Grape seed

What is it?

Grapes are the fruit of a vine. The fruit, leaves, skin and seed of the grape plant are used as medicine. Grape contains flavonoids which are believed to have antioxidant effects and lower the levels of LDLs (“bad cholesterol”). By doing so it may help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Red grapes have more antioxidants than white or blush grape varieties.

The leaves might reduce inflammation and could help stop bleeding and diarrhea. Red leaves have more such benefits.

Benefits

Researches have shown that grape seed reduce symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency in legs and also eye strain from prolonged glare.  

There is insufficient researches and scientific to suggest it helps with certain claimed medical conditions like heart diseases, hypertension, constipation, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, age related macular degeneration, hypercholesterolemia, liver damage and heavy menses.

Possible side effects

Grape seed is generally safe to take for most people. Some possible side effects when taken in huge amounts include nausea, vomiting, abdomen discomfort, dry mouth, headache, cough and sore throat.

There is insufficient evidence to prove if it is safe for lactating/pregnant women to consume it, hence it is best to avoid. People with allergy to grapes should avoid it.

Drug-drug interactions

1. Medications broken down by liver enzymes cytochrome P450: Grape Seed increases the liver enzymes break down of medications that are metabolized by the liver and hence decreasing their effectiveness. Examples of such medications include lovastatin, ketoconazole, Itraconazole, olanzapine, theophylline, phenytoin, tolbutamide and fexofenadine.

2.  Warfarin: Grape seed slows blood clotting hence when used with warfarin will increase bleeding and bruise tendencies.

Dosage

The following are suggested dosages of glucosamine for certain medical conditions. Please follow the instructions on product label and if in doubt consult your doctor first.

For chronic venous insufficiency: Grape seed extract as tablets of 75-300 mg daily for three weeks followed by a maintenance dose of 40-80 mg daily.

For reducing eye stress due to glare: Grape seed extract doses of 200-300 mg per day.

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