What is Grape Seed Extract?

Throughout most of Europe, and especially in France, the moderate consumption of red wine is a cultural tradition. In recent years, it has been found to have definite health-promoting properties as well. Now the many benefits of this healthful tradition are available in a convenient standardised form, as grape seed extract.

No one compound can prevent or treat all health problems, but decades of use in Europe have shown grape seed extract to be remarkable versatile.

Modern research into OPCs – the active ingredients in this extract – continues at a brisk pace, but we already have learned enough to cast considerable light on how grape seed extract works.

Our current knowledge of grape seed extract emerged from research conducted at French medical centres, notably at the University of Bordeaux.

Research shows that it is a powerful antioxidant and free-radical scavenger that works extremely well with other antioxidants such as vitamins A and C. Moreover, grape seed extract has a special affinity for the collagen-based tissues of the body. These include the linings of the arteries and the veins, the cartilage of the joints, and the skin.

What can Grape Seed Extract help with?

COLLAGEN PROTECTION –

OPCs effectively protect collagen structures in several ways. They reinforce the collagen matrix of connective tissue, protect against free radical damage, and inhibit collagen damage caused by inflammation and infection. OPCs have been shown to be effective in cases of psoriasis and the hyper-pigmentation disorder melasma (chloasma).

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY –

OPCs protect against free-radical damage, suggested to be a major cause of the ageing process. The antioxidant effect is 50 times greater than that of vitamin C and E. A major advantage of these molecules is that they are taken up into the cell membranes and protect against both water- and fat soluble free-radicals.

VENOUS SUPPORT –

Good clinical evidence has shown OPCs to be effective in treating venous insufficiency, varicose veins, capillary fragility, and disorders of the retina. OPCs appear to improve blood circulation through collagen support and nitric oxide (NO) production.

CARDIO-PROTECTIVE –

OPCs protect fat and cholesterol from oxidation, thus reducing arterial damage leading to heart disease. OPCs have also been shown to lower cholesterol levels, shrink the deposits in the arteries, inhibit platelet aggregation, and inhibit angiotensin 1- converting enzyme (ACE) – much the same effect as ACE inhibitor drugs used in blood pressure regulation. Data suggests that OPC supplementation is effective in reducing systolic blood pressure in mildly hypertensive patients.

Dosage - Standardized Extract: 75-300 mg daily for 3 weeks (for therapeutic purposes), 40-80 mg as antioxidant and maintenance supplement.

Potential Applications - Anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antiatherogenic, antibacterial, antihypercholesterolemic, antioxidant, antiperoxidative, capillary protectant, increases vitamin C absorption, inhibits the destruction of collagen, liver protectant, prevent dental caries, strengthens connective tissue, vascular protectant.

This particular Grape seed extract Contains essential fatty acids, vitamin E, procyanidines. 90-95% proanthocyanidins. PCO or procyanidolic oligomers, are 20 times stronger than Vitamin C and 50 times stronger than Vitamin E as an antioxidant.

Directions: As a food supplement, take one to three capsules daily with food, or as directed by your healthcare professional.

One vegetarian capsule provides:

Ingredient	Weight	%EC NRV
Grape seed extract	100mg
in a base of alfalfa, spirulina and bilberry