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Grape seed extract helps maintain blood pressure in the normal range, clinical trial shows

Highlights

  • Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=36)
  • Grape seed extract supports blood pressure health (systolic and diastolic)
  • Effective dosage is 150 mg, twice daily, for at least 6 weeks

    Summary

    This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial indicates supplementing with grape seed extract (GSE) significantly reduces blood pressure (BP) in adults with pre-hypertension.

    This 12-week clinical trial comprised a 2-week placebo run-in period, a 6-week intervention period, and a 4-week post-intervention follow-up period. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups: GSE (150 mg, twice daily) or placebo. BP was measured at screening, 0, 6 ,and 10 weeks; blood samples were collected at 0, 3, 6, and 10 weeks.

    A total of 36 otherwise healthy men and women with pre-hypertension participated in the study. The mean age was 42 to 44 years (standard deviation 10 years). The primary endpoint was the change in systolic BP.

    A total of 78% (28/36) of participants completed the study. Results indicate supplementation with GSE for 6 weeks resulted in: 

    • 6% reduction in systolic BP vs. placebo (P<.05)
    • 7% reduction in diastolic BP vs. placebo (P<.05)
    • 6 times higher plasma phenolic acid level vs. placebo

      Interestingly, participants with higher initial BP experienced greater BP reduction with nearly double the effect size. After the 4-week post-intervention follow-up period, BP and the plasma phenolic level returned to baseline, verifying the biological activity of GSE on BP.

      No significant between-group differences were reported for other parameters measured (e.g., fasting insulin, insulin sensitivity, fasting plasma lipids, glucose, oxidized LDL, flow-mediated dilation or vascular adhesion molecules). In addition, GSE was found to be safe and well tolerated with no reported adverse events.

      These findings suggest daily supplementation of grape seed extract (150 mg, twice daily) offers therapeutic value for blood pressure health in middle-aged adults with pre-hypertension.

      Reference
      Park E, Edirisinghe I, Choy YY, Waterhouse A, Burton-Freeman B. Effects of grape seed extract beverage on blood pressure and metabolic indices in individuals with pre-hypertension: a randomised, double-blinded, two-arm, parallel, placebo-controlled trial. Br J Nutr. 2016;115(2):226-238. doi:10.1017/S0007114515004328
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      Disclaimer: This information is for licensed healthcare professionals only to inform patient treatment. It is not intended for consumer use.

      Tag: Blood Pressure and Arteries, Grape Seed Extract
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