Grape seed extract is an industrial derivative of whole grape seeds. The extract contains proanthocyanidins. Grape seed extract quality is measured by the content of procyanidins which are formed from proanthocyanidins. Generally, grape seed extract quality contains 95% procyanidins, but potency varies among products. Eating foods or beverages high in procyanidin results in the sensation of the mouth puckering and dehydration, otherwise known as astringency, as felt after certain alcoholic drinks.

Grapes along with their leaves and sap have been traditional treatments in Europe for thousands of years. Grape seed extract is derived from the ground-up seeds of red wine grapes. Although fairly new to the U.S., grape seed extract is now used to treat a number of diseases such as high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, macular degeneration, poor circulation, and nerve damage. Grape seed extract is available as a dietary supplement in a liquid form, tablets, or capsules. Supplements commonly contain between 50 and 100 milligrams (mg) of the extract.

Estrogen plays a substantial role in breast cancer. Some animal studies inferred that grape seed extract might work to alter estrogen levels. However, a study in 2014 showed that four daily doses of grape seed extract “did not significantly decrease estrogen or increase androgen precursors”. Preventing hair loss by consuming grape seed extract has been theorized. Some nutritionists believe that proanthocyanidins inhibit dihydrotestosterone (DHT), one of the hormones thought to be involved in hair loss but, evidence for its effectiveness is scant.

Many people are interested in grape seed extract because it contains antioxidants. These are substances that protect cells from damage and may help prevent many diseases. Grape seed extract has been studied for use in many other conditions ranging from PMS to skin damage to wound healing but the results have been inconclusive. There is no firmly established dose of grape seed extract. Doses of between 100-300 milligrams/day have been used in studies and are prescribed in some European countries. The effect of grape seed extract has been investigated for the following benefits like reducing body weight, lowering lipid levels in the blood, improving insulin sensitivity and drop in diastolic blood pressure. Grape seed extract is very high in proanthocyanidins which some believe could prevent cognitive decline. One study identified “a critical role for grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) as a neuroprotectant in the hippocampus and in preventing cognitive loss with aging”. The NCCIH is supporting studies on the effect of grape seed extract on Alzheimer’s disease.

Grape seed extract is generally considered safe. Side effects may include headache, itchy scalp, dizziness, and nausea. People allergic to grapes should not use grape seed extract. If you have a bleeding disorder or high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before you start using grape seed extract. If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using grape seed extract. It could interact with drugs like blood thinners, NSAID painkillers, certain heart medicines, cancer treatments, and others. The NCCIH describes grape seed extract as “generally well tolerated when taken in moderate amounts”.

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