Grape seed extract is derived from the small seeds (and
occasionally the skins) of red grapes, the same kind that are pressed to make wine.
Grape Seed Extract Research
An extract from grape seeds forces laboratory leukemia cells to commit cell suicide, according to researchers from the
University of Kentucky. They found that within 24 hours, 76 percent of leukemia cells had died after being exposed to the
extract.
The investigators, who report their findings in the January 1, 2009, issue of Clinical Cancer Research, a journal
of the American Association for Cancer Research, also teased apart the cell signaling pathway associated with use of grape
seed extract that led to cell death, or apoptosis. They found that the extract activates JNK, a protein that regulates the
apoptotic pathway.
While grape seed extract has shown activity in a number of laboratory cancer cell lines, including skin, breast, colon,
lung, stomach and prostate cancers, no one had tested the extract in hematological cancers nor had the precise mechanism for
activity been revealed.
“These results could have implications for the incorporation of agents such as grape seed extract into prevention
or treatment of hematological malignancies and possibly other cancers,” said the study’s lead author, Xianglin
Shi, Ph.D., professor in the Graduate Center for Toxicology at the University of Kentucky.
Grape Seed Extract Nutrients
Grape seed extract contains powerfu antioxidants such as; protein, lipids, carbohydrates and polyphenols in the form of
flavonoids.
Flavonoids are known for their activity as powerful antioxidants, having the capability of protecting the body
against oxidative and free radical damage. Polyphenols are 20 times more powerful than vitamin E, and 50 times
greater than vitamin C.
Because of Grapeseed's polyphenol content, grapes provide a much more powerful antioxidant effect than oranges.
Polyphenols have the ability to help the body fight viruses, allergens, and carcinogens. They also exhibit anti-inflammatory,
anti-allergic, anti-cancerous and anti-microbial activity.
One particular type of phenol found in grape seed is called procyanidin. It was initially discovered in 1936 by Professor
Jacques Masquelier, who called it Vitamin P.
Grape Seed Potential Benefits
- Powerful antioxidant, protecting cells in the body against destruction by free radicals.
- Reduces LDL cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Reduces platelet aggregation, thus reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
- Increases the strength and elasticity of blood vessels.
- Enhances the ability of collagen to repair itself.
- Inhibits swelling and inflammation.
- Helps with varicose veins.
- Helps with PMS and menopause.
- Improves skin health by improving elasticity.
OPC (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins) is rapidly absorbed and comes to the aid of the body more quickly than other antioxidants.
OPC is a more powerful antioxidant than vitamin C. OPC has a sparing effect on vitamin C by blocking the action of ascorbate
oxydase, the enzyme that destroys vitamin C. OPC is a more effective antioxidant than vitamin E, because it can scavenge more
free radicals.
