Ancient Greek philosophers wrote about the grape's capacity to heal, but only in the last century have scientific studies taken place to identify their specific health benefits. Various parts of grape plant have been used for folk medications, including the juice, skins, seeds and leaves. The medicinal effects of resveratrol, which is one compound being studied found principally in the grape skins, as well as grape seed extract have been investigated for their health benefits.
Composition
Resveratrol is a single compound isolated from grape skin. In contrast, grape seed extract is composed of numerous compounds, each of which have unique health benefits. Grape seed extracts are rich in flavonoids, vitamin E, linoleic acid and oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes, also called OPCs. Resveratrol is a type of molecule called a polyphenol and belongs to a class of molecules produced by plants called stilbenes.
Health Effects of Grape Seed Extract
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that taking grape seed extract improves chronic venous insufficiency, which occurs when your leg veins have trouble pumping blood back to the heart, and edema, which is swelling due to the accumulation of fluids. Many people also take this extract for cancer and heart disease and to improve aging skin; however, not enough scientific evidence yet exists to support these claims. Additionally, the flavonoids in grape see extract may help lower "bad" LDL cholesterol.
Health Effects of Resveratrol
Resveratrol has antioxidant activity, meaning that it prevents damage that free radicals have on DNA, the body's genetic material. Additionally, this compound has multiple effects on cells that may prevent or reduce the severity of cancer, although more research is necessary. This compound also has anti-inflammatory effects and helps prevent blood clots that increase your risks of heart attack or stroke. In addition to other compounds in grape juice and skin, resveratrol also has a protective effect on the heart and can thus reduce risk of heart disease.
Drug Interactions
Both resveratrol and grape seed extract may exacerbate the effect of blood-thinning anti-coagulant drugs like Coumadin or make certain bleeding disorders worse. However, resveratrol and grape seed extract are different in that resveratrol inhibits the activity of cytochrome p450 3A4, which may prevent the metabolism of a number of drugs, including HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and HIV protease inhibitors, antihistamines, benzodiazepines and medicines prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction. Talk to your doctor before beginning a regimen of either resveratrol or grape seed extract.
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