Ancient Egyptians first used grapes for medicinal purposes more than 6,000 years ago. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, its juices have been used as an elixir, its leaves used to remedy wounds and the sap from its vines used to treat skin and eye disorders. After grapes are pressed for wine, the seeds are removed from the pulp and harvested for its oil. The resulting extract can improve multiple conditions.
Heart Health Benefits
Chinese researchers found that grapeseed extract can impact plaque buildup in blood vessels. Their report showed that laboratory mice exhibited less buildup of artery-clogging plaques than those in the controls groups. The scientists concluded that grape seed reduces the vascular endothelium damage.
Protecting the Liver During Cancer Therapy
Radiation treatments for individuals with cancer can inadvertently damage the liver. A study by Erciyes University published in the Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology showed that grapeseed extract protected the liver cells of rats from damage. The extract strengthened the cell membranes by resisting oxidation and allowing the body to bounce back from the toxic effects of radiation therapy.
Topical Wound Care
Scientists at The Ohio State University Medical Center tested grapeseed extract's effect on treating skin lacerations. Using the Chinese study on blood vessel health as its basis, the researchers found that chemicals within grapeseed extract "accelerated wound contraction and closure" of wounds on inflicted on the back of mice.
Eliminating Colon Cancer Cells
Preliminary studies have shown the grapeseed extract can impact cancer cell development in the human colon. A 2008 study conducted at the University of Colorado-Denver looked at grapeseed extract use as a primary therapy for colon cancer, as opposed to its more common use as a complementary medicine. The group's findings showed impact on the three common colon cancer cell lines-LoVo, HT29 and SW480.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Grapeseed
- Journal of Hygiene Research: Study of anti-atherosclerosic effect...
- Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology: The effect of grape seed extract...
- Free Radical Biology & Medicine: Dermal wound healing properties...
- Nutrition and Cancer: Grape seed extract induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human colon carcinoma cells.
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