Phytochemicals are a number of chemicals found in plants. Some phytochemicals are found in grape seeds, such as gallic acid and catechins. Scientific studies show that phytochemicals in grape seeds may provide health benefits. However, consult your doctor before trying to prevent, treat or cure any condition with phytochemicals.
Proanthocyanidins
Proanthocyanidins are a group of phytochemicals that have strong antioxidant abilities. This means that they can eliminate harmful substances in the body that cause damage to cells. Therefore, they have been found to protect against cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's, according to an article published in 2011 in "The Biological Activity of Phytochemicals."
Gallic Acid
Gallic acid is a type of phytochemical found in grape seeds with potential anti-cancer benefits. A study published in 2009 in "Pharmaceutical Research" found that gallic acid stopped the spread of prostate cancer in mice. Gallic acid led to apoptosis, or the death of cancerous cells.
Catechins
Grape seeds were found to contain a group of phytochemicals called catechins, in a study published in December 2008 in the "Journal of Food Composition and Analysis." Catechins are also found in green tea and have antioxidant properties. Therefore, catechins may also be responsible for some of the anti-cancer activity observed with grape seed supplementation.
Epicatechin
The December 2008 study in the "Journal of Food Composition and Analysis" found grape seeds to contain epicatechin. Epicatechin is also present in cocoa and tea and is being investigated by scientists in relation to diabetes and heart health.
References
- "The Biological Activity of Phytochemicals"; Fractionation of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins for Bioactivity Assessment; Vaishali Sharma, et al.; 2011
- "Pharmaceutical Research"; Gallic Acid, an Active Constituent of Grape Seed Extract, Exhibits Anti-Proliferative, Pro-Apoptotic and Anti-Tumorigenic Effects Against Prostate Carcinoma Xenograft Growth in Nude Mice; Manjinder Kaur, et al.; 2009
- "Journal of Food Composition and Analysis"; Catechin, Epicatechin, Quercetin, Rutin and Resveratrol in Red Grape: Content, in Vitro Antioxidant Activity and Interactions; P. Iacopinia, et al.; December 2008
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