Grape seed extract
Vitis vinifera
Supplements. Modern nutrition and Western & European.
Also called OPC (oligomeric proanthocyanidins), Proanthocyanidins, Grape seed polyphenols
Spanish: Semilla de uva
May add to bleeding riskA concentrated extract of grape seeds, sold for blood pressure and heart health, with weak to mixed evidence.
Did you know? Grape seeds are rich in tannins, the same drying compounds that make red wine taste dry and bitter.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Blood pressure. A few trials and reviews show small drops in blood pressure. Effects are small, and results vary.Early proof
- Cholesterol. Small trials show modest changes in cholesterol, but results are inconsistent.Early proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Grape seeds have little history in folk medicine. The supplement became popular in the 1990s, partly from interest in the 'French paradox' linking red wine to heart health.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Antioxidant, Circulatory. Energy: neutral.
How people take it
Studies often use 100 to 300 mg of grape seed extract a day, split into doses. Most trials last a few weeks to a few months.
Capsule, tablet and powder.
Where to get it
Made from the skins and seeds left over after juice or wine is pressed (called pomace). Extracts are made worldwide and sold as capsules, tablets, and powders.
Be careful
Usually well tolerated. Possible side effects include dry mouth, headache, upset stomach, and nausea. It may add to bleeding risk and lower blood pressure, and long-term safety data are limited.
Avoid if: pregnancy; breastfeeding; bleeding disorders; before surgery; low blood pressure; children under 12.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Both are proanthocyanidin-rich extracts with similar uses for blood vessels.
- Works well together
Both are polyphenol-rich extracts sold for circulation and eye health.
- Use cautionBlood thinners (warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Plavix, daily aspirin)
May add to bleeding risk with warfarin, aspirin, and similar drugs.
- Use cautionBlood pressure medicine (lisinopril, amlodipine, losartan)
May lower blood pressure, so it can add to blood pressure medicines.
Adds up with others that may slow blood clotting: , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 40 more.
Adds up with others that may lower blood pressure: , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 12 more.
The honest take
Grape seed extract has a few small human trials on blood pressure and cholesterol, with inconsistent results. It is an antioxidant in the lab, but antioxidant pills have not been shown to prevent heart disease or cancer. Tell your doctor if you take blood thinners or blood pressure medicines.