The healing power of grapes has been recognised since ancient times, and harnessed to treat a variety of conditions, from asthma to skin conditions.^1,2 Grape seeds, in particular, contain high concentrations of antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids, catechins and proanthocyanidins. These have been shown to protect against damage-causing free radicals and your enhance body’s ability to fight them. They also support the body’s wound healing process and may inhibit tissue damage and inflammation.^3,4 You can find grapeseed extract as either capsules or as grapeseed oil.

Benefits of grapeseed extract

What does grapeseed extract do in the body?

Grapeseed extract is rich in a whole host of beneficial plant chemicals called polyphenols, for example quercetin and resveratrol. Each of these has an antioxidant effect in the body, working to protect our cells from free-radical damage.⁵ Here’s how this powerful combination of polyphenols can support your health: It can support your heart: a 2016 review of 16 clinical trials in Medicine concluded that grapeseed extract has a beneficial impact on blood pressure, particularly in younger or overweight people.6 Experts say antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress, which can narrow blood vessels and contribute to high blood pressure.7 A 2011 study by the US Yale School of Medicine found that grapeseed also helps lower your heart rate.⁸ It may protect your brain as it ages: grape polyphenols can help protect cognitive function by preventing neurological damage caused by free radicals, according to a 2017 study published in Frontiers of Pharmacology. Older adults who took 150mg of grapeseed extract daily showed improved attention, language and memory after 12 weeks.⁹ It can improve blood flow: the active compounds in grapeseed extract appear to improve circulation. A 2013 Japanese study found that when healthy women were given grapeseed extract and then asked to sit still for six hours, they had less bloating and leg swelling than the control group.¹⁰ It can reduce inflammation: grape polyphenols – 60-70% of which are found in the seeds – can reduce levels of chronic inflammation in the body, according to a 2014 study in Nutrients. The researchers suggested that they do this by reducing the number of harmful free radicals, and by modulating the body’s normal inflammatory response.¹¹

Dosage

How much grapeseed extract is safe to take?

In studies, participants have safely taken doses of 300-800mg a day for 8-16 weeks, and these have been well- tolerated.¹² Grapeseed extract shouldn’t be taken by children, or pregnant or breast-feeding women, as there are not enough studies to establish safety in these groups. People taking blood-thinning medication or drugs to lower blood pressure should also avoid it, as grapeseed extract may increase the activity of these medications.¹³ If you’re taking anti-anxiety or asthma drugs, muscle relaxants, pain medications, hormone medications or anti-depressants, seek medical advice before taking grapeseed extract.