Botanical: Vitis vinifera
Family: Vitaceae (grape)
Other common names:  Red Wine Extract, OPCs (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins), Muskat,

PCOs (Procyanidolic Oligomers)

Grapeseed is considered to be an exceptionally powerful antioxidant and is said to help protect the

entire body as one of the most effective free-radical fighters ever discovered.  Of all the herbal supplements, Grapeseed ranks at the top of the list in supporting vascular health and promoting healthy cardiac functionby strengthening blood vessels, increasing blood circulation, lowering cholesterol and reducing platelet aggregation (clots) in the blood. 

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History:
Seeds of the fruit of the vine, once discarded as waste after the juice was pressed out for wine, have become the source of an exceptional dietary supplement.  Grapes appear to have originated in the Mediterannean regions of southern Europe and Middle East, thriving in deep, moist, humus-rich, neutral-to-alkaline soil in sun and warm climates; and the grape's hardiness varies according to the cultivar.   Grapes were first cultivated near the Caspian Sea, and their use as food and drink had spread throughout the Mediterranean world before The Bible was written.  They were cultivated in Egypt over four thousand years ago, and even the ancient Greeks believed that wine had wonderful health benefits. Wine was also used by early Minoan and Etruscan civilizations, and we can thank the Roman army for introducing the rootstocks and winemaking throughout Europe as they created an expanding Roman Empire.  Centuries later the role of wine for sacramental use in Christian Churches helped to maintain the industry after the fall of the Roman Empire.   Today, Grapeseeds are known

as an important source of nature's most potent antioxidants, tannin compounds also called proanthocyanidins (also called OPCs for oligomeric procyanidins or PCOs for procyanidolic oligomers). They are classified as flavonols, and the way in which these versatile healing compounds are distinct from flavonoids is their simple chemical structure, which allows them to be readily absorbed into the bloodstream.  They work actively against fat-soluble and water-soluble oxidants, thus protecting the cells from damage.  OPCs may also be derived from Pine Bark and are present in Red Wine Extract, Hops, various flowers, fruits, berries, nuts and beans, but Grapeseed is believed to be the richest source of these important nutrients.   Grapeseed is also rich in beta-carotene, vitamin E compounds and bioflavonoids that exert vitamin-C-like effects.  These constituents strengthen the cell membranes and are free-radical scavengers that protect the cells from oxidative damage and serious disease.

Beneficial Uses:
With regard to good coronary health, Grapeseed has become a popular supplement for preventing heart disease and arteriosclerosis.  Numerous studies now say that the level of antioxidants may be a more significant factor than cholesterol levels in determining the risk of developing heart disease.

The powerful antioxidants in Grapeseed are said to help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol that ultimately leads to the process of arteriosclerosis, and the high flavonoid content in Grapeseed appears capable of significantly reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke.  Grapeseed is said to help reduce platelet aggregation (clotting) in the blood, thereby also reducing the risk of arteriosclerosis, stroke and heart attacks.  Moreover, it appears to raise the levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs or "good" cholesterol) in the blood, while decreasing the low-density lipoproteins (LDLs, or "bad" cholesterol) and thereby help to prevent heart attacks and strokes. The HDL is said to help clear the "bad" cholesterol from the arterial walls and help eliminate it from the body. This action also helps to promote better circulation of blood throughout the body, especially to the heart.

For good vascular health, Grapeseed is considered the best herbal supplement that will maintain the health of capillaries, through which the blood delivers nutrients to individual cells and carries away waste products.

Grapeseed is also said to improve peripheral blood circulation, resulting in less pain and swelling in arms, ankles and legs and fewer nighttime cramps. Use of Grapeseed is thought to relieve numbness and tingling, as well as varicose veins. When the walls of small blood vessels weaken, the fluids they transport leak out, causing swelling, and OPCs strengthen capillary walls by blocking the degradation of the two proteins that give them strength and elasticity, collagen and elastin.  This action stops edema and swelling.  

Grapeseed is believed to significantly improve blood circulation, which benefits both cardiac and cerebral function. Furthermore, because OPCs are able to cross the blood-brain barrier, they can protect the brain and spinal nerves against free radical damage.  Recent studies indicate that Grapeseed's compounds (OPCs) may also be helpful in inhibiting Alzheimer's disease and dementia and possibly improving cognitive and brain function (particularly in women).

As one of the finest antioxidants found in nature, Grapeseed supports the immune system and works to combat free radical damage to cells and tissue and defend the body against serious malignant disease and infection.   It contains an important source of nature's most potent antioxidants, tannin compounds called proanthocyanidins (also called OPCs for oligomeric procyanidins or PCOs for procyanidolic oligomers)  that provide a high degree of antioxidant capacity, which fight free radical damage in the body. These compounds allow the body's cells to absorb vitamin C, which is helpful in protecting cells from the free radicals that can bind to and destroy cellular compounds. Such qualities are believed to be helpful in building the immune system and fighting invasive material and other infections. They are classified as flavonols, and the way in which these versatile healing compounds are distinct from flavonoids is their simple chemical structure, which allows them to be readily absorbed into the bloodstream. They work actively against fat-soluble and water-soluble oxidants, thus protecting the cells from damage. OPCs may also be derived from Pine Bark (the original source) and are present in Red Wine extract, Pomegranate, Hops, various flowers, fruits, berries, nuts and beans. Clinical tests suggest that OPCs may be as much as fifty times more potent than vitamin E and twenty times more potent than vitamin C in terms of bioavailabile antioxidant activity.  Studies have shown that Grapeseed extract not only enhances the development of normal cells, but may also inhibit abnormal cell growth.   Furthermore, Grapeseed tannins may even stimulate cell renewal by interfering with mucosal proteins.

Macular degeneration may be slowed by the use of Grapeseed, and it may also reduce myopia and improve vision that is stressed by computer screens or glare.

Grapeseed's OPCis are said to promote tissue regeneration, strengthen and repair connective tissue, enhance collagen production, revitalize ageing skin and promote tissue elasticity, all of which also helps to reduce the tendency to bruise easily and increases the healing of injuries.

Test tube research has shown that the polyphenols in Grapeseed inhibit the growth of the Streptococcus mutans  bacteria that causes tooth decay.

Grapeseed is said to reduce histamine production, thus moderating allergic and inflammatory responses, and this action has helped many allergy sufferers.

Recent research at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus by professor Sidhartha D. Ray of the University’s Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Science indicates that Grapeseed may protect the liver from damage caused by toxic doses of acetaminophen (a non-prescription pain reliever).

Recommended Dosage:
Take one (1) capsule, one (1) time each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Do not take Grapeseed if you have anemia or if you are taking blood-thinning medication (aspirin, Coumadin, etc.).  Since the tannin content of Grapeseed is high, it may counter the effects of iron supplements and should be taken at a different time.

Capsule Size:
We use only 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose "00" capsules for all of our encapsulated products. (click here for size comparison)

• Grapeseed - Standardized Extract -- Approximately 600 mg. each