What is the history of grape seed extract, and how was it discovered?

The history traces back to a researcher, Jack Masquelier, who first isolated oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs) from peanut skin in 1947. Following his initial work with peanuts, Masquelier later found similar OPC compounds in grape seeds and pine bark, and grape seeds are particularly rich sources of these beneficial compounds. Analytical techniques for studying these extracts evolved over decades, from basic colorimetric methods to advanced chromatography. This soon led to the development of standardized grape seed extracts to be used for dietary supplementation. Eventually, it began to be studied for its potential health benefits, such as its effects on cardiovascular health and metabolic health.^[1]