Monograph

What’s twenty times stronger than vitamin E, fifty times stronger than vitamin C, and a free radicals worst nightmare? Grape Seed, also known as proanthocyanidins, is a flavonoid-rich, antioxidant compound that can protect your body from free radical damage. Furthermore, supplementing grape seed with vitamin C magnifies antioxidant activity to create a powerful combination. NUTRAscriptives® Grape Seed is produced using a patented formula, which retains the high antioxidant concentration your body needs to discourage free radical damage.
 

Description

NUTRAscriptives Grape Seed is sourced through ActiVin®, a patented formula produced in the United States. ActiVin® has a unique extraction process that only uses the natural ingredients of water and ethanol (same as red wine) to retain a high antioxidant concentration. Other Grape Seed extractors often use dangerous chemicals that weaken the nutritional benefits and leave toxic residue.

Research

Antioxidant Properties

Several studies suggest Grape Seed extract has the ability to scavenge free radicals and decrease lipid peroxidation offering advanced cellular protection.[1] Its antioxidant activity is even more effective than vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene.[2],[3] Grape Seed extract's properties can significantly protect several vital organs from drug and chemical-induced toxins.[4]

A study conducted by the University of Birmingham observed serum total antioxidant levels among 20 young volunteers finding 300 mg of Grape Seed extract significantly increased antioxidant activity.[5]

By reducing oxidative damage, one study acknowledged the benefits of Grape Seed extract on delaying the aging process. One-hundred mg/day of Grape Seed extract was given for 15 or 30 days to young or aged rats. Grape Seed extract normalized cell function and restored membrane integrity in the aged rats, suggesting supplementation can aid normal cellular function among elderly individuals.[6]

Cardiovascular Health

Lipid peroxidation plays a major role in blood vessel inflammation that leads to plaque formation and cardiovascular disturbances. Lipid peroxidation stems from an excessive formation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL or "bad" cholesterol) that become victim to free radicals. Antioxidant properties, like proanthocyanidins found in Grape Seeds, show promising benefits in stabilizing LDL levels and maintaining cardiovascular health.

Common injury and free radical damage can come to the arteries after they are cleared from plaque buildup. Researchers found that proanthocyanidins reduced the formation of free radicals and had cardioprotective benefits in rats after restoring blood flow to the vessels.[7]

A 21-week study observed that Grape Seed extract decreased LDL levels and protected the vascular endothelium walls (blood vessel lining) maintaining tone in the arteries and stabilizing blood pressure.[8]

A Greek study recruited 30 men with cardiovascular ailments to see if Grape Seed extract would improve endothelial function by improving blood flow dilation in the arteries. Results signified that subjects taking 600 mg of Grape Seed extract had significant improvement in blood flow and endothelial function.[9]

A series of studies conducted at Creighton University have indicated proanthocyanidins have remarkable benefits on heart health by optimizing several cardiovascular functions, including endothelial function and decreased LDL levels. Primarily, proanthocyanidins protect the heart from the dangerous formation of free radicals and oxidative stress.[10]

Additional Information – Dosage & Interactions

Suggested Use

As a dietary supplement, take one capsule daily, or as directed by a physician.

Dosage

Up to 600 mg per day

Precautions

The maximum safe dosage of this supplement has not been determined for children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease. As with all supplement regimens, please consult your physician prior to use.

There are no known adverse reactions with proper supplementation.

Drug Interactions

There are no known interactions with proper supplementation.

*Statements made herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

[1] Bagchi, D, Bagchi, M, Stohs, S, et al. Cellular protection with proanthocyanidins derived from Grape Seeds. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2002 May; 957:260-270.

[2] Bagchi, D, Bagchi, M, Stohs, SJ, et al. Free radicals and Grape Seed proanthocyanidin extract: importance in human health and disease prevention. Toxicology. 2000 Aug; 148(2-3):187-197.

[3] Bagchi, D, Garg, A, et al. Oxygen free radical scavenging abilities of vitamins C and E, and a Grape Seed proanthocyanidin extract in vitro. Res Commun Mol Pathol Pharmacol. 1997 Feb; 95(2):179-189.

[4] Bagchi, D, Ray, SD, Patel, D, Bagchi, M. Protection against drug- and chemical-induced multiorgan toxicity by a novel IH636 Grape Seed proanthocyanidin extract. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 2001; 27(1):3-15.

[5] Nuttall, SL, Kendall, MJ, Bombardelli, E, Morazzoni, P. An evaluation of the antioxidant activity of a tandardized Grape Seed extract, Leucoselect. J Clin Pharm Ther. 1998 Oct; 23(5): 385-389.

[6] Sangeetha, P, Balu, M, Haripriya, D, Panneerselvam, C. Age associated changes in erythrocyte membrane surface charge: Modulatory role of Grape Seed proanthocyanidins. Exp Gerontol. 2005 Oct; 40(10):820-828.

[7] Pataki, T, Bak, I, Kovacs, P, et al. Grape Seed proanthocyanidins improved cardiac recovery during reperfusion after ischemia in isolated rat hearts. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002 May; 75(5):894-899.

[8] Yu, H, Wang, SE, Zhao, C, Xu, G. Study of anti-atherosclerosic effect of Grape Seed extract and its mechanism. Wei Sheng Yan Jin. 2002 Aug; 31(4):263-265.

[9] Lekakis, J, Rallidis, LS, Andreadou, I, et al. Polyphenolic compounds from red grapes acutely improve endothelial function in patients with coronary heart disease. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil. 2005 Dec; 12(6):596-600.

[10] Bagchi, D, Sen, CK, Ray, SD, et al. Molecular mechanisms of cardioprotection by a novel Grape Seed proanthocyanidin extract. Mutat Res. 2003; 523-524:87-97.