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10 Benefits of Grape Seed, Based on Science

Medically reviewed by Atli Arnarson BSc, PhD — By Caroline Hill, MHumNutr, BSc on November 5, 2019

Grape Seed (GS) is a dietary supplement made by removing, drying, and pulverizing the bitter-tasting seeds of grapes.

Grape seeds are rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs).

In fact, GS is one of the best-known sources of proanthocyanidins.

Due to its high antioxidant content, GS can help prevent disease and protect against oxidative stress, tissue damage, and inflammation.

Note that Grape Seed and grapefruit seed extract are both marketed as supplements and abbreviated by the acronym GS. This article discusses Grape Seed.

Here are 10 health benefits of Grape Seed, all based on science.

1. Can reduce blood pressure

Several studies have researched the effects of GS on high blood pressure.

A review of 16 studies Trusted Source in 810 people with high blood pressure or an elevated risk of it found that taking 100–2,000 mg of GS daily significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure (the top and bottom number) by an average of 6.08 mmHg and 2.8 mmHg, respectively.

Those under the age of 50 with obesity or a metabolic disorder showed the greatest improvements.

The most promising results came from lower doses of 100–800 mg daily for 8–16 weeks, rather than a single dose of 800 mg or more.

Another study Trusted Source in 29 adults with high blood pressure found that taking 300 mg of GS daily lowered systolic blood pressure by 5.6% and diastolic blood pressure by 4.7% after 6 weeks.

Summary GS may help reduce blood pressure, particularly in young to

Middle-aged people and those who have excess weight.

2. Can improve blood flow

Some studies suggest that GS may improve blood flow.

In an 8-week studyTrusted Source in 17 healthy postmenopausal women, taking 400 mg of GS had blood-thinning effects, potentially reducing the risk of blood clots.

An additional studyTrusted Source in 8 healthy young women assessed the effects of a single 400-mg dose of proanthocyanidin from GS immediately followed by 6 hours of sitting. It was shown to reduce leg swelling and edema by 70%, compared with not taking GS.

In the same study, 8 other healthy young women who took a daily 133-mg dose of proanthocyanidins from GS for 14 days experienced 40% less leg swelling after 6 hours of sitting.

Summary

GS has been shown to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of bloodclotting, which may benefit those with circulatory problems.

3. Could reduce oxidative damage

An elevated blood level of LDL (bad) cholesterol is a known risk factor for heart disease.

The oxidation of LDL cholesterol significantly increases this risk and plays a central role in atherosclerosis, or the buildup of fatty plaque in your arteries.

GS supplements have been found to reduce LDL oxidation triggered by high fat diets in several animal studiesTrusted Source.

Some research in humansTrusted Source shows similar results.

When 8 healthy people ate a high fat meal, taking 300 mg Trusted Source of GS inhibited the oxidation of fats in the blood, compared with a 150% increase seen in those who did not take GS.

In another studyTrusted Source, 61 healthy adults saw a 13.9% reduction in oxidized LDL after taking 400 mg of GS. However, a similar studyTrusted Source was unable to replicate these results.

Additionally, a studyTrusted Source in 87 people undergoing heart surgery found that taking 400 mg of GS the day before surgery significantly reduced oxidative stress. Therefore, GS likely protected against further heart damage.

Summary GS may help reduce your risk of heart disease by inhibiting the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol and reducing oxidation to heart tissue during times of stress.

4. May improve collagen levels and bone strength

Increasing flavonoid consumption may improve collagen synthesis and bone formation.

As a rich source of flavonoids, GS may thus help increase your bone density and strength.

In fact, animal studiesTrusted Source have found that adding GS to either a low calcium, standard, or high calcium diet can increase bone density, mineral content, and bone strength.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that results in severe inflammation and the destruction of bone and joints.

Animal studiesTrusted Source have shown that GS may suppress bone destruction in inflammatory autoimmune arthritis.

GS also significantly reduced pain, bony spurs, and joint damage in osteoarthritic mice, improving collagen levels and reducing cartilage loss.

Despite promising results from animal research, human studies are lacking.

Summary

Animal studies show promising results regarding GS’s ability to help treat arthritic conditions and promote collagen health. However, human-based research is lacking.

5. Supports your brain as it ages

Flavonoids’ combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are thought to delay or reduce the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.

One of the components of GS is gallic acid, which animal and lab studies Trusted Source have shown can inhibit the formation of fibrils by beta-amyloid peptides.

Clusters of beta-amyloid proteins in the brain are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.

Animal studies have found that GS may prevent memory loss Trusted Source, improve cognitive status and brain antioxidant levels Trusted Source, and reduce brain lesions and amyloid clusters Trusted Source.

One 12-week studyTrusted Source in 111 healthy older adults found that taking 150 mg of GS daily improved attention, language, and both immediate and delayed memory.

However, human studies on the use of GS in adults with preexisting memory or cognitive deficits are lacking.

Summary

GS shows potential to inhibit many of the degenerative characteristics of brain and cognitive decline. However, more human studies are needed.

6. Can improve kidney function

Your kidneys are particularly susceptible to oxidative damage, which is often irreversible.

Animal studiesTrusted Source have shown that GS may reduce kidney damage and improve function by reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory damage.

In one studyTrusted Source, 23 people diagnosed with chronic renal failure were given 2 grams of GS daily for 6 months and then compared with a placebo group. Urinary protein decreased by 3% and kidney filtration improved by 9%.

This means that the kidneys of those in the test group were much better able to filter urine than the kidneys of those in the placebo group.

Summary

GS may offer protection against damage from oxidative stress and inflammation, thus promoting kidney health.