Grape seed extract: what it may help and how to choose
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- Grape seed extract 500 mg, standardized. Best for: Adults who want one daily capsule with stated polyphenols. See options on Amazon
- Grape seed extract 100 mg capsules. Best for: People who prefer a lower amount per capsule. See options on Amazon
- Grape seed OPC capsules. Best for: Buyers comparing proanthocyanidin (OPC) labeled products. See options on Amazon
What grape seed extract is
Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera) is made from the seeds of wine grapes. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) notes grape seeds are a by-product of wine production. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says the extract contains proanthocyanidins, which have a variety of effects that might help manage health conditions.
MSK adds that these compounds are also found in many foods, including fruits, vegetables, chocolate and tea, and people generally consume 460 to 1,000 mg a day of them combined.
Do not confuse grape seed extract with grapefruit seed extract, which is sometimes also abbreviated GSE but has different effects.
What the research shows
| Use | What the evidence says |
|---|---|
| Blood pressure | Diastolic lowered in a 2022 review of 19 studies; MSK cites meta-analyses suggesting lower systolic pressure and heart rate |
| Cholesterol | Possible LDL and triglyceride drops in a 2020 review of 11 studies |
| Wound healing (topical) | Animal data; little human research |
| Tooth decay (mouthrinse) | Lab data only |
Blood pressure. NCCIH describes a 2022 review of 19 studies with 1,080 people in which grape seed extract reduced diastolic blood pressure (the lower number) but not systolic (the higher number). Results differed between studies, possibly because of dose, length of use and who took part. MSK cites meta-analyses suggesting it may lower systolic pressure and heart rate, so overall results are mixed.
Cholesterol. A 2020 review of 11 studies with 536 people found grape seed extract may improve LDL cholesterol and triglycerides but not total or HDL cholesterol. NCCIH cautions that the studies were small and product makeup varied, so these conclusions are not definite.
Other findings. MSK reports small human studies suggesting higher antioxidant activity in the blood and possible benefits in diabetic retinopathy and after heart bypass surgery, while it did not improve radiation side effects in breast cancer patients. Lab and animal studies suggest heart-protective and anticancer effects, and topical use sped wound closure in experiments, but these findings have not been confirmed in people.
Safety and interactions
- Generally well tolerated. NCCIH says it is generally well tolerated taken by mouth or used on the skin.
- Stomach upset. MSK lists digestive upset as a reported side effect.
- Blood thinners. Grape seed showed antiplatelet activity in lab studies and may add to anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
- Other medicines. In lab studies it affected CYP3A4 and UGT enzymes, which process many drugs. The real-world effect is not known.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Little is known about safety.
If you take any medicine, talk with your health care provider before using grape seed extract.
Reading a grape seed extract label
- Extract amount. Capsules range from about 100 mg to 500 mg. NOW Foods' Maximum Strength gives 500 mg per capsule, taken once daily with a meal.
- Standardization. Look for a stated polyphenol or proanthocyanidin content. NOW Foods' extract is standardized to at least 90% total polyphenols.
- Ratio claims. Labels advertising high herbal equivalents do not tell you the polyphenol content.
- Blends. Some products add beetroot, citrus bioflavonoids or other ingredients. Check every amount.
- Name check. Make sure it says grape seed (Vitis vinifera), not grapefruit seed.
Who should check with a doctor first
Talk with your provider before using grape seed extract if you take blood pressure medicine, cholesterol medicine, blood thinners or other prescriptions, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Keep taking prescribed treatment; the blood pressure and cholesterol changes in studies were modest and not consistent.
What to look for when you buy
Grape seed extract 500 mg, standardized
Best for: Adults who want one daily capsule with stated polyphenols
NOW Foods lists 500 mg of grape seed extract standardized to at least 90% polyphenols, taken once daily with a meal.
Watch out: May add to blood thinners. Ask your provider if you take medicines.
See options on AmazonGrape seed extract 100 mg capsules
Best for: People who prefer a lower amount per capsule
Lower-dose capsules let you start small and follow the label closely.
Watch out: Check the polyphenol percentage; strength varies by brand.
See options on AmazonGrape seed OPC capsules
Best for: Buyers comparing proanthocyanidin (OPC) labeled products
OPC-labeled products state the proanthocyanidin content NCCIH describes as the active compounds.
Watch out: Avoid blends you do not need. Same interaction cautions.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What is grape seed extract good for?
- Reviews suggest it may lower diastolic blood pressure and possibly LDL and triglycerides, though studies were small and results mixed.
- Does grape seed extract lower blood pressure?
- A 2022 review of 19 studies found it lowered diastolic but not systolic pressure. Keep taking prescribed medicine.
- Is grape seed extract safe?
- It is generally well tolerated. Stomach upset is the main reported side effect, and it may interact with blood thinners.
- Is grape seed extract the same as grapefruit seed extract?
- No. They are different products with different effects.
- How much grape seed extract should I take?
- Follow the label. NOW Foods directs 1 capsule (500 mg) daily with a meal.
Sources
- Grape Seed Extract: Usefulness and Safety (nccih.nih.gov), National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- Grape Seed: About Herbs (mskcc.org), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Grape Seed Extract, Maximum Strength 500 mg Veg Capsules (www.nowfoods.com/products/supplements/grape-seed-extract-maximum-strength-500-mg-veg-capsules), NOW Foods