With new research emerging yearly, grape seed is reaching a new level of popularity with supplement buying consumers.
With the lifestyle challenges everyone faces today, this growing popularity it likely attributed to the unique antioxidant and cardiovascular support that grape seed provides.
In addition, due to the long history and acceptance of grapes and wine, grape seed extracts have received acceptance almost globally—while other herbal extracts struggle to gain approval.
Here are three studies published in 2020 that add to the growing evidence of grape seed’s diverse health benefits:
1. Meta-analysis proves grape seed extract’s cardiovascular potential
Data published in the journal Phytotherapy Research indicated that grape seed extract was associated with significant decreases in total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. In addition, C‐reactive protein levels were also significantly reduced. Supplementation was also associated with significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose.
The meta-anlaysis was conducted by researchers based in Iran, Croatia and Canada. Information was collected from online databases, including EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science.
Doses used in the studes ranged from 100 mg of a grape seed extract up to 2,000 mg per day. Duration of the studies ranged from four to 25 weeks.
2. Study finds grape seed extract stimulates gut hormones, weight loss
In a study promising for those trying to lose weight, researchers conducting animal studies in Spain made headway in understanding the mechanism by which grape seed extract helps control appetitie.
The researchers found evidence that certain constituents of grape seed extract directly stimulated the release of specific appetite control hormones by the enteroendocrine cells found in the gut.
“Not only the polyphenol’s metabolites, but also some of the original compounds found in grape seed extract may interact with the enteroendocrine cells that are distributed along the gastrointestinal tract,” the authors wrote.
The research was published in June 2020 in the journal Biomolecules.
3. Grape seed extract improves bone loss, bone healing
Another 2020 study, conducted on mice, demonstrated that grape seed extract had the ability to improve bone loss, bone healing and implant osseointegration. (Osseointegration is defined as the direct connection between bone tissue and an implant.)
The study, which was published in Nature in June 2020, was conducted on ovariectomized mice. Ovariectomized mice are mice that have had their ovaries removed. Due to biological similarities with humans, they are commonly used in studies relating to the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in humans.
“We demonstrated that daily oral administration of grape seed extract prevented bone loss in the lumbar vertebrae and femur in ovariectomized mice,” said the authors of the study.
– – –
Details on all three studies, plus other research on grape seed extract, can be found by following the links below.
Grape seed and grape skin extract can be found in Opti-Mito-Force by Optimal Health Systems.
– – –
Sources: Phytotherapy Research (Wiley Online Library), Biomolecules (PubMed.gov), Nature.com/Scientific Reports.
