Ingredient sheet: Grape seed extracts
Reminder: What are grapes?
Grapes are one of the most widely cultivated fruits and have been used for winemaking since the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. Grape seeds are rich in proanthocyanidins , which possess potent free radical scavenging activity.
Grape seeds are a complex matrix containing 40% fiber, 16% oil, 11% protein, and 7% phenols such as tannins.
The proanthocyanidins ( PAC or OPC ) of grape seeds are mainly composed of monomeric catechin, epicatechin, gallic acid and polymeric and oligomeric proanthocyanidins.
At Phytocea , we use grape seed extracts, rich in OPCs, in our ORetine designed to support visual function.
What are the biological properties of grape seeds?
Grape seed PACs represent a large group of secondary plant metabolites that have effects in combating various types of stress:
- ultraviolet irradiation
- attack by pathogens, parasites, plant predators
- They also contribute to the organoleptic properties of plants and plant-based foods.
Proanthocyanidins have been shown to possess strong antioxidant activity and eliminate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, modulate immune function and platelet activation, and produce vasorelaxation by inducing the release of nitric oxide (NO) from the endothelium.
It has also been observed that proanthocyanidins appear to inhibit the progression of atherosclerosis and prevent the increase in LDL cholesterol concentration ("bad cholesterol").
What are the health claims made about grape seed extracts?
Claims applications (ref: 2139, 4720, 2146, 4721) have been submitted to EFSA and are pending validation. In accordance with regulations, their use is at the manufacturers' discretion; these include:
- maintains the health of the heart and cardiovascular system
- supports venous circulation
- maintains the health of blood vessels
- is a known source of antioxidants
- maintains cellular health and function."
And at Phytocea?
At Phytocea, we use organic French grape seed OPCs to support local expertise. These extracts are an integral part of our ORetine. ORetine is a nutraceutical food supplement specifically designed to support vision and prevent certain conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
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What are the contraindications and side effects of grape seed extracts?
The consumption of grape seed extracts is not recommended without medical advice in the following cases:
- people suffering from a grape allergy
- children under 12 years old
- people suffering from severe kidney problems
- pregnant or breastfeeding women
- people suffering from severe liver disorders
- people suffering from chronic illnesses.
In the search
The potential health benefits of dietary polyphenols on major chronic non-communicable diseases have been demonstrated in several meta-analyses. (1)
Grape seed extract has shown in a study its protective effect on visual health through a reduction of H₂O₂-induced cell apoptosis and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and protected the studied cells from H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage. (2)
Proanthocyanidins extracted from grape seeds protect the lens from oxidative stress.(2,3)
