Grape Seed Extract
Scientific Name: Grape Seed
Other Names: Muscat, Red Wine Extract, Vitis vinifera
Should I take it?
Among the waste products from the production of wine or grape juice are grape skins and seeds. Grape seeds may be collected from this residue and ground to release a mild oil that is popular for cooking because it has a high resistance to heat and therefore does not burn as much as other cooking oils. Grape seeds and sometimes grape skins, as well, may also be made into oral dosage forms for use as herbal medications.
Dosage and Administration
Oral grape seed extract is available as capsules or tablets usually containing 50 mg or 100 mg. While recommended doses are different for specific uses, a common recommendation for maintaining general health is 50 mg to 200 mg per day. Some manufacturers suggest that doses should be higher for older individuals, and some animal studies have found that even extremely high doses produce few side effects. Because the effects of high doses on humans have not been documented, however, dosing should be limited to no more that recommended on the package of the product being taken.
Grape seed oil is available in bulk for use in preparing and cooking foods. No limits are placed on its use, but it does contain about 120 calories per tablespoon--comparable to other cooking oils. If it replaces normal use of other oils, grape seed oil should not present any problems. Adding it to the diet or taking excessive amounts of it may lead to obesity, however.
Summary
Oral grape seed extract is most used for strengthening blood vessel to treat conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency and retinopathy. As an antioxidant, it may also have effects against cancer, heart disease, viruses, and cell damage caused by toxic chemicals. Topically, grape seed extract may protect against dental cavities and promote wound healing. Oil pressed from grape seeds is a supplemental source of essential fatty acids.
Risks
Pregnant and breast-feeding women should not take grape seed extract, due to limited information about its potential effects on developing babies or infants.
Side Effects
Mild coughing, headaches, and nausea are among the side effects reported by participants in clinical studies of grape seed extract.
Interactions
Possibly, grape seed extract may increase the effects of drugs or herbal products that lessen the blood's ability to form clots. Taking it with vitamin C may raise blood pressure slightly.
Last Revised April 14, 2008
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Should I take it? 
