8 – 10 pm. Again, divided doses over the day are advisable.
In moderate amounts, GSE is well-tolerated. However, some side effects may still arise, including:
HeadacheThe benefits of grape seed extract outweigh any potential risks or side effects for most individuals, and the supplement is generally well-tolerated. However, individuals on blood-thinning medications should steer clear of the GSE, as it also has blood-thinning properties.
Studies on GSE supplements for pregnant and breastfeeding women are also limited, meaning these groups should also avoid the supplement. Individuals with allergies to grapes should also not use GSE.
Despite its high safety margin, you should still talk to your healthcare provider before using it, especially if you are on other medications or have certain health conditions like Adrenal Fatigue.
Grape seed extract and grape seed oil are quite different supplements, despite coming from the same source. The primary difference between the two is their method of preparation. Grape seed oil is obtained through cold pressing of grape seeds, while grape seed extract is obtained from grinding, drying, and ethanol extraction.
The preparation method is different enough for the supplements to have different constituents. Grape seed extract is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, while grape seed oil is rich in linoleic acid and tocopherols.
As a result of their differing composition, grape seed oil has its major use in the cosmetic industry. On the other hand, the benefits of grape seed extract are wider, covering the heart, brain, kidney, liver, skin, and injury sites.
There are several benefits of grape seed extract, including cardiovascular benefits, reducing inflammation, neuroprotection, enhancement of wound healing, and lowering cancer risk. Currently, there aren’t enough studies to prove all of these effects. Still, the available evidence makes the extract a very promising management approach for various heart, brain, kidney, lung, and skin disorders. However, as with other supplements, ensure you speak to your healthcare provider before adding grape seed extract supplements to your diet.
For more information about the benefits of grape seed extract, the team at Dr. Lam Coaching can help. We offer a free, no-obligation phone consultation at +1 (626) 571-1234 where we will privately discuss your symptoms and various options. You can also send us a question through our Ask The Doctor system by clicking here.
Gupta, M., Dey, S., Marbaniang, D., Pal, P., Ray, S., & Mazumder, B. "Grape seed extract: having potential health benefits." Journal of Food Science and Technology, vol. 57, no. 4, Apr. 2020, pp. 1205-1215. https://doi:10.1007/s13197-019-04113-w.
Li, B., Cheng, J., Cheng, G., Zhu, H., Liu, B., Yang, Y., Dai, Q., Li, W., Bao, W., & Rong, S. "The effect of grape seed procyanidins extract on cognitive function in elderly people with mild cognitive impairment: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial." Heliyon, vol. 9, no. 6, 5 Jun. 2023, article e16994. https://doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16994.
Kadri, S., El Ayed, M., Cosette, P., et al. "Neuroprotective effect of grape seed extract on brain ischemia: a proteomic approach." Metabolic Brain Disease, vol. 34, 2019, pp. 889–907. https://doi:10.1007/s11011-019-00396-2.
Grape seed extract can help in neuroprotection against brain ischemia among individuals with a high risk of stroke. However, there are conflicting results on how significant the supplement is in the management of neurodegenerative disorders like mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s, and dementia.
