Ultimate Herbals Guide: Grape Seed Extract

Grape Seed Extract: Your Herb Guide

What is Grape Seed Extract?

This Herb Guide provides everything you need to know about grape seed extract- it’s common names, how and why it’s used, whether it works and what it works for best, research conducted, whether it’s safe to use and the potential side effects and cautions.

Grape seeds that are used to produce grape seed extract are generally obtained from wine manufacturers. Since Ancient Greek times, the leaves and the fruit of the grape have been used for medicinal purposes.

Common Name - Grape Seed Extract

Latin Name - Vitis Vinifera

What conditions is Grape Seed Extract used to treat?

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.

In what form does Grape Seed Extract supplements come?

Grape seed extract is prepared from the seed of grapes. It is available in capsule and tablet forms.

What the Science Says

Does Grape Seed Extract work? If so, prove it!

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 extract has 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 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.
Other studies are evaluating whether grape seed extract is effective in preventing breast and prostate cancers.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (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

Are grape seed Extract supplements safe? What should I be careful of while taking it?

Grape seed extract is generally well tolerated when taken orally (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.

Content Created/Medically Reviewed by our Expert Doctors