Grape seed extract has many purported uses, such as treating certain heart and blood vessel conditions and vision disorders. It also may be beneficial for wound healing. Supplement manufacturers usually obtain the grape seeds for extract from wine producers, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Consult a qualified health care provider before using this herbal remedy for wound healing or any other purpose.
Beneficial Components
Grape seed extract is a good source of antioxidants, including vitamin E, flavonoids and linoleic acid. In addition, grape seeds contain high concentrations of beneficial oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes, often referred to simply as proanthocyanidin or OPCs. OPCs may be particularly helpful in the wound healing process. Grape skin contains OPCs in lower concentrations, so grape juice and wine also have these substances, but in smaller amounts.
Expert Insight
In 2002, Ohio State University researchers published results from animal research and laboratory work on human skin cells involving topical grape seed extract. They found that topical grape seed extract worked better for wound healing than a saline solution did, according to an article published in Ohio State Research News. Grape seed extract seemed to increase levels of a compound known as vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF, which helps rebuild damaged blood vessels. These blood vessels then carry more nutrients to rebuild damaged skin tissue. The extract also appeared to boost the formation of epidermal tissue and to increase levels of tenascin, a protein involved in forming connective tissue.
Free Radicals
Topical grape seed also increased the level of free radicals in the wound area. Although free radicals can have negative effects, they clear a wound of bacteria that may be harmful. In addition, free radicals in a wound help generate new blood vessels, according to the Ohio State Research News article.
Other Skin Benefits
Grape seed extract may have other benefits for skin as well. It has been used traditionally for treating burns, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. In addition, taking antioxidants such as grape seed extract orally before exposure to cold may help protect against frostbite and other cold weather skin injuries, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Grape Seed Extract
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Grape Seed
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Grape Seed
- Ohio State Research News; Grape Seed Extract Helps Speed Up Wound Recovery, Study Suggests; Chandan Sen
- "Free Radical Biology and Medicine"; Dermal Wound Healing Properties of Redox-Active Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins; S Khanna, et al.; October 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Frostbite
Member Comments