Grape Seed Extract
Keywords: antioxidants, breast cancer, prostate
cancer
© USDA
Introduction
This fact sheet provides basic information about grape seed extract—uses, potential side effects,
and resources for more information. The grape seeds used to produce grape seed
extract are generally obtained from wine manufacturers. The leaves and fruit of the grape have been used
medicinally since ancient Greece.
Common Name—grape seed extract
Latin Name—Vitis vinifera
What It Is Used For
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Grape seed extract is used for conditions related to the heart and blood
vessels, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure,
high cholesterol, and poor circulation.
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Other reasons for the use of grape seed extract include complications related to diabetes, such
as nerve and eye damage; vision problems, such as macular degeneration (which can cause
blindness); and swelling after an injury or surgery.
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Grape seed extract is also used for cancer prevention and wound
healing.
How It Is Used
What the Science Says
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Laboratory studies have shown that grape seed contains antioxidants-substances that prevent cell damage
caused by free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that can damage cell function. However, it
is still unclear how grape seed might affect human health.
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Grape seed extract has shown some beneficial antioxidant effects in preliminary clinical trials.
However, few trials have looked at specific diseases or conditions, and little scientific evidence is
available.
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A study funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) found that grape seed extract did not reduce the
hardening of breast tissue that can occur after radiation therapy for breast cancer.
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NCI is also funding studies evaluating whether grape seed extract is effective in preventing breast and
prostate cancers.
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NCCAM is studying whether the action of grape seed extract and its components may benefit the heart or
have protective effects in the brain.
Side Effects and Cautions
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Grape seed extract is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth. It has been used safely for up to 8
weeks in clinical trials.
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Side effects that have been reported most often include headache; a dry, itchy scalp; dizziness; and
nausea.
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The interactions between grape seed extract and medicines or other supplements have not been carefully
studied.
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Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a
full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
Source
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Clouatre DL, Kandaswami C. Grape seed extract. In:
Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY:
Marcel Dekker; 2005:309–325.
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Grape. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web
site. Accessed on March 13, 2007.
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Grape seed (Vitis vinifera, Vitis coignetiae).
Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed on March 13, 2007.
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