Grapeseed

(Active ingredient: pycnogenol)

HISTORY: Grapes and grape seed oil have been around as a medicinal source for thousands of years (1). The oil is extracted from grape seeds after the grapes have been used for making wine.

PROPERTIES:

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral, antibacterial (extract), antifungal (extract)

CONSIDERED USES

Cardiovascular: May help prevent heart disease, increase circulation, may help reduce varicose veins/spider veins, atherosclerosis, and chronic venous insufficiency, may help with high blood pressure

Respiratory: May help decrease lung inflammation (extract), allergic rhinitis

Eyes: Macular degeneration (age-related), diabetic retinopathy, night vision, ocular stress

Gastrointestinal: Canker sores, constipation, cavities, hemorrhoids

Genitourinary: Erectile dysfunction, UTI, menopausal sx, PMS

Musculoskeletal: Athletic performance, muscle soreness

Neurologic: May help slow Alzheimer's, cognition

Skin: Wound healing, Skin moisturizer, acne, decreases scarring, makeup remover, shrinks skin pores, decreases wrinkles and lines, making skin look younger, helps maintain healthy hair, may promote hair growth, helps protect against herpes simples (HSV), eczema

Mental Health: ADHD

Glucose: May help in insulin resistance/diabetes

Cholesterol: May help lower LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides

Immunity: May help enhance immunity

Cancer: May slow the progression of cancer

Other: Carrier oil for aroma therapy, slows blood clotting, helps preserve the integrity of many cells in the body

Side Effects: Possible weight gain: certain types of grapeseed oils may have polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) because they are produced with the use of hexane, which is a known cancer-causing product. The best types to use are those that are cold-pressed because they don't use hexane.

Contraindications: Possibly those with certain blood disorders, hypertension, or on blood thinners (including over-the-counter medicines capable of thinning blood like ibuprofen and aspirin), some heart medicines, cancer treatments

FORMS: Grapeseed oil (if you choose to use this oil, it is very important that you use the cold-pressed type that does not use hexane), grapeseed extract, seed, gels, creams, powders, sprays

RECOMMENDED BRANDS

Thorne Grape Seed Extract 200 mg capsules - NSF certified  (order from the Fullscript link here)

Allergy Research Group Grape Pips 100 mg - Extract capsules - NSF certified (order from the Fullscript link here)

DOSAGE: As directed

The following are reported doses and may NOT be supported by evidence (reported by various sources, i.e., WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, ConsumerLabs, German Commission E). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.

• Aging skin: 10 mg extract by mouth 2 times daily

• Atherosclerosis: 120 mg seed extract by mouth daily

• Athletic performance: 400 mg extract by mouth daily

• Venous insufficiency (chronic): 360-720 mg red vine leaf extract by mouth daily

• Cognition: 250 mg extract by mouth daily

• Diabetes: 200 mg by mouth daily to 2 times daily (40 min before a meal)

• Diabetic retinopathy: 50 mg extract by mouth 3 times daily

• Erectile dysfunction: 200 mg extract by mouth daily (take 40 min before sex)

• High blood pressure: 150 mg extract by mouth 2 times daily

• Menopause symptoms: 200 mg extract by mouth daily

• Wound healing: Apply 2% cream to the affected area 2 times daily or 5% ointment

Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose or treat a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.