Spider veins -- like varicose veins -- can result from venous insufficiency, a condition where impaired blood flow from the legs back up to the heart results in blood pooling that enlarges the veins. Spider veins are not as pronounced, however. Research suggests that particular components of grape seed extract can improve venous insufficiency and it has been used in France for spider veins, varicose veins and other vein-related conditions for many years. Grape seed extract appears a generally safe supplement but you should always talk to your doctor before using any supplements, particularly if you take medications or have any medical conditions.
Mechanism of Action
Grape seed contains a rich store of a class of antioxidants called oligomeric proanthocyanidins, or OPCs. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports several "high-quality studies" have shown it can help treat chronic venous insufficiency. It appears to act on the blood vessels in several ways, including improving blood flow and strengthening the walls of the veins.
Dosage
A typical dosage of grapeseed consists of 150 mg to 300 mg daily. Drugs.com notes studies looking at grape seed for venous insufficiency and other conditions have used up to 900 mg. Talk to your doctor about a suggested dose.
Limitations
Grape seed's ability to improve vein health might reduce the formation of new spider veins and improve the appearance of existing ones. It cannot, however, get rid of existing spider veins. You can only achieve that through different types of surgical procedures and even then, the possibility of the veins coming back exists.
Considerations for Use
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes safety of using this supplement has been established up to 12 weeks. Whether using it longer than this would pose any health problems remains unknown. Side effects appear rare with the most common being stomach upset. Grapeseed does not have any officially documented medication interactions. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center reports, however, grape seed extract might increase the effects of blood-thinning medications and affect levels of medicines metabolized by the enzymes P450 3A4 and UGT. Talk to your doctor before using grapeseed if you are pregnant, nursing or have liver or kidney disease.
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