Grape seed oil is a natural, medicinal substance extracted from the seeds of fruit produced by the Vitis vinifera plant. The extract has a high concentration of antioxidants, including flavonoids, linoleic acid, vitamin E and oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes -- also called OPCs. Antioxidants help protect your cells against oxidative damage. Grape seed extract is purported to help treat edema, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels. However, additional research is necessary to validate the beneficial effects of grape seed oil extract. Talk with your health care provider about grape seed oil extract side effects before you begin taking this supplement.
No Side Effects
Short-term treatment with appropriate doses of grape seed oil extract typically does not elicit side effects. Health professionals at the University of Maryland Medical Center recommend limiting your treatment with grape seed oil extract to no more than 12 weeks to lower your risk of developing side effects.
Mild Side Effects
Mild side effects associated with grape seed oil extract include elevated blood pressure, dizziness, headache, nausea and indigestion, reports the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Additionally, you may notice that your scalp appears unusually dry or flaky and itches profusely. If any of these side effects become severe or persist, contact your doctor for further evaluation and care.
Medication Interactions
Discuss all your medications with your medical provider before beginning treatment with grape seed oil extract. This supplement may enhance the effects of blood thinners such as warfarin. Use of grape seed oil extract when you are taking blood thinners may increase your risk of developing bleeding complications.
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