Grapeseed Extract & Grapeseed Oil 

The medicinal and nutritional value of grapes ( Vitis vinifera ) has been praised for since ancient times. Egyptians consumed this fruit at least 6,000 years ago, and several ancient Greek philosophers praised the healing power of grapes -- usually in the form of wine. European folk healers developed an ointment from the sap of grapevines to cure skin and eye diseases. Grape leaves were used to stop bleeding, inflammation, and pain, such as the kind brought on by hemorrhoids. Unripe grapes were used to treat sore throats and dried grapes (raisins) were used to heal consumption, constipation, and thirst. The round, ripe, sweet grapes, were used to treat a range of health problems including cancer, cholera, smallpox, nausea, eye infections, and skin, kidney, and liver diseases.

Researchers are now discovering that many of the health properties of grapes may actually come from the seeds themselves.

Among other beneficial effects, the active compounds in grape seed are believed to have antioxidant properties. A recent study of healthy volunteers found that supplementation with grape seed extract substantially increased levels of antioxidants in the blood. Antioxidants are substances that destroy free radicals -- damaging compounds in the body that alter cell membranes, tamper with DNA (genetic material), and even cause cell death. Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet light, radiation, smoke, certain prescription and non-prescription drugs, and air pollution) can also increase the number of these damaging particles. Free radicals are believed to contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health problems, including heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants found in grape seeds can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.  Some studies suggest that grapeseed extract may be as much as 50 times more potent than vitamin C or E in terms of antioxidant activity.  

Some of the substances in grapeseed that are beneficial

Vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid, and compounds called procyanidins (also known as condensed tannins, pycnogenols, and oligomeric proanthocyanidins or OPCs) are highly concentrated in grape seeds. These healthful compounds can also be found in lower concentrations in the skin of the grape. Procyanidins are also found in grape juice and wine, but in lower concentrations. Resveratrol is another of grape's healthful compounds which are related to procyanidins and found mainly in the skins. Resveratrol has gained much popularity as an antioxidant supplement.  Resveratrol has shown to have anti-cancer activity. Resveratrol is a photoalexin produced natually by several plants when under attack by bacteria or fungi.  Phytoalixins are antibacterial and anti-fungal chemicals produced by chemical synthesis.  Resveratrol is found on the skin of grapes but also in the seeds.  In laboratory studies resveratrol has appeared to interfere with cancer cell growth and division and causes some cancer cells to disintegrate at a faster rate than they normally would.  Resveratrol may block enzymes that prolong the the sruvival of several cancer cell types including skin cancer.  As a result tumors may either stop growing or actually shrink  because many of the cancer cells die.
 
In some studies injuries to skin may have healed better when grapeseed extract was applied.  Thorugh several possible effects that include promoting the regrowth of connective tissues, grapeseed extract is believed to encourage faster, stronger healing with less scarring.

Medicinal Uses and Indications

Today, health care professionals use standardized extracts of grape seed to treat a range of health problems related to free radical damage, including blood sugar regulation problems, heart disease, and cancer. Studies in laboratories, animals, and people lend some support to these uses.

Flavonoids found in red wine have been reported to protect the heart. They may inhibit the oxidation of LDL ("bad") cholesterol. (LDL oxidation which can lead to hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis). Studies have demonstrated a relationship between flavonoid intake (from foods) and reduced risk of death from coronary heart disease.

The Mediterranean diet is comprised of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, olive oil, and moderate, daily wine consumption. In a long-term study of 423 patients who suffered a heart attack, those who followed a Mediterranean diet had a 50 - 70% lower risk of recurrent heart disease compared with controls who received no special dietary counseling. Some researchers believe that some of the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet are due to flavonoids found in red wine. (Another well-known theory along these lines is called "The French Paradox." The belief is that drinking wine protects those living in France from developing heart disease at as high a rate as those living in the United States, despite the rich fatty foods they eat.)

Others speculate that the healthful effects of moderate wine consumption are due to its alcohol content and not its flavonoid content. If the flavonoids are contributing to heart protection, then grape seed extracts offer an important alternative to alcohol, particularly given the down sides of drinking alcohol. A third concept is being proposed by a group of researchers who believe that the beneficial effects of wine may be triggered by a complex interaction of alcohol and flavonoids. As the controversy of which ingredient in wine is the most important continues, both grape seed extracts and red wine continue to be promoted for heart health. In addition, several test tube and animal studies confirm that antioxidants from grapes offer cardioprotection in their own right.

It is also important to note that the use of alcohol is not advocated by the American Heart Association and other organizations because of the potential for addiction and the other serious repercussions, such as motor vehicle accidents and the development of hypertension, liver disease, breast cancer, and weight gain. If you do drink red wine, you should have no more than 2 glasses (20 g ethanol) per day.

High cholesterol

A study of 40 people with high cholesterol assessed the effects of grape seed extract, chromium, a combination of both, or placebo for 2 months. The combination of grape seed extract and chromium was more effective than either substance alone or placebo in reducing total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol.

A more recent study tested the effects of a patented grape seed extract on lipid peroxidation (which aids in the formation of "bad" cholesterol) in a group of heavy smokers. Twenty-four healthy male smokers, (aged 50 years or greater) were given either placebo or 2 capsules (75 mg of a grape procyanidin extracts and soy-phosphatidalcholine), twice daily for 4 weeks. "Bad" cholesterol levels (low density lipoprotein or LDL) were lower in those taking the grape seed supplement than those on placebo. The authors concluded that grape seed extract may help prevent cholesterol oxidation and further damage to the cardiovascular system in people who smoke.

High blood pressure

Antioxidants, such as grape seed, help protect blood vessels from damage. Damaged blood vessels can lead to an increased demand on the heart. In several animal studies, a grape seed extract substantially reduced blood pressure. Human studies are needed to determine whether grape seed extract confers the same benefits to people with high blood pressure.

Pancreatitis

In one recent study of only three patients with chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), a commercially available grape seed extract significantly reduced the frequency and intensity of abdominal pain after conventional medications failed to improve symptoms. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

Cancer

Studies have found that grape seed extracts may prevent the growth of breast, stomach, colon, prostate, and lung cancer cells in the laboratory. Grape seed extract may also be effective in preventing damage to human liver cells caused by chemotherapy medications. Antioxidants, such as grape seed extract, have been reported beneficial in cancer prevention. Although grape seed has not been studied in humans for its anticancer effects, the antioxidant properties of grape seed are proven beneficial. 

Other conditions

Health care professionals may recommend grape seed extract for a variety of circulatory ailments (including varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency). Grape seed may also be used for other diseases related to free radical damage (oxidation), including blood sugar regulation and age-related macular degeneration, an eye disorder that develops with age and can lead to blindness. Grape seed extract may help improve night vision and photophobia (sensitivity to light) as well.

Grape seed extract may also be helpful in those with asthma and allergies. Several studies support the use of proanthocyanidins, such as those found in grape seed, as a supplement for allergic conditions (including airborne and food allergies).

Olive Oil

Here are some of the benefits of Olive Oil when taken internally. 

Olive oil it is a prime component of the Mediterranean Diet. The beneficial health effects of olive oil are due to both its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and its high content of antioxidative substances. Studies have shown that olive oil offers protection against heart disease by controlling LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels while raising HDL (the "good" cholesterol) levels. (1-3) No other naturally produced oil has as large an amount of monounsaturated as olive oil -mainly oleic acid.

Olive oil is very well tolerated by the stomach. Olive oil's protective function has a beneficial effect on ulcers and gastritis. Olive oil activates the secretion of bile and pancreatic hormones much more naturally than prescribed drugs. Consequently, it lowers the incidence of gallstone formation.

Olive oil and heart disease

Studies have shown that consuming - about 2 tablespoons - of virgin olive oil daily for 1 week showed less oxidation of LDL cholesterol and higher levels of antioxidant compounds, particularly phenols, in the blood.(4)

But while all types of olive oil are sources of monounsaturated fat, EXTRA VIRGIN olive oil, from the first pressing of the olives, contains higher levels of antioxidants, particularly vitamin E and phenols, because it is less processed.

Olive oil is clearly a healing oil. Most people do quite well with it since it does not upset the critical omega 6 to omega 3 ratio and most of the fatty acids in olive oil are actually an omega-9 oil which is monounsaturated.

Olive oil and colon cancer

Spanish researchers suggest that including olive oil in your diet may also offer benefits in terms of colon cancer prevention (5). Their study results showed that rats fed diet supplemented with olive oil had a lower risk of colon cancer than those fed safflower oil-supplemented diets. In fact, the rats that received olive oil had colon cancer rates almost as low as those fed fish oil, which several studies have already linked to a reduction in colon cancer risk.

Topical Uses

For thousands of years olive oil has been used on the skin as a moistuizer and to soften skin.  
Below is a 2005 study involving infants and diaper dermatitis in Dubai Medical Center.

Twelve infants suffering from diaper dermatitis were treated four times daily for 7 days with a mixture containing honey, olive oil and beeswax. The severity of erythema was evaluated on a five-point scale. Three infants had severe erythema and ulceration, four had moderate erythema, and five had moderate erythema with maceration. The initial mean lesion score of 2.91±0.79 declined significantly (p<0.05) to 2.0±0.98 (day 3), 1.25±0.96 (day 5) and 0.66±0.98 (day 7). Candida albicans was isolated initially from four patients, but from only two patients after treatment. This topocal treatment was safe and well-tolerated, and demonstrated clinical and mycological benefits in the treatment of diaper dermatitis. Another study found that a mixture of honey, beeswax and olive oil also inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus and Candida albicans isolated from human specimens.

Olive oil, honey, and beeswax are some of the main ingredients in our skin care products.

 
Sweet Almond Oil-Topical Uses

Sweet almond oil is dry, and easily absorbed by the skin for which it is shown to improve moisture levels and maintain firmness and elasticity. Sweet almond oil can also be used to treat chapped lips and certain mild skin conditions such as rashes, and also eczema. Sweet almond oil can also be taken as a laxative, though this application is not generally recommended.

Sweet almond oil is known for it’s healthy properties and is one of the most popular aromatherapy oils. It has a sweet, nutty scent and is very pale yellow in color. Often sweet almond oil is employed as a massage oil because of its beneficial effect on the skin, adding moisture and combatting dry skin whilst also lending healing properties due to its high mineral content. Sweet almond oil is also an excellent lubricant and many devotees claim it provides their skin with a glow that nothing else can quite match.

Castor oil--Topical Uses

Castor oil has been used therapeutically for hundreds of years, both internally and externally. Applied topically, it has many beneficial effects in a wide range of conditions. Almost 90% of its fatty acid content consists of ricinoleic acid. Such a high concentration of this unusual, unsaturated fatty acid is thought to be responsible for castor oil's healing abilities.  Ricinoleic acid has been shown to be effective in preventing the growth of numerous species of viruses, bacteria, yeasts and molds. (J Am Oil Chem Soc 61;37.323-325.) One study has found that castor oil decreased pain more than ultrasound gel or Vaseline during extracorporeal shock wave application.

Safflower oil

Sunflower oil may also have suggested skin-health benefits. Sunflower oil, like other oils, can retain moisture in the skin. However, it may also provide a protective barrier that resists infection. Studies using sunflower oil have been conducted involving pre-term infants that are often susceptible to infection due to their underdeveloped skin. Research suggests that pre-term infants with low birth weight can benefit from sunflower oil skin treatments. Infections decreased by 41% in infants that received a daily skin treatment of sunflower oil. The sunflower oil provided a protective barrier against infection that was not otherwise present on the infant.

Beeswax

We use beeswax instead of petroleum because it contains “wax esthers” that also exist in human skin.  It is a natural hydrating agent that increases essential moisture in the skin.  Beeswax has a very low irritation potential and promotes healing and softening of skin and is an antiseptic. Historically, Beeswax was used in Greece to treat abscesses, by the Assyrians to heal wounds, and by the Egyptians for mummification. Numerous scientific tests have been conducted with a variety of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms.  A study recently found that a mixture of honey, beeswax and olive oil inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans isolated from human specimens.

Pure Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has been used since ancient times because of its  benefits for dry and cracked skin, burns, blisters, frostbite, insect bites, and allergic reactions. Many ancient works, including the Bible, refer to the use of aloe. One of the first documented users of aloe vera was Cleopatra.  She is said to have used the gel on her skin as protection from the sun, and to have thought the gel helped to keep her skin young-looking. In fact, the Egyptians may have used aloe vera in their embalming of bodies, among other uses.  In the 10th Century, the Europeans were introduced, where it became an important ingredient in many herbal medicines. By the 16th Century, aloe arrived in the West Indies, where still today it is grown and  harvested.  Today, the gel found in the leaves is used for soothing minor burns, wounds, and various skin conditions like eczema and ringworm. The use of this herbal medicine was popularized in the 1950's in many Western Countries. The gel's effect is nearly immediate, plus it also applies a layer over wounds that is said to reduce the chance of any infection.

Some studies suggest that aloe vera has anti-viral and antibacterial properties.  In one study aloe was mixed with the following viruses: herpes, chickenpox, rabies, and flu. Aloe killed these viruses in 15 minutes. Electron microscopic exam demonstrated that the structures surrounding the viruses were torn apart, thus showing how aloe kills certain viruses in vitro. Dermatologists have shown considerable interest in aloe vera due to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. In in vitro studies, marked zones of inhibition (bacteriostatic activity) were shown for Staphylococcus aureus  209, E. coli, Streptococcus pyogenes, Coryenbacterium xerose, Shigella paradysenteriae, Salmonella typhosa, Salmonella schotimuelleri, and Salmonella paratyphi.

Vegetable Glycerin

Vegetable glycerin is a skin-friendly humectant that attracts water into the skin as well as a binding agent that occurs naturally in vegetables.  It is anti-bacterial and works to make the skin supple while fighting dryness and scaling. It is invaluable as a natural source ingredient with emollient like properties which can soften and soothe the skin and it assists the outer epidermis in retaining moisture. It is also a natural preservative.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant and is an essential nutrient for a large number of higher primate species, in nearly all bats (representing 20% of all mammalian species) and a small number of other species, such as the guinea pig and a few species of birds and fish. The presence of ascorbate is required for a range of essential metabolic reactions in all animals and plants. It is made internally by almost all organisms, humans being the most well-known exception. It is widely known as the vitamin whose deficiency causes scurvy in humans. Vitamin C is one of the most common antioxidants.  It recharges other antioxidants like vitamin E.  It helps prevent premature aging and is is required for the synthesis of collagen in the skin.  Collagen can be seen as the foundation of healthy and young looking skin.  Collagen is the main protein of connective tissue in humans making up about 25% of the total protein content.  Vitamin C may also help with UV damage.  A study from Duke University concluded that "Appreciable photoprotection can be obtained from the combination of topical vitamins C and E. We suggest that these natural products may protect against skin cancer and photoaging".  Vitamin C may also contain anti-viral and antibacterial properties.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that research has shown to have a variety of benefits for the skin.  Studies have shown vitamin E may help decrease the effects if psoriasis and erythema, in the reduction of stretch marks, in the reduction of scarring from wounds, and it may help to reduce the risk of skin cancer.  A study from Duke University concluded that "Appreciable photoprotection can be obtained from the combination of topical vitamins C and E. We suggest that these natural products may protect against skin cancer and photoaging".

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Recent studies suggest that topical application of alpha lipoic acid may be effective against wrinkles and scars.  If further studies corroborate skin benefits of lipoic acid, it may become one of the mainstays of today's anti-aging skin care. In fact, lipoic acid will be especially welcome in the family of proven wrinkle fighters because it is less irritating than tretinoin (Retin A, Renova) and hydroxy acids. Therefore it can be used in delicate and wrinkle prone area around the eyes.

Alpha lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant by itself but it also recycles vitamin C and vitamin E.  It can restore the antioxidant properties of these vitamins after they have neutralized free redicals.When taken internally alpha lipoic acid has shown time and again in clinical trials to be successful for protecting cells from free-radical damage.  Free radicals are unstable molecules caused from normal situations like metabolism to unhealthy activities like smoking, and are a major culprit of wrinkling and the loss of firmness associated with normal aging. Alpha lipoic acid could also come to play an important role in the prevention and treatment of chronic degenerative diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease because it is known as a metabolic antioxidant.  Without alpha lipoic acid cells cannot use sugar to produce energy.

N-Acetyl-Cysteine

N-Acetyl Cysteine (or NAC)- NAC is a sulfur containing amino acid that is needed to produce the free radical fighter glutathione and maintain it at adequate levels in cells.  It helps to detoxify the body of chemicals and other poisons and slows the aging process.  Studies have shown that NAC can play a role in the reduction of cancer cells.

Resveratrol

There have been many research reports that have shown resveratrol can prevent or slow down a wide variety of illnesses from Cancer and Alzheimer’s to cardiovascular disease on animals. We use a Micronized Resveratrol powder. The particle size averages between 1 to 4 microns. Most resveratrol supplements currently average between 149 to 224 microns. Micronized Resveratrol powder is estimated to be up to 220% better than most of the regular resveratrol supplements. 

Vitamin A

The body uses vitamin A for maintenance of healthy skin, good vision and a robust immune system.  It is also a free radical fighting antioxidant and therefore is anti-aging. Vitamin A is a carotenoid which is a class of photochemicals that is a fat soluable pigment found in yellow, red, green, and orange vegetables and fruits.  Carotenoids act as anticancer agents.  Alpha lipoic acid, vitamin E, and vitamin C, help conserve carotenoids in tissue.  Research done by Fisher et al in 1998 at the University of Michigan Medical School suggests that higher levels of vitamin A within the skin may prove to have therapeutic and anti-aging value immediately following UV (sun) exposure.  Vitamin A stimulates the removal and replacement of damaged skin components.

 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D can help control the proliferation of skin cells that lead to psoriatic lesions.  Vitamin D deficiency may lead to skin malignancies (skin cancer).  Topically applied Vitamin D may reduce DNA damage in skin that leads to skin cancer.

Biotin

Biotin is also know an as vitiamn H.  It is needed for healthy skin, hair, and nails.  It can be found in many hair care products.  Biotin aids in cell growth, in fatty acid production, in the maetbolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.  In infants, a condition called seborrheic dermatitis, or craddle cap which consists of a dry and flaky scalp may be the result of a deficiency of biotin.

Lavender oil

Human clinical studies have reported that lavender essential oil may be beneficial in a variety of conditions, including insomnia, alopecia (hair loss), anxiety, stress, and postoperative pain.  It may also have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Because of its aroma, lavender oil many times is used massage therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic manipulation.

Jasmine oil

Jasmine is a sturdy, climbing, evergreen shrub with bright green leaves that grows to be approximately twenty feet tall with white star shaped flowers. These flowers can only be picked at night because they only bloom at night. This beautiful plant can be found in Egypt, Morocco, and the Mediterranean. They were originally found in Peru, Kashmir and China. Jasmine is sought after for its powerful characteristics that aid the body as an anti-depressant, an aphrodisiac, and its confidence boosting qualities it has on the mind. Jasmine’s essential oil is steam distilled from its flowers, it takes huge quantities of petals to prepare one ounce of Jasmine’s essential oil.

Jasmine essential oil has a sweet and floral aroma. It has many healing properties than are very useful it is used as an anti-inflammatory agent, as an antiseptic

Peppermint oil

Peppermint is a natural source of menthol.  Studies have shown that topical application of peppermint stimulates the nerves that detect cold, leading to the cooling sensation. The nerves that perceive pain and itching are depressed.  This leads to the dialation of the blood vessels, which can promote healing.

Lemon oil

Lemon oil is used in natural skin care to cleanse, tone and refresh skin.  Lemon oil tightens puffy skin, reduces enlarged pores and helps disperse pockets of accumulated fluid and impurities.

Rosemary oil

Rosemary has been used since ancient times for a varity of purposes.  Rosemary oil has been used to relieve headaches, muscle pains, sore muscles, rheumatism and even arthritis.  Rosemary is also used in many aromatic therapies.

 

 

 Supporting Research for Grapeseed products.

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Banerjee B, Bagchi D. Beneficial effects of a novel IH636 grape seed proanthocyanidin extract in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis. Digestion . 2001;63(3):203-206.

Belleville J. The French paradox: possible involvement of ethanol in the protective effect against cardiovascular diseases. Nutrition . 2002;18(2):173-177.

Bernstein BJ, Grasso T. Prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use in cancer patients. Oncology . 2001;15(10):1267-1272; discussion 1272-1278, 1283.

Bielory L. Complementary and alternative interventions in asthma, allergy, and immunology. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol . 2004;93(2 Suppl 1):S45-54.

Blumenthal M, Riggins C. Popular Herbs in the U.S. Market: Therapeutic Monographs . Austin, Tex: American Botanical Council; 1997.

Brooker S, Martin S, Pearson A, et al. Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised phase II trial of IH636 grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) in patients with radiation-induced breast induration. Radiother Oncol . 2006;79(1):45-51.

Busserolles J, Gueux E, Balasinska B, et al. In vivo antioxidant activity of procyanidin-rich extracts from grape seed and pine (Pinus maritima) bark in rats. Int J Vitam Nutr Res . 2006;76(1):22-7.

Chan MM, Mattiacci JA, Hwang HS, et al. Synergy between ethanol and grape polyphenols, quercetin, and resveratrol, in the inhibition of the inducible nitric oxide synthase pathway. Biochem Pharmacol . 2000;60(10):1539-1548.

Chou EJ, Keevil JG, Aeschlimann S, et al. Effect of ingestion of purple grape juice on endothelial function in patients with coronary heart disease. Am J Cardiol . 2001;88(5):553-555.

Faria A, Calhau C, de Freitas V, et al. Procyanidins as antioxidants and tumor cell growth modulators. J Agric Food Chem . 2006;54(6):2392-7.

Fitzpatrick DF, Bing B, Maggi DA, et al. Vasodilating procyanidins derived from grape seeds. Ann N Y Acad Sci . 2002;957:78-89.

Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal . 4th ed. New York: The Haworth Herbal Press; 1999:201-203.

Freedman JE, Parker C 3rd, Li L, et al. Select flavonoids and whole juice from purple grapes inhibit platelet function and enhance nitric oxide release. Circulation . 2001;103(23):2792-2798.

Gruenwalkd J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C, scientific eds; Fleming T, chief ed. PDR for Herbal Medicines . Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 1998:1224.

Hung LM, Chen JK, Huang SS, et al. Cardioprotective effect of resveratrol, a natural antioxidant derived from grapes. Cardiovasc Res . 2000;47(3):549-555.

Hu H, Qin YM. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract induced mitochondria-associated apoptosis in human acute myeloid leukemia 14.3D10 cells. Chin Med J (Engl). 2006;119(5):417-21.

Joshi SS, Kuszynski CA, Bagchi D. The cellular and molecular basis of health benefits of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract. Curr Pharm Biotechnol . 2001;2(2):187-200.

Kalin R, Righi A, Del Rosso A, et al., Activin, a grape seed-derived proanthocyanidin extract, reduces plasma levels of oxidative stress and adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin) in systemic sclerosis. Free Radic Res . 2002;36(8):819-25.

Kaur M, Agarwal R, Agarwal C. Grape seed extract induces anoikis and caspase-mediated apoptosis in human prostate carcinoma LNCaP cells: possible role of ataxia telangiectasia mutated-p53 activation. Mol Cancer Ther . 2006;5(5):1265-74.

LaValle JB, Krinsky DL, Hawkins EB, et al. Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide . Hudson, OH:LexiComp; 2000: 451-452.

Natella F, Belelli F, Gentili V, et al. Grape seed proanthocyanidins prevent plasma postprandial oxidative stress in humans. J Agric Food Chem . 2002;50(26):7720-5.

Nuttall SL, Kendall MJ, Bombardelli E, et al. An evaluation of the antioxidant activity of a standardized grape seed extract, Leucoselect. J Clin Pharm Ther . 1998;23(5):385-389.

Preuss HG, Wallerstedt D, Talpur N, et al. Effects of niacin-bound chromium and grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on the lipid profile of hypercholesterolemic subjects: a pilot study. J Med . 2000;31(5-6):227-246.

Preuss HG, Bagchi D, Bagchi M. Protective effects of a novel niacin-bound chromium complex and a grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on advancing age and various aspects of syndrome X. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2002;957:250-9.

Rimm EB, Williams P, Fosher K, et al. Moderate alcohol intake and lower risk of coronary heart disease: meta-analysis of effects on lipids and haemostatic factors. BMJ . 1999 Dec 11;319(7224):1523-8.

Stein JH, Keevil JG, Wiebe DA, et al. Purple grape juice improves endothelial function and reduces the susceptibility of LDL cholesterol to oxidation in patients with coronary artery disease. Circulation . 1999;100(10):1050-1055.

Vigna GB, Costantini F, Aldini G, et al., Effect of a standardized grape seed extract on low-density lipoprotein susceptibility to oxidation in heavy smokers. Metabolism . 2003;52(10):1250-7.

Vitseva O, Varghese S, Chakrabarti S, et al. Grape seed and skin extracts inhibit platelet function and release of reactive oxygen intermediates. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol . 2005;46(4):445-51.

Waffo-Teguo P, Hawthorne ME, Cuendet M, et al. Potential cancer-chemopreventive activities of wine stilbenoids and flavans extracted from grape ( Vitis vinifera ) cell cultures. Nutr Cancer . 2001;40(2):173-179.

Yamakoshi J, Kataoka S, Koga T. Proanthocyanidin-rich extract from grape seeds attenuates the development of aortic atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits. Atherosclerosis . 1999;142(1):139–149.

Yamakoshi J, Saito M, Kataoka S, et al. Safety evaluation of proanthocyanidin-rich extract from grape seeds. Food Chem Toxicol . 2002;40(5):599-607.

 

 

 

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