What Are The Benefits Of Grape Seed Supplements?

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, grape seeds are a good source of linoleic acid, vitamin E, flavonoids and a chemical called oligomeric proanthocyanidin complex, or OPC. Supplements are available as liquids, tablets or capsules and, ideally, should contain a standardized extract of 40 to 80 percent OPC, or have more than 95 percent of OPC. The UMMC warns that herbs can interact with other supplements and medications and may have side effects. Grape seed supplements should be taken with care and under the supervision of a doctor. Grape seed supplements should not be taken when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency is caused by problems in the leg veins, resulting in blood not being pumped back up to the heart, explains MedlinePlus. Typical symptoms include cramping, itching, pain, aching, heaviness and swelling of the legs.

In a study published in a 2000 issue of "Arzneimittel Forschung," researchers studied the effect of red vine leaf extract, a specific type of grape leaf extract, on patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency. The patients took either 360mg or 720mg of the red vine leaf extract for 12 weeks. The researchers found that red vine leaf decreased leg edema and improved symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, with the higher dose resulting in a greater and longer-lasting improvement.

Chronic venous insufficiency sufferers should consult a doctor before taking any supplements.

Antioxidant

According to the UMMC, the OPC contained in grape seeds has powerful antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are important to protect cells from the damage that free radicals can cause. Free radicals, explains BreastCancer.org, are produced when molecules split and become unstable, a process called oxidation.
The UMMC adds that free radicals have been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer and heart disease.

Eye Health

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine recommends the use of grape seeds for eye problems, such as macular degeneration, and eye damage that can occur as a complication of diabetes. Patients with eye problems should consult with a doctor before taking a grape seed supplement.