The following information is meant as just that: information. Do not consider myself as recommending or treating you. I am not your physician. Please consult with a licensed healthcare provider before adding anything to your regimen. If you have questions, please post them in the comments or reach out to me. One of my main mentors, Dr. Nikolas Hedberg of Hedberg Institute, has provided the most wonderful information in my post. For those of you who are practitioners, I highly recommend allowing Dr. Hedberg to mentor you, as I do. www.hedberginstitute.com
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WWhat is grapeseed extract?
Grapeseed extract is a dietary supplement derived from grape seeds. It is rich in antioxidants, particularly compounds known as oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs). Grape seed extract also contains flavonoids, another class of polyphenols with antioxidant properties.
These antioxidants help protect the body against damage from harmful free radicals, which can contribute to various chronic diseases. Grapeseed extract is commonly used for its potential health benefits, includingbut by far not limited to :
Ø Improved cardiovascular health.
Ø Reduced inflammation.
Ø Enhanced immune function.
Ø Anti-aging effects.
Microcirculation refers to blood circulation in the smallest blood vessels, including arterioles, capillaries, and venules. This averages about 60,000 miles in a human. Microcirculation is an essential consideration in the retinas of our eyes. Certain herbs and specific food-based preparations are excellent methods of supporting the microcirculation of the retina. I use a combination of herbs for my eyes and my patients' eyes. (1) Clinically, grapeseed extract is one of my favorites for leaky blood vessels (especially in the eyes) with my patients.
Microcirculation is impacted by anything that damages the vessel's endothelial lining, including anything that increases inflammation. Inflammation can lead to the release of inflammatory mediators, causing vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and increased permeability. Chronic illness such as diabetes, pesticide exposure, viral and bacterial infections, mold toxicity, heavy-metal exposure, Parkinson’s, and gluten exposure, among many other pro-inflammatory conditions, can impact microcirculation.
Hypoxia and Tissue Damage:
Blood clot formation (thrombosis) can negatively impact microcirculation by blocking small blood vessels. Cold hands or feet anyone? Leaky retinal vessels?Grape seed extract has been investigated for its potential antithrombotic properties, which may reduce the risk of abnormal blood clot formation.
Hypoxia, created by blockage, can have detrimental effects on tissues and organs, potentially impacting microcirculation throughout multiple body organs.
The proanthocyanidins in grape seed extract help improve blood flow and circulation. By promoting the dilation of blood vessels, the extract supports the cardiovascular system’s ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout the body efficiently. Clinically, this is a consideration when a patient complains of fatigue. Hypoxia and the failure to supply nutrients to the tissues can create fatigue. This may also involve limitations in the cells' abilities to process toxins. Clinically, I am amazed how many people are deficient in micronutrients who eat very healthily. It is not necessarily what you eat, as much as what gets in!
Antioxidant Properties:
The proanthocyanidins and other antioxidants in grape seed extract have potent free radical-scavenging properties. By neutralizing free radicals, these antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress in the vascular system, including microcirculation. For this reason, I typically use the same herbs for neurodegenerative conditions as I do for the eyes.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
Chronic inflammation can also compromise microcirculation, impairing blood flow and tissue damage. Some studies suggest that grape seed extract has anti-inflammatory effects, helping to modulate the inflammatory response.
Grape seed extract may reduce inflammation and contribute to maintaining the proper functioning of blood vessels in the microcirculation. This makes it an important herb for neurodegenerative illnesses, as it reduces inflammation in the brain and supports cognitive function. (everyone, did you hear that?!)
Grapeseed extract also exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in blood and reduced expression of inflammatory genes in leukocytes (white blood cells). One study demonstrated a considerable improvement in vascular health with grapeseed extract supplementation.
Endothelial Protection:
Endothelial cells line the inner surface of blood vessels, including those in the microcirculation. These cells are crucial in regulating blood flow and maintaining vascular health. Grape seed extract has been studied for its potential to protect endothelial cells from damage. Preserving endothelial function is important for optimizing microcirculatory performance. I also use Arteriosil with patients to heal the glycocalyx (little hairs sticking out from the endothelium). The company is Calroy, and they have an interesting website.
Vasodilation:
Some research suggests that grape seed extract has vasodilatory effects, which can promote the relaxation and widening of blood vessels. Vasodilation improves blood flow and enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues, including those in the eyes' microcirculation.
The vasodilatory effects of grape seed extract may be attributed to its ability to enhance nitric oxide production, a molecule that helps regulate blood vessel tone. I find many of my patients are below optimal values when testing nitric oxide. Grape seed extract may contribute to maintaining healthy microcirculation by inhibiting platelet aggregation.
What does the research show about grapeseed extract and microcirculation?
The study “Pleiotropic benefit of monomeric and oligomeric flavanols on vascular health—a randomized controlled clinical pilot study” investigated the effects of monomeric and oligomeric flavanols (MOF) from grape seeds on vascular health. In a double-blind trial, 28 male smokers were given 200 mg/day of grapeseed extract for eight weeks.
The study found significant reductions in serum cholesterol and LDL in subjects with elevated levels and increased the glutathione-to-glutathione disulfide ratio in erythrocytes.
Grapeseed extract also exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in blood and reduced expression of inflammatory genes in leukocytes. The study demonstrated a considerable improvement in vascular health with grapeseed extract supplementation.
What is the best way to take grapeseed extract?
One of the best ways to encourage patient compliance is by limiting the number of pills to take daily. In a combination product, patients get more in with fewer pills!
A new formulation, VascuSelect (1) by Moss Nutrition, is designed to support microcirculation. It includes grapeseed extract, mango fruit powder, and ginkgo biloba for a synergistic effect. All three of these are effective in microcirculation support. There is considerable research into these natural substances. The herbal trio makes it easy to get patient compliance with one pill twice a day, supplying a full daily dose.
For optimal effectiveness, one capsule twice a day provides 100 mg of grapeseed extract, 100 mg of mango fruit powder, and 120 mg of ginkgo biloba. (I also use one capsule twice a day with my patients suffering from Long COVID. See an upcoming post for more info on how I support Long Covid with natural means) These are not available without a physician's purchase. If interested, send me a message. This is a non-profit site. Any profits will be donated to the programs helping others at WORLD VISION. Year-end statements will be available to those involved in any sales.
Are there any side effects with grapeseed extract?
Most individuals tolerate grape seed extract when taken within the recommended dosage range. However, some may experience mild side effects like headaches (increased blood supply to the brain), dizziness, or digestive discomfort. If these side effects persist or worsen, you must seek guidance from your healthcare professional.
What about drug interactions?
Grape seed extract may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, anticoagulants, aspirin, and some antiplatelet drugs. Individuals taking these medications should exercise caution and inform their healthcare provider before starting grape seed extract supplementation. Although interactions are rare, caution should be advised with any herb for specific patients, especially those of blood thinner drugs.
Thanks for this information and your cogent comments.
Very interesting with lots of great advice!