Grape Seed Extract May Help Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure

Grape seed extract is made from the seeds of wine grapes and contains the polyphenols proanthocyanins. According to a new study, grape seed extract may help support healthy blood pressure levels.

Participants in the study included 80 adults with mild elevated blood pressure (125-140 mmHg systolic pressure). They received 300 mg of grape seed extract or a placebo daily for 16 weeks. Blood pressure was measured at baseline, week 4, week 8, week 12, and week 16. Endothelial function was evaluated at baseline and at the end of the study. The researchers administered The Perceived Stress Questionnaire at baseline and at the end of the study.

Participants in the grape seed extract group saw an average 3.90 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure, compared to a 3.21 reduction in the placebo group. Male participants in the grape seed extract group saw the largest reductions with a 4.6mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure and a 3.2 mmHg reduction in diastolic blood pressure.

Participants in the grape seed extract also saw improvements in endothelial function, and a reduction in stress perception.

The study was conducted by researchers from BioTeSys GmbH and Indena SpA. It was published on February 17, 2021 in the journal Nutrients.