Grapes are a delicious fruit that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Grape seeds are a byproduct of wine production, and the seeds are ground to make grape seed oil. It has been used for thousands of years, from the ancient Egyptians to European folk healers, to treat a variety of illnesses. Today, scientists are doing research on grape seed oil's antioxidant properties.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Chronic venous insufficiency is caused by an inability of the leg veins to pump blood back to your heart properly. Pain, heaviness, fatigue and visible veins result from blood pooling in your legs. Antioxidants in grape seeds called oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes are believed to relieve symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency. A study by Kieswetter, et al. found that patients receiving red vine leaf extract daily had reduced incidence of leg edema and relief of symptoms compared to those receiving a placebo. According to University of Maryland Medical Center, the dosage for chronic venous insufficiency is150 to 300 mg of a standard extract daily. See your health care provider before attempting to treat this disorder with grape seed oil.
Cholesterol
Grape seed oil may play a role in lowering cholesterol levels. Besides the 3500 mg of antioxidants found in 100 g of dry grape seeds, grape seed oil contains healthy unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. According to UMMC, a preliminary study has shown promising results that a combination of grape seed oil and chromium taken for two months can lower both total cholesterol and LDL, the cholesterol that clogs your arteries. However, more studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of grape seed oil on cholesterol maintenance.
Hypertension
UMMC indicates that the antioxidants in grape seed oil may help prevent hypertension by protecting blood vessels from damage since damaged blood vessels can lead to increased blood pressure. Most studies completed on the use of grape seed oil to treat hypertension have been done on animals, but they showed promising results. Cardiovascular researchers at University of California Davis performed the first human study on the effects of grape seed oil and extract on hypertensive patients. One group of patients received a placebo, while two other groups received different doses of grape seed extract. Researchers found that both groups receiving grape seed extract experienced blood pressure drops. The group receiving the higher dosage also saw decreased blood cholesterol levels. As more human research is done, grape seed oil may play a prominent role in the treatment and prevention of high blood pressure.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Grapeseed
- Merk.com: Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Postphlebitic Syndrome
- PubMed.gov: Efficacy of orally administered extract of red vine leaf AS 195 in chronic venous insufficiency. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
- Drugs.com: Grapeseed Oil
- University of California Davis Health System: UC Davis Study Shows Grape Seed Extract may be Effective in Reducing Blood Pressure
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