Grape Seed Extract And High Blood Pressure

Grape seed extract contains high levels of oligomeric proanthocyanidins that are flavonoids known to have antioxidant properties which promote blood vessel strength and optimal eye health; more recently OPCs have been discovered to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Grape seed extract was observed to decrease oxidized LDL particles as well as lower total and LDL cholesterol in a randomized double blind placebo controlled study involving 52 subjects with mildly high cholesterol divided into 2 groups receiving either placebo or 200 mg/day of grape seed extract for 8 weeks.

Those taking grape seed extract had significant reductions in total cholesterol on average of 10.7 mg/dL; LDL cholesterol on average of 9.7 mg/dL; and oxidized LDL on average of 5.5 mg/dL. Triglyceride and low density lipoprotein cholesterol was decreased and high density lipoprotein cholesterol were increased but deemed to be not statistically significant. It was concluded that GSE lowers risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disorders in those with mild cholesterol abnormalities.

GSE was shown to significantly lower blood pressure in 2 studies from the University of California; one involving subjects with metabolic syndrome; and the other subjects with prehypertension. Both studies found GSE lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The first study used 300 mg per day of GSE, those in that group experienced average blood pressure reductions of 12 mmHg systolic and 8 mmHg diastolic along with decreased oxidation of LDL particles, and lowered risk of atherosclerosis. The second study used 300 mg of GSE per day for 8 weeks, participants in the GSE group had reduced systolic blood pressure on average of 8 mmHG and diastolic blood pressure by 5 mmHg. Placebo groups in both studies had no improvements.

GSE may be one of the more powerful antioxidants to be discovered, to take advantage of this natural compound’s benefits for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol look for GSE that is standardized to contain at least 92-95% polyphenols including OPCs. 300 mg a day is typically suggested for at least 12 weeks to get optimal results. GSE has not been associated with any negative side effects, and there are no reported interactions between GSE and any other supplements or medications.

GSE is available in liquid tincture or capsule forms, and has a variety of uses in addition to helping to control blood pressure and cholesterol such as helping to improve wrinkles and sagging skin, as a natural antihistamine, and to help restore eye health.