Description
Grape
seed extract is the primary commercial source of a group of powerful
antioxidants known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), also
generically called pycnogenol, a class of flavonoids. Laboratory studies
have indicated OPCs are much more effective than vitamin C and vitamin E
in neutralizing free oxygen radicals, which contribute to organ
degeneration and aging in humans. The primary sources of OPCs are pine
bark extract and grape seed extract. However, the grape seed extract is
more widely recommended for its lower cost and because it contains an
antioxidant not found in pine bark.
General use
Grape
seed extract is a mixture of complex compounds and has a wide range of
therapeutic uses, from preventing cancer and cardiovascular disease to
alleviating symptoms of allergies, ulcers, and cataracts. Its antioxidant
properties are believed to help slow the aging process. Procyanidins, a
group of compounds found in the extract, are thought to increase the
effectiveness of other antioxidants, especially vitamin C and vitamin E,
by helping them regenerate after neutralizing free radicals in the blood
and tissue. OPCs in the extract are water-soluble, making them easily
absorbed by the body. They also are able to cross the stubborn blood-brain
barrier, providing antioxidant protection to the brain and nervous system.
Most of the research on grape seed extract has been done in
Europe
, so many of its
reported benefits have not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration. It is available as an over-the-counter supplement.
According to Varro E.
Tyler
, dean emeritus of the Purdue University School of Pharmacy and
Pharmacal Sciences, the procyanidin compounds found in grape seed extract
are useful in treating vascular disorders They are also antioxidants, or
free-radical scavengers, that help prevent some age-related cancers and
atherosclerosis. Grape seed extract is a relatively new supplement in the
United States
, although it has
been used in
Europe
for several
decades. Its antioxidant properties were realized in the 1980s with the
so-called French paradox, in which researchers discovered that the French
had low rates of heart disease even though their diet was high in
cholesterol. This was credited to their widespread consumption of red
wine. Further research led to the OPCs concentrated in grape seeds.
Cardiovascular disease
European
studies have shown procyanidins to be useful in treating blood vessel
disorders, such as fragile capillaries and poor circulation in the veins.
Components bind to the walls of the capillaries, making them less likely
to break down with the effects of aging. In one European study,
researchers found that treatment with grape seed extract quickly relieved
a chronic condition of poor circulation in the veins. Grape seed extract
has also been beneficial in treating edema, an excessive accumulation of
fluid in tissue. Another use of grape seed extract is in reducing blood
pressure in people with hypertension. A study published in 1998 by
cardiovascular researchers at the
University
of
California
,
Davis
, found that
flavonoids found in the extract helped increase flow in blood vessels,
contributing to better regulation of blood pressure.
Cancer
A
study published in 1998 by a team of researchers at
Creighton
University
,
Georgetown
University
Medical
Center
, and the
University
of
Nebraska
at
Omaha
, reported that
grape seed extract significantly inhibited and sometimes killed human
cancer cells, while promoting the growth of normal healthy cells. The
extract was effective in killing 34-48% of breast, lung, and stomach
cancer cells. It was not effective in destroying leukemia cells. Other
studied have shown grape seed extract, combined with other antioxidants,
can reduce the overall risk of developing cancer.
Respiratory conditions
Grape
seed extract has been found to be beneficial in treating several
respiratory conditions, including asthma, emphysema, allergies, and
sinusitis. Pycnogenol helps inhibit the production of histamines, which
decreases sensitivity to pollens and food allergens, thereby reducing
allergic reactions.
Other conditions
OPCs
in grape seed extract have shown effectiveness in treating a variety of
other conditions. As an anti-inflammatory, it helps prevent swelling of
joints, heals damaged tissue, and eases pain in people with arthritis.
Studies have shown OPCs can stop cataract progression, treat and prevent
glaucoma, and aid in treating several types of retinal disease. One of the
extract's most popular uses is in treating the affects of aging, including
preventing wrinkles by protecting the skin against ultraviolet radiation
damage from sunburn, improving skin elasticity and tone, and helping
reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. There is a wide range of
anecdotal reports of grape seed extract helping treat or reduce the
effects of headaches, hemorrhoids, diabetes, prostate enlargement, and
cellulite, although no clinical research supports these claims.
Preparations
Grape
seed extract is generally available in 50 mg (milligram) and 100 mg
capsules. The acceptable adult daily dosage is 150-200 mg, or 50 mg per 50
lb (22.7 kg) of body weight. In
Europe
, OPCs are
usually prescribed at 300 mg a day
to treat medical conditions such as varicose veins, edema, allergies,
inflammation, and skin aging. The extract contains varying amounts of
proanthocyanics, although this is usually 80-95%. Research in the
United States
and
Europe
has shown it is
most effective when used in combination with other antioxidants,
especially vitamin C and vitamin E. Grape seed extract is fully absorbed
by the body within one hour after consumption. One-half the original dose
is still functional within the body after seven hours.
Precautions
There
are no known precautions associated with grape seed extract. However,
persons with serious conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and
cardiovascular disease should not substitute grape seed extract for their
existing treatments without first consulting with their doctor. There is
no clinical evidence that grape seed extract can cure any of these
conditions. Since grape seed extract is water-soluble, any excess intake
that is not used by the body is eliminated in the urine. Studies have
shown it is not carcinogenic, does not cause birth defects, and does not
cause cells to mutate.
Side effects
Nausea
and upset stomach have been reported on occasion. More rarely, allergic
reactions in the form of temporary skin rashes have occurred in persons
sensitive to grape products. There are no reported serious side effects
associated with taking grape seed extract. It is non-toxic, even at high
dosages.
Interactions
There
are no reported negative interactions associated with grape seed extract.
However, several studies done in the United States and Europe show the
extract has a positive reaction with vitamin C and vitamin E. Studies have
shown that OPCs in grape seed extract are as much as 50 times more potent
than those in vitamin E and up to 20 times more potent than OPCs in
vitamin C.
Key
Terms
Antioxidant
A
substance that opposes oxidation damage in the body caused by free oxygen
radicals.
Atherosclerosis
A
buildup of fatty substances in the inner layers of the arteries.
Flavonoids
Also known
as bioflavonoids, they are a group of about 5,000 substances, mostly
derived from food, that have super antioxidant qualities.
Free
oxygen radicals
Also
called free radicals, these are by-products of oxygen that cause oxidative
damage to the body's cells.
Histamine
A
compound found in tissue that plays a major role in allergic reactions.
Grape
Seed Extract is an antiallergenic, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant, and it strengthens blood vessels, improves skin and aids in
circulation. Researchers have discovered that Grape Seed Extract can
help defeat the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which stops the hair
follicle growth cycle. Grape Seed Extract can help stimulate healthy hair
growth. The active plant constituents in Grape Seed Extract are
proanthocyanidins (OPC).
Grape
Seed Extract is a dietary supplement. No therapeutic claims are made
or implied.
OUR
GRAPE SEED EXTRACT IS PURE ENCAPSULATED EXTRACT - NOT INFERIOR
CAPLETS/TABLETS!
Vegetable Capsules 475 mg.
each.
(each capsule
contains 100 mg Grape Seed Extract and 375 mg of Certified Organic Rose
Hips)
We
are well aware of the benefits of absorption
from vegetable capsules rather than tablets/caplets. Our products are in
the form of high quality powder or encapsulated powder, not inferior
tablet/caplets. We do not add or compress in any additives (good or bad)
of which the consumer would have to pay for. Capsules are easier to
swallow, dissolve faster and are more bioavailable. Moreover, gelatin
based capsules may contain prions which are a precursor to mad cow
disease. With vegetable capsules there is no concern over this potential
hazard. Also, vegetable
capsules do not require the binders like tablets/caplets do to keep them
cohesive, which helps facilitate breakup after ingestion. Our
products are pure and natural!
Absolutely Naturale is the Source for Grape Seed Extract!
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