mosbys

Mosby's FAQ

Grapeseed Extract Defined

"Reported Use

Grapeseed may be used as an antioxidant and an anticancer treatment; to treat varicose veins and circulatory

problems;

and to treat

vision problems such as cataracts and improve vision by lessening eye strain.

Investigational Use

Researchers are experimenting with the use of grapeseed to treat diabetes mellitus and degenerative, diverticular,

and

heart diseases.

Product Availability and Dosages

Available Forms - capsules, tablets

Plant parts used - seeds

Dosages and Routes

- are standardized to 85% - 95% procyanidins.

Adult

Supplementation PO (by mouth) capsules/tablets: 50-100 mg qd (milligrams every day), (McCaleb, 2000).

Therapeutic

Use

- PO capsules/tablets: 150-300 mg eq (milligrams every day) for 21 days, then 50-80 mg eq

(milligrams every day)

maintenance (McCaleb, 2000)

Precautionary Information

Contraindications: Until more research is available, grapeseed should not be used during pregnancy or and

lactation

and should not be

given to children

Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Central Nervous System: Dizziness

Gastrointestinal: Nausea, anorexia, Hepatotoxicity (theoretical)

Integumentary: Rash

Interactions

Herb/Drug - unknown

Herb/Food - unknown

Herb/Herb - unknown

Client Considerations

Assess -

If the client is using grapeseed to improve cardiovascular disorders, assess cardiovascular status:

edema in

legs, improvement

in atherosclerosis, improvement in varicose veins. Monitor blood pressure and pulse.

Identify other cardiovascular medications taken by the client.

Assess for hepatotoxicity..

Administer

Instruct the client to take grapeseed PO only once per day.

Instruct the client to store grapeseed products in a col, dry place, away from heat and moisture.

Teach Client/Family

Until more research is available, caution the client not to use grapeseed

during

pregnancy and lactation and not to

give

to children.

Pharmacology

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are unknown.

Primary Chemical Components of grapeseed and Their Possible Actions -

		Chemical Class: Flavonoid, Tannin, Tocopherol, Fatty acid
		Individual Component: Kaempferol, Quercetin, Proanthocyanidins
		Possible Action: Anti inflammatory

Actions

Vision Improvement - Grapeseed has produced beneficial effects in people with vision problems. One study

focused on

participants

with computer related visual stress. People who worked at a vide

display terminal (VDT)

for at least 6

hours a day were assigned to

one of three groups, receiving either grapeseed, bilberry, or a placebo.

After 2 months,

the grapeseed group reported much less

visual stress, with improvements even greater than those

seen in the bilberry

group (Fusi, 1990). An earlier study had shown grapeseed

to be significantly more effective

than a placebo in improving

night vision. This earlier study included 98 people who experienced

prolonged night

visual glare or visual stress

caused by VDT's (Corbe, 1988).

Other Actions

Grapeseed has shown protective effects against carbon tetrachloride hepatic poisoning in mice (Oshima, 1995).

References

Corbe CH et al: Chromatic sense and chorioretinal circulation: a study of effects of OPC (Endotelon), ...

see book

for

the rest...

About The Mosby's Handbook

This book can be purchased from Barnes and Noble.

Disclaimer / Considerations / Recommendations

We make no medical claims or g

uarantees

on how these products will work.

We highly recommend

you

onduct your own

research

. Results may vary with individual and dosage.

Top

Top

Mosby's Hand Book of Herbs & Natural Supplements,
Linda Skidmorer-Roth, RN, MSN, NP, Copyright 2001 by Mosby, Inc.

Two Willows Farm & Vineyard ™

Making the world a healthier place one person at a time with products from the
earth, by the earth, for the people!