Grape Seed Extract

Grape has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. From the fruit as in red wines, the seed from the fruit to the sap from the grape branches, all have medicinal values.

Grape seed extract is obtained by crushing the seeds of grape. It is rich in antioxidants and oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPC). Proanthocyanidins are a phenolic compound belonging in the larger group of plant phytochemicals called flavonoids, and belongs to a subgroup of tannins [19].

The tannins in grape seed extract are active antioxidants. Because of this, it is believed that the protective nature of proanthocyanidins includes a reduction in oxidative stress and protection against the damage of free radicals and an anti-inflammatory response[20]. These properties help in repairing free radical damage associated with UV exposure and enhance natural lipid protection in the skin and other tissues, including blood vessels and the cardiovascular tissues. Proanthocyanidins also stop the breakdown of collagen and improve collagen synthesis.

Proanthocyanidins are known to possess significant antioxidant capacities [21]. Antioxidant capacities are the “primary measurement to evaluate the state and potential of oxidative stress in aging and other age related diseases”[22]. This supports the anti-aging property of grape seed extract.

Therefore grape seed extract promotes skin health and protects the blood vessels and cardiovascular system, thereby reducing the risk of a heart attack and stroke[16], [17], [23] as well.