Oligomeric proanthocyanidins

Related Terms

1,2-Di-O-acyl-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl glycerols, 6'-O-acyldaucosterols, ActiVin?, activin, alpha-ylangene, amino acids, ampelopcin A, anthocyanins, astringin, betulin, betulinic acid, bioflavinols, black grape extract, black grape raisins, Bordeaux wine grape seed, cabernet franc, cabernet gernischt, cabernet sauvignon, caffeic acid, calzin, Carlos, catechin, chardonnay, Chilean black grape, chlorogenic acid, condensed tannins, coumaric acid, cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyaniding, daucosterol, delphinidin, drue kerne, emperor, Endotelon?, enocianina (Italian), epicatechin, epicatechin 3-O-gallate, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, epsilon-viniferin, (E)-resveratrol 3,5-O-beta-diglucoside, extrait de pepins de raisin (French), fatty acids, fatty aliphatic aldehydes, ferulic acid, fisetin, flame seedless, flav-3-ols, flavanones, flavonoids, fragola, French red grape extract, French red wine grapes, fruit extracts, FruitSmart? Concord grape extract, gallic acid, gallocatechin, grape, grape complex, grape fruit, grape fruit skin, grape homogenate extracts, grape juice, grape marc, grape molasses, grape poamce, grape pomace extracts, grape rinds, grape seed, grape seed extract (GSE), grape seed oil, grape skin, grape skin extract, grapes, grapeseed, grapeseed oil, Grapple?, GSPE, IH636 grape seed proanthocyanidin, Indena's Grape Seed Standardized Extract?, iron, Isabel grape extract, Ison, kuromanin, leucoanthocyanidins, Leucoselect?-phytosome, malvidin, malvidin-3-acetylglucoside, malvidin 3-O-acetylglucoside, malvidin 3-O-acetylglucoside-4-vinylphenol, malvidin 3-O-acetylglucoside-pyruvate, malvidin 3-O-coumaroylglucoside-4-vinylphenol, malvidin 3-O-coumaroylglucoside-pyruvate, malvidin 3-O-glucoside, malvidin 3-O-glucoside-4-vinylphenol, malvidin 3-O-glucoside-pyruvate, Masquelier's Original OPCs?, melatonin, meoru, merlot, monomeric stilbenoid glucosides, morin, muscadine grape, muskat, myricetin, myrtillin, Nagano grape, Nagano purple grape, Niagara grape extract, Noble, nonhydrolyzable tannins, oenin, oleanolic acid, oleanolic aldehyde, oligostilbenes, oligom?res procyanidoliques (French), oligomeric proanthocyanidins, OPCs, Panace-Vid 2000?, Parellada grape, pecmez, peomidin, peonidin-3-O-glucoside, peonidin-3-coumaryl-5-diglucoside, petite sirah, petunidin, petunidin-3-O-glucoside, phenylpropanoids, p-hydroxybenzoic acids, piceatannol, piceids, pine bark extract, polyphenol-based grape extract, polyphenolic grape extract, polyphenolic oligomers, polyphenols, Portuguese red grape skins, proanthocyanidin dimers, proanthocyanidins, procyanidin dimers, procyanidins, procyanidolic oligomers (PCOs), Pycnogenol?, quercetin, quercetin-3-arabinose, quercetin-3-rhamnose, raisins, red globe, red grape juice, red grape polyphenol extract, red grapes, red malaga, red muscadine grape, red wine polyphenols, Regrapex-R(R), resveratrol, resveratrol 3,4'-O-beta-diglucosides, resveratrol triacetate, Rkatsiteli grape oil, Rkatsiteli grapes, rutin, sauvignon blanc, serotonin, Shiraz grape berries, Shiraz red grape cultivar, sitosterols, sterols, stilbene, stilbenoid, strawberry grape, sultanas, Supreme, syringetin, syringetin 3-O-acetylglucoside, syringetin 3-O-glucoside, table grapes, tannins, tetrahydro-beta-carbolines, Thompson seedless, tocopherols, Traconol?, triterpenoid acids, Victoria grape, vineatrol, Vitaceae (family), Vitis amurensis, Vitis coignetiae, Vitis coignetiae Pulliat, vitis hybrid Bailey Alicant A, Vitis labrusca, Vitis ? labruscana cv. Isabella, Vitis rotundifolia Michx., Vitis trifolia, Vitis vinifera L. cv. Grenache, Vitis vinifera L., Vitis vinifera L. cv. Chardonnay, Vitis vinifera L. cv. Pa?s, Vitis vinifera ssp. sativa, Vitis vinifera var. Nerello Mascalese, Vitis vinifera vars. Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, vitisin A, vitisin B, white grape extract, wine grapes, (Z)-resveratrol 3,5-O-beta-diglucoside, (Z)-resveratrol 3,5,4'-O-beta-triglucoside.
Combination product examples: Cellasene (grape seed oil, Gingko biloba, sweet clover, seaweed, lecithin, and evening primrose oil); Imedeen Time Perfection (a mixture of BioMarine Complex, grape seed extract, tomato extract, and vitamin C); Seresis (carotenoids (beta-carotene and lycopene), vitamins C and E, selenium, and proanthocyanidins).
Note: Pycnogenol? is a patented nutrient supplement extracted from the bark of the European coastal pine Pinus maritima. Pycnogenol? consists of flavonoids, catechins, procyanidins, and phenolic acids, which are the same constituents found in grape seed, but not the same supplement. For more information on Pycnogenol?, see the individual monograph.
Wine is a fermented grape product and is discussed in more detail in a separate monograph.
The focus of this monograph is all parts of the plant Vitis vinifera, and other species of grape are not specifically discussed. However, in many cases, the species of grape is unclear.
The focus of this monograph is all parts of the plant Vitis vinifera. Specific information on resveratrol may be found in a separate bottom line.

Background

Grape leaves, sap, seed, and fruit have been used medicinally since the Greek empire. Different parts of the plant have been used traditionally for conditions such as skin and eye irritation, bleeding, varicose veins, diarrhea, cancer, and smallpox.
Interest in grape products increased with the recognition of the potential heart-protective effects of wine consumption in French men consuming a high-fat diet. Grape has been shown to possess antioxidant, blood clot-preventing, and cholesterol-lowering properties.
The antioxidant properties of grape seed oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) make these extracts potential therapies for many diseases. Research has documented the effectiveness of grape seed OPCs for damaged blood vessel valves or weak blood vessels, diabetic retinopathy (eye damage), edema (fluid accumulation) in the arms and legs, and high cholesterol. OPCs appear to be well tolerated, with few side effects noted in the available research. However, long-term studies assessing safety are lacking.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


High-quality research reports that that grape seed OPCs may reduce the symptoms of poor circulation in leg veins. Furthermore, red leaf vine extract may be effective for preventing and managing chronic venous insufficiency.
A


High-quality research reports that that grape seed OPCs may reduce the symptoms of poor circulation in leg veins. Furthermore, red leaf vine extract may be effective for preventing and managing chronic venous insufficiency.
A


Research shows that grape seed ingredients may speed the reduction of swelling after injury, including surgery. Larger, high quality studies are needed to confirm these results.

A


Research shows that grape seed ingredients may speed the reduction of swelling after injury, including surgery. Larger, high quality studies are needed to confirm these results.

A


Diabetic retinopathy is a disease of the small blood vessels in the eye's retina. Early research using OPCs and the brand name product Endotelon? has shown beneficial effects in stopping disease progression. Additional research is needed in this area.

 B


Diabetic retinopathy is a disease of the small blood vessels in the eye's retina. Early research using OPCs and the brand name product Endotelon? has shown beneficial effects in stopping disease progression. Additional research is needed in this area.

 B


Early research suggests that ingredients from grape seed may make small blood vessels less fragile. Additional research is needed in this area.

 B


Early research suggests that ingredients from grape seed may make small blood vessels less fragile. Additional research is needed in this area.

 B


Grape seed oil is a popular carrier oil used in aromatherapy. There is mixed evidence as to whether aromatherapy may benefit agitation in dementia. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Grape seed oil is a popular carrier oil used in aromatherapy. There is mixed evidence as to whether aromatherapy may benefit agitation in dementia. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Studies have found grape and grape products to contain antioxidants. Antioxidants may protect against heart disease. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Studies have found grape and grape products to contain antioxidants. Antioxidants may protect against heart disease. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests grape extract may increase power in athletes. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests grape extract may increase power in athletes. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Grape lacks supportive evidence for improving nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Grape lacks supportive evidence for improving nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests grape juice may benefit blood flow. More high-quality studies are needed to draw a conclusion.

 C


Early research suggests grape juice may benefit blood flow. More high-quality studies are needed to draw a conclusion.

 C


Early research suggests that grape may benefit blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood flow. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests that grape may benefit blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood flow. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Grape extract may have a beneficial effect on blood pressure and heart rate. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Grape extract may have a beneficial effect on blood pressure and heart rate. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests OPCs may reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol. Grape may also possess antioxidant properties and reduce clogged arteries. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests OPCs may reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol. Grape may also possess antioxidant properties and reduce clogged arteries. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Grape juice may increase the number of immune system cells. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Grape juice may increase the number of immune system cells. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Grape seed extract may improve some symptoms of liver disease. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Grape seed extract may improve some symptoms of liver disease. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Melasma is a skin discoloration that may occur due to hormonal imbalances. Antioxidants are thought to improve skin color, and grape seed extract is thought to have antioxidant activity. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Melasma is a skin discoloration that may occur due to hormonal imbalances. Antioxidants are thought to improve skin color, and grape seed extract is thought to have antioxidant activity. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Grape juice may benefit verbal learning and memory in the elderly. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Grape juice may benefit verbal learning and memory in the elderly. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Grape seed may reduce stomach pain associated with an inflamed pancreas. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Grape seed may reduce stomach pain associated with an inflamed pancreas. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research shows positive results on grape seed for PMS symptoms. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research shows positive results on grape seed for PMS symptoms. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Grape seed contains OPCs, which may have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants have potential radioprotective properties. Although initial results show a lack of benefit, larger studies are needed.

 C


Grape seed contains OPCs, which may have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants have potential radioprotective properties. Although initial results show a lack of benefit, larger studies are needed.

 C


Epicatechin is an antioxidant component of grape seed extract, which has become increasingly popular in skin products. Combination products that include grape seed extract have shown promising effects. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Epicatechin is an antioxidant component of grape seed extract, which has become increasingly popular in skin products. Combination products that include grape seed extract have shown promising effects. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Grape may improve sensitivity to light and glare. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Grape may improve sensitivity to light and glare. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests that grape juice may reduce waist circumference. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests that grape juice may reduce waist circumference. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Grape seed has been used to treat immune system disorders due to its antioxidant effects. However, research on grape seed's effect on allergies shows mixed results. Additional research is needed in this area.

 D


Grape seed has been used to treat immune system disorders due to its antioxidant effects. However, research on grape seed's effect on allergies shows mixed results. Additional research is needed in this area.

 D
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
For allergies, grape seed extract has been taken at a dose of 100 milligrams by mouth twice daily for unspecified duration.
As an antioxidant, 100-480 milliliters of Concord, purple, or red grape juice has been taken by mouth daily for 1-12 weeks. A standardized grape product (100 milliliters, one dose equivalent to 1.25 cups of fresh grapes) has been taken by mouth once or twice daily for 21 days. Extracts of grape, grape seed, or grape skin (200-400 milligrams) have been taken as capsules or tablets 1-3 times daily for up to 12 weeks. A single dose of one gram per kilogram of dried black grape per kilogram has been taken by mouth. A 46 gram dose of freeze-dried grape powder has been taken by mouth for four weeks.
For athletic performance, 400-milligram capsules of grape extract have been taken by mouth once daily for one month.
For chemotherapy side effects, four ounces of Concord grape juice has been taken by mouth daily before meals for one week.
For chronic venous insufficiency (damaged vein valves), tablets containing 360-720 milligrams of red vine leaf extract AS 195 have been taken by mouth daily for 6-12 weeks. Endotelon? (150-300 milligrams) and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (300 milligrams) have been taken by mouth daily for 1-3 months.
For coronary artery disease, 4-8 milliliters of purple grape juice per kilogram has been taken once or twice by mouth daily for 14-28 days.
For diabetic retinopathy, Endotelon? (100-200 milligrams) has been taken by mouth daily for several weeks to three months. Grape seed proanthocyanidins (100 milligrams) have been taken by mouth daily for one year.
For edema (swelling), Endotelon? (200-400 milligrams) and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) (300 milligrams) have been taken by mouth for 30 days to six months. A dose of 300 milligrams of Endotelon? has been taken daily five days prior to cosmetic surgery and on postoperative days 2-6.
For heart disease prevention, 100-500 milliliters of Concord and red grape juice has been consumed daily for up to 12 weeks. Grape extract tablets (300 or 350 milligram tablets) have been taken once or twice daily for up to one year. Grape powder (36 grams), standardized grape product (each dose equivalent to 1.25 cups of fresh grapes), wine grape solids (1,500 milligrams), grape seed (800 milligrams), and grape antioxidant dietary fiber (7.5 grams) have been taken once or twice daily for up to 16 weeks. Doses of 150-2,000 milligrams of grape seed extract have been taken by mouth for 2-24 weeks.
For high blood pressure, 150-2,000 milligrams of grape seed extract have been taken by mouth for 2-24 weeks. Concord grape juice, consumed at 5.5-7milliliters per kilogram daily for eight weeks, has been taken. Grape seed polyphenols have been taken at a dose of 1,000 milligrams daily for six weeks. Additionally, 46 grams of freeze-dried whole grape powder has been taken by mouth daily for 4 weeks.
For high cholesterol, grape antioxidant dietary fiber (7.7 grams) and grape seed extract (100-400 milligrams) have been taken once or twice daily by mouth for two months to sixteen weeks.
For immune function, 360 milliliters of Concord grape juice has been consumed daily for nine weeks.
For liver disease, 1,000 milligrams of grape extract has been taken twice daily for three months.
For melasma (dark skin spots), grape seed extract at an unknown dose has been taken by mouth for six months.
For memory, 6-9 milliliters of Concord grape juice per kilogram has been consumed by mouth for 12 weeks.
For pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas), 100 milligrams of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) (ActiVin?) has been taken by mouth 2-3 times daily.
For radiation injuries, 100 milligrams of GSPE has been taken by mouth three times daily for six months. A dose of 100 milligrams of grape procyanidins has been taken daily by mouth for 60 days.
For skin aging, two tablets of a combination product containing grape seed extract (Imedeen? Prime Renewal?) has been taken twice daily for six months.
For vascular fragility, 150 milligrams of grape seed extract (GSE) has been taken by mouth twice daily for eight weeks. A dose of 150 milligrams of procyanidolic oligomers has been taken by mouth daily for 28 days. Additionally, 100 milligrams of Endotelon? has been taken by mouth daily for at least one month.
For vision problems, Endotelon? has been taken at a dose of 200 milligrams daily for five weeks.
For weight loss, 480 milliliters of Concord grape juice has been consumed daily for 12 weeks.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Grape may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Grape may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Grape may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be decreased in the blood, and the intended effects may be reduced. People taking any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Grape may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Because grape contains estrogen like chemicals, the effects of other agents believed to have estrogen-like properties may be altered.
Grape may also interact with agents for cancer, diabetes, gout, obesity, or osteoporosis; agents for diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting; agents for the brain, heart, skin, or teeth; agents for excess uric acid; agents that alter immune function; agents that increase sensitivity to light; agents that reduce pain or inflammation; agents that widen blood vessels; agents toxic to the liver; angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors; antibiotics; antidepressants; antifungals; antivirals; cholesterol-lowering agents; cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors; cyclosporin A; doxorubicin (Adriamycin); folate analogs; insulin preparations; methotrexate; phenacetin; snake venom antidote; and wound-healing agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Barona, J., Aristizabal, J. C., Blesso, C. N., Volek, J. S., and Fernandez, M. L. Grape polyphenols reduce blood pressure and increase flow-mediated vasodilation in men with metabolic syndrome. J Nutr 2012;142(9):1626-1632.
Barona, J., Blesso, C. N., Andersen, C. J., Park, Y., Lee, J., and Fernandez, M. L. Grape consumption increases anti-inflammatory markers and upregulates peripheral nitric oxide synthase in the absence of dyslipidemias in men with metabolic syndrome. Nutrients. 2012;4(12):1945-1957.
De, Groote D., Van, Belleghem K., Deviere, J., Van, Brussel W., Mukaneza, A., and Amininejad, L. Effect of the intake of resveratrol, resveratrol phosphate, and catechin-rich grape seed extract on markers of oxidative stress and gene expression in adult obese subjects. Ann Nutr Metab 2012;61(1):15-24.
Dohadwala, M. M., Hamburg, N. M., Holbrook, M., Kim, B. H., Duess, M. A., Levit, A., Titas, M., Chung, W. B., Vincent, F. B., Caiano, T. L., Frame, A. A., Keaney, J. F., Jr., and Vita, J. A. Effects of Concord grape juice on ambulatory blood pressure in prehypertension and stage 1 hypertension. Am J Clin.Nutr. 2010;92(5):1052-1059.
Feringa, H. H., Laskey, D. A., Dickson, J. E., and Coleman, C. I. The effect of grape seed extract on cardiovascular risk markers: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Am Diet.Assoc. 2011;111(8):1173-1181.
Hashemi, M., Kelishadi, R., Hashemipour, M., Zakerameli, A., Khavarian, N., Ghatrehsamani, S., and Poursafa, P. Acute and long-term effects of grape and pomegranate juice consumption on vascular reactivity in paediatric metabolic syndrome. Cardiol Young. 2010;20(1):73-77.
Krikorian, R., Nash, T. A., Shidler, M. D., Shukitt-Hale, B., and Joseph, J. A. Concord grape juice supplementation improves memory function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Br J Nutr. 2010;103(5):730-734.
Ndiaye, M., Philippe, C., Mukhtar, H., and Ahmad, N. The grape antioxidant resveratrol for skin disorders: promise, prospects, and challenges. Arch.Biochem.Biophys. 4-15-2011;508(2):164-170.
Pasinetti, G. M. Novel role of red wine-derived polyphenols in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease dementia and brain pathology: experimental approaches and clinical implications. Planta Med 2012;78(15):1614-1619.
Rabe, E., Stucker, M., Esperester, A., Schafer, E., and Ottillinger, B. Efficacy and tolerability of a red-vine-leaf extract in patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency--results of a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Eur.J Vasc.Endovasc.Surg. 2011;41(4):540-547.
Reddy, K. K., Grossman, L., and Rogers, G. S. Common complementary and alternative therapies with potential use in dermatologic surgery: risks and benefits. J Am Acad.Dermatol 2013;68(4):e127-e135.
Rowe, C. A., Nantz, M. P., Nieves, C., Jr., West, R. L., and Percival, S. S. Regular consumption of Concord grape juice benefits human immunity. J Med Food 2011;14(1-2):69-78.
Song, P., Zhang, R., Wang, X., He, P., Tan, L., and Ma, X. Dietary grape-seed procyanidins decreased postweaning diarrhea by modulating intestinal permeability and suppressing oxidative stress in rats. J Agric.Food Chem 6-8-2011;59(11):6227-6232.
Tome-Carneiro, J., Gonzalvez, M., Larrosa, M., Garcia-Almagro, F. J., Aviles-Plaza, F., Parra, S., Yanez-Gascon, M. J., Ruiz-Ros, J. A., Garcia-Conesa, M. T., Tomas-Barberan, F. A., and Espin, J. C. Consumption of a grape extract supplement containing resveratrol decreases oxidized LDL and ApoB in patients undergoing primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: a triple-blind, 6-month follow-up, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Mol.Nutr Food Res 2012;56(5):810-821.
Tome-Carneiro, J., Gonzalvez, M., Larrosa, M., Yanez-Gascon, M. J., Garcia-Almagro, F. J., Ruiz-Ros, J. A., Garcia-Conesa, M. T., Tomas-Barberan, F. A., and Espin, J. C. One-year consumption of a grape nutraceutical containing resveratrol improves the inflammatory and fibrinolytic status of patients in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Am J Cardiol. 8-1-2012;110(3):356-363.