Antioxidant Support

Grape Seed Extract Background and Benefits

A grapevine is any member of the Vitis genus, which are deciduous woody vines. Grapes are the fruiting berries of these vines and typically grow in clusters. They have many uses as food, beverages, and health supplements.

Grapes probably originate from the Near East, although grapes are commercially cultivated in temperate climates throughout the world. They have been cultivated for at least 8,000 years, primarily for winemaking. Yeast grows naturally on the skin of grapes, which was a significant factor in the early development of winemaking.

Approximately 60 species of grapes exist, although only a few are commercially significant. Wine is typically made from varieties of V. vinifera, also known as the common grape vine. V. labrusca, commonly known as the fox grape, is typically used for table grapes and grape juice.

Extracts from grape seeds have become popular dietary supplements in recent years. The effectiveness of grape seed extract comes from the pharmacologically active components, including oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs), which have antioxidant properties. This activity provides grape seed extract with the potential to protect cells from free radicals which may cause many types of cellular damage, including age-related conditions.

Antioxidants

A study of healthy subjects showed that grape seed extract significantly increased the antioxidants in their blood. The most significant benefits of grape seed extract include the management of healthy circulation and blood pressure.

Blood Pressure

Grape seed extract induces vasodilation (relaxation of vascular tension), reducing the pressure on blood vessels. One way in which grapeseed extract works is to increase the enzyme called endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). This enzyme is found in blood vessel walls and is responsible for producing nitric oxide. By increasing eNOS, grapeseed extract helps produce more nitric oxide which helps relax the smooth muscle of blood vessels, assisting with the maintenance of healthy blood pressure.

Other Benefits of Grape Seed Extract

A 2019 review of 15 grape seed-related studies also found that grape seed extract intake significantly reduced FPG, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and C-reactive protein (a marker for inflammation).

Oxifend® Grape Seed Extract

Oxifend® Grape Seed Extract is made from green-skinned Sauvignon Blanc grapes that are grown in New Zealand’s Marlborough region. This region is also the premier winemaking region in New Zealand.

Oxifend® Grape Seed Extract is extracted with a proprietary “Aqua Pure®” process that uses only water.

• The grapes are harvested, and the juice is removed with a cold press technique, leaving the skin and seeds.
• The seeds are extracted with water and filtered to separate the seeds from the skins.
• The seeds are then freeze-dried to preserve their antioxidant activity. Oxifend® Grape Seed Extract is completely soluble in water and contains no solvent residues.

Oxifend® Grape Seed Extract has high levels of polyphenols (compounds found in plant-based foods that act as an antioxidant and may lower disease risk), including OPCs with a high molecular weight. It contains 48 percent polyphenols, of which 80 percent are OPCs. The remaining 20 percent of the grape seed extract’s polyphenolic content is epicatechin and epigallocatechin, which have lower molecular weights than OPCs.

Uses of Grape Seed Extract

The most common use of grape seed extract is as a potent antioxidant. It is useful for maintaining healthy blood pressure and supports cardiovascular and digestive health and provides anti-aging benefits for both the skin and eyes.

Signs You May Need Grape Seed Extract

The most significant signs that you may need grape seed extract are generally due to oxidative stress, especially those that affect the cardiovascular system. These signs primarily include unhealthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. You may also benefit from grape seed extract if you suffer from edema, which can cause discomfort, fatigue, and visible veins. Chronic venous insufficiency and atherosclerosis are additional signs that you may need grape seed extract.

Synonyms and Similar Forms of Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed, grapeseed extract

References:

Zhang H, Liu S, Li L, Liu S, Liu S, Mi J, Tian G. The impact of grape seed extract treatment on blood pressure changes: A meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials. Medicine. 2016 Aug;95(33):e4247.

Kar P, Laight D, Shaw KM, Cummings MH. Flavonoid-rich grapeseed extracts: a new approach in high cardiovascular risk patients? Int J Clin Pract. 2006 Nov;60(11):1484-92.

Gupta M, Dey S, Marbaniang D, Pal P, Ray S, Mazumder B. Grape seed extract: having a potential health benefits. J Food Sci Technol. 2020 Apr;57(4):1205-1215.