Grapeseed extract is just that, an extract that comes from the seeds of grapes. Recent studies have shown that grapeseed extract is high in anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are important in the fight in the body against free radicals. These free radicals are molecules, or parts of molecules, that are unstable. While they seek to become more stable they cause damage to proteins, cells and DNA inside the body. It is this long-term damage that scientists have linked to the trigger or cause of cancer, peripheral vascular disease and cardiovascular disease, to name just a few. (1)
Antioxidants are key to the prevention of damage done to the cells. Researchers have now found that grapeseed extract is high in these antioxidants and are beneficial in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease. In fact, in a new study researchers found that over three quarters of leukemia cells in the laboratory setting died within 24 hours of being exposed to grapeseed. And, while the leukemia cells died, other healthy cells were left unharmed. (2)
This study was performed at the University of Kentucky and published in Clinical Cancer Research. These results may mean that grapeseed extract can be effective in both prevention and treatment of different malignancies. The leukemia cells were exposed to commercially available extract in a variety of amounts. The higher amounts of grapeseed extract resulted in more cells which died.
The use of grapeseed extract dates back centuries when Egyptians used grapes and ancient Greeks praised the healing powers of grapes, usually in wine. European healers developed an ointment and grape leaves have been used to stop bleeding, inflammation and pain.
There are many other research publications that have reported the health benefits of grapeseed extract which includes antioxidant activity and improvement in gastric health. Some of these health benefits are a result of a powerful antioxidant that fight free radicals as well as being 20 times more potent than Vitamin C and 50 times more potent than Vitamin E. Grapeseed extract helps to improve cardiovascular health, promote brain and eye health and is also known for its antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
References:
(1) Alcohol Research and Health: Alcohol, Oxidative Stress, and Free Radical Damage
http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh27-4/277-284.pdf
(2) American Association for Cancer Research: Grape Seed Extract Kills Laboratory Leukemia Cells, Proving Value of Natural Compounds
http://www.aacr.org/home/public–media/aacr-press-releases/press-releases-2008.aspx?d=1234
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