Grape Seed Extract

    Written by:
    Louie Neri

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Giulia Guerrini, Conni Covington
    Last Updated: May 29, 2025

    Grape seed extract is a dietary supplement derived from the seeds of grapes, containing antioxidant compounds called proanthocyanidins. It works by neutralizing free radicals, reducing inflammation, and improving blood vessel function through enhanced nitric oxide production. It may provide cardiovascular benefits by reducing blood pressure and improving blood lipids, but the evidence isn’t strong.

    Overview

    Dosage information

    Formulation:

    Grape seed extract is usually available in liquid extracts, tablets, or capsules. Its main active ingredient is oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs); some formulations may have varying amounts.

    Range of dosages studied:

    100 to 2,100 mg per day

    Frequently asked questions

    Update History

    Research Breakdown

    Examine Database References

    1. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) - Kar P, Laight D, Rooprai HK, Shaw KM, Cummings MEffects of grape seed extract in Type 2 diabetic subjects at high cardiovascular risk: a double blind randomized placebo controlled trial examining metabolic markers, vascular tone, inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin sensitivityDiabet Med.(2009 May)
    2. Blood Flow - Clifton PMEffect of Grape Seed Extract and Quercetin on Cardiovascular and Endothelial Parameters in High-Risk SubjectsJ Biomed Biotechnol.(2004)
    3. Blood Pressure - Feringa HH, Laskey DA, Dickson JE, Coleman CIThe effect of grape seed extract on cardiovascular risk markers: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsJ Am Diet Assoc.(2011 Aug)
    4. Blood Flow - Shenoy SF, Keen CL, Kalgaonkar S, Polagruto JAEffects of grape seed extract consumption on platelet function in postmenopausal womenThromb Res.(2007)
    5. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) - Vigna GB, Costantini F, Aldini G, Carini M, Catapano A, Schena F, Tangerini A, Zanca R, Bombardelli E, Morazzoni P, Mezzetti A, Fellin R, Maffei Facino REffect of a standardized grape seed extract on low-density lipoprotein susceptibility to oxidation in heavy smokersMetabolism.(2003 Oct)
    6. Leg Edema - Sano A, Tokutake S, Seo AProanthocyanidin-rich grape seed extract reduces leg swelling in healthy women during prolonged sittingJ Sci Food Agric.(2012 Jul 2)
    7. Triglycerides - Sivaprakasapillai B, Edirisinghe I, Randolph J, Steinberg F, Kappagoda TEffect of grape seed extract on blood pressure in subjects with the metabolic syndromeMetabolism.(2009 Dec)
    8. Estrogen - Ikuko Kijima, Sheryl Phung, Gene Hur, Sum-Ling Kwok, Shiuan ChenGrape seed extract is an aromatase inhibitor and a suppressor of aromatase expressionCancer Res.(2006 Jun 1)
    9. Food Intake - Vogels N, Nijs IM, Westerterp-Plantenga MSThe effect of grape-seed extract on 24 h energy intake in humansEur J Clin Nutr.(2004 Apr)
    10. Oxidative Stress Biomarkers - S L Nuttall, M J Kendall, E Bombardelli, P MorazzoniAn evaluation of the antioxidant activity of a standardized grape seed extract, LeucoselectJ Clin Pharm Ther.(1998 Oct)
    11. Hyperpigmentation - Yamakoshi J, Sano A, Tokutake S, Saito M, Kikuchi M, Kubota Y, Kawachi Y, Otsuka FOral intake of proanthocyanidin-rich extract from grape seeds improves chloasmaPhytother Res.(2004 Nov)