Tourette syndrome is a serious neurological disorder characterized by repetitive and involuntary motions. Certain medications can help to reduce the symptoms if the motions, or tics, are interfering with normal functioning. Alternative practitioners suggest some vitamins, minerals and herbs may also help to minimize the symptoms associated with Tourette syndrome, although no research backs these claims. Consult your physician before taking grape seed extract or other herbal remedies.
Tourette Syndrome
Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, also known as Tourette syndrome, involves involuntary motor or vocal tics. Physicians often diagnose the disorder during childhood or adolescence. The tics must be repetitive and last longer than a year. There are different types of tics involved in the disorder. Simple tics include facial twitches, eye blinking or shoulder shrugging. Complex tics involve more muscle groups, and examples include hopping, bending or stomping. Vocal tics are often grunting, barking or throat clearing. Treatment is not always necessary for minimal symptoms.
Grape Seed Extract
Grapes contain oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes, or OPCs, which are antioxidants that can help protect your body from certain diseases. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that grape seed extract may be useful in treating a variety of diseases, however, limited scientific research exists. Grape seed extract does boost blood antioxidant levels in healthy adults, but whether the increase in antioxidants lowers your risk for disease is not clear. Some of the uses for grape seed extract include treating edema, high cholesterol, hypertension and cancer.
Tourette Syndrome and Grape Seed Extract
Some naturopaths and alternative practitioners suggest taking grape seed extract if you have Tourette syndrome. Although no valid research has examined grape seed extract and Tourette syndrome, some physicians report that the herbal remedy helps to reduce tics. Many naturopaths recommend other vitamins and minerals as well in the treatment of the disorder. Vitamins high in antioxidants, such as vitamin E, C and B complex, may help to treat Tourette syndrome. Alternative practitioners also suggest that you avoid certain processed foods to minimize tics.
Precautions
Consult your physician before taking grape seed extract. Although it is generally considered safe, grape seed extract may interact with other medications. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that you ensure the product is standardized to 40 to 80 percent proanthocyanidins or has an OPC content no less than 95 percent. Children should not take grape seed extract, although they can receive the same benefits by eating grapes. Adults should take 25 to 150 milligrams of the extract one to three times a day.
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