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following information was provided by:
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On this page
- Introduction
- What It Is Used For
- How It Is Used
- What the Science Says
- Side Effects and Cautions
- Sources
- For More Information
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Introduction
This fact sheet provides basic information about
grape
seed extract--uses, potential side effects, and resources for more
information. The grape seeds used to produce this extract are generally
obtained from wine manufacturers.
Common Name--grape seed extract
Latin Name--Vitis vinifera
What It Is Used For
- Grape seed extract is used for conditions related to the
heart and blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the
arteries), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and poor circulation.
- Other
reasons for the use of grape seed extract include complications related
to diabetes, such as nerve and eye damage; vision problems, such as
macular degeneration (which can cause blindness); and swelling after an
injury or surgery.
- Grape seed extract is also used for cancer prevention and
wound healing.
How It Is Used
Grape seed extract is prepared from the seed of grapes. It is
available in capsule and tablet forms.
What the Science Says
- Laboratory studies have shown that grape seed contains
antioxidants-substances that prevent cell damage caused by free
radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that can damage cell
function. However, it is still unclear how grape seed might affect
human health.
- Grape seed extracts have shown some beneficial
antioxidant effects in preliminary clinical trials. However, few trials
have looked at specific diseases or conditions, and little scientific
evidence is available.
- A study funded by the National Cancer
Institute (NCI) found that grape seed extract did not reduce the
hardening of breast tissue that can occur after radiation therapy for
breast cancer.
- NCI is also funding studies evaluating whether grape seed
extract is effective in preventing breast and prostate cancers.
- NCCAM
is studying whether the action of grape seed extract and its components
may benefit the heart or have protective effects in the brain.
Side Effects and Cautions
- Grape seed extract is generally well tolerated when taken
by
mouth. It has been used safely for up to 8 weeks in clinical trials.
- Side effects that have been reported most often include
headache; a dry, itchy scalp; dizziness; and nausea.
- The interactions between grape seed extract and medicines
or other supplements have not been carefully studied.
- Tell
your health care providers about any complementary and alternative
practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage
your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
Sources
Brooker S, Martin S, Pearson A, et al. Double-blind,
placebo-controlled, randomised phase II trial of IH636 grape seed
proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) in patients with radiation-induced
breast induration. Radiotherapy and Oncology.
2006;79(1):45-51.
Clouatre DL, Kandaswami C. Grape seed extract. In:
Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of
Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:309-325.
Grape.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed on March
13, 2007.
Grape seed (Vitis vinifera, Vitis coignetiae). Natural Standard
Database Web site. Accessed on March 13, 2007.
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NCCAM has provided this material for your
information. It is not
intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your
primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions
about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of
any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.
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NCCAM Publication No.
D370
March 2007
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