Grape Seed Extract

Common Name(s)

grape seed extract

Scientific Name(s)

Vitis vinifera

General Information

The leaves and fruit of the grape have been used medicinally since ancient Greece.

How is this product usually used?

Grape seed extract is prepared from the seed of grapes. It is available in capsule and tablet forms.

For adults, the daily dosage should not exceed 475 mg of grape seed extract per day, standardized to 70% to 85% oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC).

What is this product used for?

Grape seed extract is used as an antioxidant to help maintain health and to relieve symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (e.g., tingling, feeling of heaviness in the legs).

Grape seed extract is also used for conditions related to the heart and blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

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.

Grape seed extract is also used for cancer prevention and wound healing.

Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What else should I be aware of?

Studies have found that some compounds of grape seed extract may be effective in relieving symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (when veins have problems sending blood from the legs back to the heart) and reducing edema (swelling) after an injury or surgery. It may require at least 1 month to see the benefits of grape seed extract when used for this purpose.

There is limited evidence to support the efficacy of grape seed extract in treating other conditions.

Grape seed extract is generally well-tolerated when taken by mouth. Side effects that have been reported include abdominal pain, diarrhea, dry mouth, upset stomach, headache, join pain, and nausea. In rare cases, people may develop signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat, hives, or difficulty breathing.

Grape seed extract may cause changes in the way the body processes drugs, and could potentially alter the effects of many drugs. It is also known to interact with the following:

• anticoagulants (e.g., apixaban, warfarin)
• cyclosporine
• midazolam
• vitamin C

Contact your health care provider before taking grape seed extract if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Grape seed extract may increase your risk of bleeding. Ask your health care provider before taking it if you have a bleeding disorder. Stop taking grape seed extract at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Grape seed extract should not be taken for more than 3 months or if your symptoms worsen.

Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.

Source(s)

1. Health Canada. Grape Seed Extract Monograph.  https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq.do?atid=grape.seed.extract&lang=eng.
2. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Grape.