Grape Seed
Obtained by grinding the seeds of red grapes, grape seed extract contains procyanidins, also called proanthocyanidins, or flavonoids, which are free radical scavengers. Procyanidins inhibit proteolytic enzymes, including collagenase, elastase, beta-glucuronidase, and hyaluronidase, thereby helping to stabilize collagen. Grape seed oil contains essential fatty acids and vitamin E. It has antioxidant properties that are said to be greater than those of vitamin C or vitamin E.
Grape seed extract also has anticarcinogenic effects. It prevents oxidative damage to cholesterol and may lower the serum cholesterol level. It protects collagen lining the walls of the arteries and stabilizes the vasculature. It also protects the eyes against oxidative damage and prevents diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Grape seed may also prevent dental caries by inhibition of Streptococcus mutans and glucan formation from sucrose. Grape seed is available as tablets, capsules, grape concentrate liquid, and antistax (capsules, drops, cream). Common trade names include Mega Juice, NutraPack, and Activin.
Reported uses
Grape seed is used for its antioxidant properties to prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer. It’s also used to treat venous insufficiency, bruising, edema, and allergic rhinitis. Grape seed is also used as a chemoprotective agent for cancer treatment.
Administration
- Capsules or tablets: Initial dosage is 75 to 300 mg by mouth every day for 3 weeks, then 40 to 80 mg every day
- Liquid concentrate: Dosage is 1 tablespoon (15 ml) mixed in 1 cup of water by mouth.
Hazards
The use of grape seed could lead to hepatotoxicity. Patients with liver dysfunction should use with caution.
Clinical considerations
- If patient has liver dysfunction, monitor liver enzyme tests.
- Grape seed may interfere with the intended therapeutic effect of conventional drugs.
- Grape seed extract may have antiplatelet effects. If a patient is having elective surgery, it may be prudent to stop the supplement 2 to 3 days before surgery. Monitor PT and INR.
- Warn patients not to treat symptoms of vascular insufficiency or circulatory disorders before seeking appropriate medical evaluation because doing so may delay diagnosis of a potentially serious medical condition.
- Advise patient to keep herb away from children and pets.
- Tell patient to notify pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription.
- Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a conventional treatment with proven efficacy may be available.
Research summary
Grape seed extract has been shown to significantly attenuate acetaminophen induced liver toxicity. In a clinical trial of 4,729 patients with peripheral vascular disease, the group treated with grape seed extract (150 mg given twice a day for 90 days) demonstrated significant improvement of function and relief of symptoms. Grape seed extract has been observed in humans to protect the retina from pathologic changes due to aging, fatigue, and stress. It’s also reported to decrease postsurgery facial edema.
Tagged under:beta glucuronidase elective surgery essential fatty acids free radical scavengers grape seed extract grape seed oil Herbs liver dysfunction proteolytic enzymes serum cholesterol level streptococcus mutans Posted by editor on March 18th, 2008 | Filed under Herbs
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