* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
Name
Vitis vinifera L. (Vitaceae). Commonly called grapeseed. In French, it is called Vigne cultivé; in German, Weinstock.
Source
Grape vines will grow almost everywhere, and probably were the first plant to be cultivated by man. Roughly 20 percent of the seed is comprised of a quick-drying oil with antioxidant properties.
History
The process of natural fermentation is very ancient. Beer was first brewed from fermented grain more than 3,500 years ago. The practice of making wine appears to be almost as old, and the practice of mixing medicines with wines equally ancient. The idea of using the rest of the vine for medicinal purposes is much more recent, probably dating to the Middle Ages, when sap from the vines was used to treat skin rashes and eye infect-ions. Modern interest in grapeseed relates to its content of Vitamin E and linoleic acid.
Traditional Claims
Laxative and diuretic.
Commission E Recommendations
Grapeseed is not mentioned by Commission E.
Proven Effects
Grapeseed oil contains procyanidins, Vitamin E, and linoleic acid. The Vitamin E probably accounts for grapeseed's antioxidant effect, although the flavonoid proanthrocyanidins contained in the oil are also effective antioxidants.
In two very large population studies, no benefits from Vitamin E supplementation could be found. But in other studies, double-blind at that, researchers found that supplements lowered the risk for coronary artery disease. A separate study of Finnish smokers failed to detect much of a benefit in preventing heart disease, but men taking 50 International Units (IU) a day of alpha-tocopherol had far fewer cases of prostate cancer than controls not taking the supplement. Interestingly, studies published at almost the same time reported that giving selenium also reduced the risk for prostate cancer. Since selenium is just as powerful an antioxidant as Vitamin E, it appears that the results from Finland are not a fluke.
In addition to containing Vitamin E, grapeseed oil also contains linolenic acid, although not nearly as much as is found in sunflower oil and safflower oil. Conjugated linolenic acid (called, CLA, and consisting of multiple linoleic molecules bound together) prevents tumor growth. It is formed when linoleic acid in grapeseed is converted to CLA by intestinal bacteria. To the extent that linoleic acid replaces other fats in the diet, it causes good cholesterol (HDL) levels to rise and bad cholesterol levels (LDL) to fall, actions consistent with the prevention of heart disease. Antioxidant supplementation may have other benefits over and above preventing cancer and heart disease. There is an emerging consensus that "oxidative stress" plays a role in Alzheimer's disease, and that treatment with Vitamin E may help.
Dosage
The effective dosage has never really been determined. Most researchers feel that if Vitamin E supplements are to be taken, then at least 800 International Units a day will be required to produce any benefit. The Vitamin E content should be indicated on the label of the grapeseed product being purchased.
User Group Forum
Share your questions and information with the ZooScape community!
Anonymous - May 1, 2006, 10:51
#10000271
Can you tell me what it does to your body as a whole and does it help with weight control.
ZooScape Moderator - May 1, 2006, 12:36
#10001319
Grape Seed Extract can help protect the skin and internal organs against the ravages of stress and environmental toxins by acting as a potent and powerful antioxidant. Regular use of Grape Seed Extract may help to protect you against cancer and has also been found effective at repairing connective tissue. While there have been small studies performed to test the effectiveness of Grape Seed in weight loss and they have been successful, there are more studies required before it can be proven that Grape Seed does assist with helping one to lose weight. I would suggest that you sign-up for the ZooScape.com newsletter (which you can do directly from our home page) as the most recent edition does contain information regarding healthy weight loss and recommendations for herbal supplements to help you achieve your weight loss goals.
There are several different types of Vitamin E. The form found naturally in our foods is gamma-tocopherol, a potent antioxidant. The Vitamin E found in supplements, such as grapeseed, is mostly alpha-tocopherol. There is laboratory evidence that when taken in very large amounts, alpha-tocopherol can block the effects of gamma-tocopherol, in effect, acting like a prooxidant!
Warning
Very high doses of Vitamin E can disrupt normal body metabolism of Vitamin K, and that can lead to bleeding tendencies. Patients taking anticoagulants such as coumadin should not be taking Vitamin E-containing products without first notifying their doctors.
Drug Testing
There is no evidence that any of the components of grapeseed oil will interfere with any of the standard workplace urine drug screening tests.
Additional Information
TerraVita is an exclusive line of premium-quality, natural source products that use only the finest, purest and most potent ingredients found around the world. TerraVita is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. All of our products are prepared with the highest elements of quality control, from raw materials through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the bottles or bags are sealed for freshness and shipped out to you. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.
TerraVita exists to meet and ensure your family's health and wellness without the harmful effects or chemicals and prescription medications. We strive to make all of our products affordable and reliable and are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you and the ones you love. TerraVita has become a trusted household name for many families and can bring you and yours the very best herbal supplements, blends, teas and spices that are on the market today.
TerraVita is packed in childproof, tamper-proof pharmaceutical-grade recyclable containers.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to Simona Heather at 905-494-1785.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
