Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera,GSE) is a natural substance available in capsule and tablet form.
However, evidence to support GSE supplementation for any health condition is lacking.
Due to possible blood-thinning effects, those who have hypertension or awaiting surgery shouldn’t take GSE.
Illustration by Anastasia Tretiak for Verywell Health
Likewise, some formulations include peanut skin extract, so those with peanut allergies should avoid the supplement.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
There is insufficient evidence to determine if GSE can improve any of these conditions.
Most research focuses on cardiovascular health, blood pressure, and risk factor modification.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Heart Health
Grape seed extract may have heart-health benefits.
Grape seed extract may be more beneficial for those with obesity.
Further research is still needed before recommending GSE supplementation.
A meta-analysis from 2011 found that GSE significantly lowered systolic blood pressure and heart rate.
The authors suggested a large-scale clinical trial is warranted.
Diabetes
There is some evidence suggesting GSE can be beneficial for people withdiabetes.
More studies are needed.
Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice regarding the treatment or prevention of a health condition.
What Are the Side Effects of Grape Seed Extract?
Grape seed extract is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth.
Therefore, GSE is not recommended for these groups.
Dosage: How Much Grape Seed Extract Should I Take?
Different doses of the extract have been used in research.
However, your recommended dose may vary based on gender, age, weight, and medical history.
If you are considering using GSE, talk with a healthcare provider first.
Self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.
What Happens if I Take Too Much Grape Seed Extract?
There is not enough data to know what could happen should you take too much GSE.
Interactions
Grape seed extract may have a blood-thinning effect.
Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more detailed information on medication interactions.
How to Store Grape Seed Extract
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper storage.
Keep all medications and supplements out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental consumption.
There is not enough evidence to support supplementing GSE if you have cancer.
There is not enough evidence to determine whether or not GSE is good for your liver.
GSE may have a role in improving liver enzymes.
There isn’t enough evidence to support this statement.
However, larger clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings before recommending the use of GSE.
Additionally, only one of the 53 studies looked into GSE.
The antioxidant compound oligomeric proanthocyanidin (OPC) is found in grape skin extracts and grape seeds.
It is marketed for use in several health conditions.
However, research is lacking to support its use.
Most of the research suggests a possible role in supporting heart health.
It may also help reduce high cholesterol, inflammatory markers, and blood pressure.
Still, larger studies are needed to confirm these claims.
If you have concerns about heart health, talk to your healthcare provider first to determine your risk factors.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health.Grape seed extract.
Martinez-Zapata MJ, Vernooij RW, Uriona Tuma SM, et al.Phlebotonics for venous insufficiency.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2016;4(4):CD003229.
A systematic review.Eur J Clin Nutr.
2016;95(33):e4247.
Grape Seed.Penn State Hershey.
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
Health Information Library
Grape.
2/6/2019
Grape Seed.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
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