Grape Seed Extract

What is Grape Seed Extract?

Grape seed extract contains a variety of different compounds that may have medicinal activity. Many of these compounds seem to have antioxidant properties, protecting cells from free radicals. Free radicals play a role in various age-related conditions, such as cancer and heart disease.

There are many claimed benefits of grape seed extract, some of which are more legitimate than others. The supplement is often claimed to be beneficial for preventing cancer, correcting poor night vision, and treating high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

When applied topically, grape seed extract also acts as an alpha-hydroxyl acid, and is used in many cosmetic lotions and creams designed to improve skin tone and diminish fine wrinkles.

Grape seed contains significant amounts of a substance that acts as an anti-inflammatory and has demonstrated an ability to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and provide antioxidant protection

It is also used in a variety of dietary supplements that claim to treat the following conditions:

•    Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
•    High blood pressure (hypertension)
•    High cholesterol
•    Poor circulation
•    Diabetes complications (such as nerve or eye problems)
•    Macular degeneration
•    Swelling after an injury or surgery
•    Cirrhosis of the liver
•    Hay fever or other similar allergies.

Side Effects and Warnings of Grape Seed Extract

Though it is used in many dietary supplements, some people can get annoying side effects such as dizziness, nausea, sore throat, an itchy, dry scalp and coughing. These are normally not life threatening.

Grape seed extract could increase the risk of bleeding, including dangerous internal bleeding. This risk is probably most significant for people with a bleeding disorder or who take "blood thinner" medications. You should immediately consult your health care provider if you find that you have easy bruising, cuts or scrapes that are slow to stop bleeding or gastrointestinal bleeding.

Before you use this or any other dietary supplement, you should consult your doctor to avoid any possible issues when using these products.

Bookmark this:

Bookmark this page