Grape seed extract, GSE, consists of a mixture of compounds. The three main active compounds in GSE are polymers, cathechins and oligomers. GSE supplements typically include all three of these substances. Supplement labels may refer to the combination of these compounds as either procyanidolic oligomers, PCOs, or oligomeres procyanodoliques, OPCs. Each of these compounds protect the body from different adverse health conditions. If you are interested in taking GSE supplements, talk to your doctor first.
Polymers
Polymers purportedly protect the body against cancer in your intestinal tract. This was the basis of a mouse study published in the January 2010 issue of "Neoplasia." Researchers found that feeding mice GSE for 6 weeks had chemopreventive effects against intestinal cancer. Specifically, it resulted in a 40 percent decrease in intestinal polyps. In addition to preventing the formation of polyps, GSE was also found to significantly reduce cell proliferation. Findings of this study suggest GSE might prevent such intestinal cancer in humans.
Catechins
Catechins have antioxidant effects and protect the body from illness. They attack viruses, such as the flu and herpes simplex. According to a study published in "Biological Research" in 2002, grape seed extract also has anti-HIV effects because it interferes with HIV receptors and co-receptors. Researchers found that the introduction of grape seed extract to cultures resulted in a lower amount of certain HIV receptors. GSE was also found to cause a cellular decrease in the number of co-receptors. As such, GSE may effectively reduce or prevent the impact of HIV infection.
Oligomers
Oligomers are antioxidants that help prevent the heart from oxidative stress. One of the major contributors to oxidative stress in the heart is obesity. The accumulation of fat associated with obesity also causes chronic inflammation of the heart. According to a study in the March 2011 issue of "Cardiovascular Toxicology," rats on a high-fat diet for 45 days exhibited several adverse cardiac conditions such as enlarged heart, inflammation and a restricted blood supply. However, all of these effects were alleviated by GSE, which suggests it has cardiopreventive effects.
Side Effects
Grape seed extract supplements are generally safe. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, grape seed extract has been used safely in clinical trials that lasted up to 8 weeks. Although side effects are rare, they can be severe. Headaches, nausea and dizziness have been reported as well as severe allergic reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing or closing of the throat. It is unknown whether GSE negatively interacts with other herbs or medications.
References
- "All About Grape Seed Extract"; Dallas Clouatre, Ph D.; 2004
- National Center for Complementary and Alernative Medicine: Grape Seed Extract Side Effects and Cautions
- "Neoplasia"; Dietary Feeding of Intestinal Cancer Prevents Tumorigenesis in APCmin/+ Mice; B. Velmurugan et al; Jan 2010
- "Biological Research"; Grape Seed Extract Proanthocyanidins Downregulate HIV-1 entry coreceptors, CCR2b, CCR3 and CCR5 Gene Expression by Normal Peripheral Blood Mononuclear cells; M.P. Nair et al; 2002
- "Cardiovascular Toxicology"; Grape Seed Extract Alleviates High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity and Heart Dysfunction by Preventing Cardiac Siderosis; K. Charradi et al; March 2011
- Drugs.com: Grape Seed Side Effects
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