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Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera, oligomeric proanthocyanidins)

Plant polyphenol complex, supplement. Source of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC), compositionally similar to pycnogenol

ATC code: A11JA-GRAPE-SEED

Brand names – supplements: Jarrow Grape Seed, Now Grape Seed, Doctor's Best Grape Seed Extract, Life Extension Grape Seed ExtractSupplements are not tested in clinical trials and are not registered as medications.

Updated · Methodology

Marketing claims without evidence base

The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.

D

Age-related skin changes (wrinkles, elasticity)

Not recommended

Grape seed extract is sold as a «natural collagen protector» for skin firmness. No RCTs with clinical wrinkle assessment endpoints (Glogau, Fitzpatrick) or skin histology. 2021 lists SPF 30+ photoprotection, topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene), azelaic acid first-line for photoaging, and procedures (laser resurfacing, botulinum toxin, fillers) for deep wrinkles. If grape seed extract was recommended as a retinoid or procedure substitute, consider seeking a second opinion from a dermatologist.

Sources

  1. AAD: Guidelines of care for the management of androgenetic alopecia (2024)
D

Anti-aging and longevity

Not recommended

Grape seed extract contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins, plant antioxidants marketed to slow aging and extend lifespan. Studies have not shown convincing benefit for this use: there is no solid evidence that the supplement actually affects aging or how long people live. What does help these outcomes is the ordinary stuff – sleep, diet, physical activity and sun protection for the skin.

Sources

  1. USPSTF: Vitamin, mineral, and multivitamin supplementation to prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer (2022)
  2. ESC: ESC Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice (2024)
D

Chronic venous insufficiency

Not recommended

Grape seed extract is sold as «natural help for veins and vessels». Several small RCTs in 50–150 patients with CEAP C2–C3 CVI showed moderate reduction of leg heaviness and calf circumference at 150–300 mg/day × 4–8 weeks vs placebo. No Cochrane-level systematic reviews. ESVS 2022 lists compression stockings 23–32 mmHg and micronised diosmin/hesperidin (Detralex/Daflon, Venoruton, rutosides) first-line for CVI; grape seed extract is not mentioned in international guidelines. If grape seed extract was recommended as a compression or venotonic substitute, consider seeking a second opinion from a phlebologist.

Sources

  1. J Am Diet Assoc: The effect of grape seed extract on cardiovascular risk markers: meta-analysis (2011)
  2. ESVS: Editor's choice – ESVS clinical practice guidelines on the management of chronic venous disease (2022)

ICD-10: I87.2 · ICD-11: BD74

D

Primary hypercholesterolemia

Not recommended

Grape seed extract is sold as a «natural cardioprotector» and cholesterol-lowering supplement. Feringa 2011 meta-analysis of 9 RCTs in 390 patients showed modest systolic BP reduction (−1.5 mmHg) without significant effect on total cholesterol, or . dyslipidaemia 2024 at LDL >1.8–3.0 mmol/L (depending on CV risk) lists statins (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin) first-line; if not at goal – ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors (alirocumab, evolocumab) or bempedoic acid; grape seed extract is not in guidelines. If grape seed extract was recommended as a statin substitute in primary or familial hypercholesterolaemia, consider seeking a second opinion from a cardiologist.

Sources

  1. J Am Diet Assoc: The effect of grape seed extract on cardiovascular risk markers: meta-analysis (2011)
  2. ESC: ESC Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice (2024)

ICD-10: E78.0 · ICD-11: 5C80.00

How to read tiers A–F
  • AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
  • BRecommended in selected cases
  • CStudy data contradict each other
  • DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
  • FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit

Mechanism of action

Grape seed extract contains OPC (monomeric catechin and epicatechin + oligomeric forms), flavonoids and phenolic acids. In laboratory models OPC bind free radicals, inhibit xanthine oxidase, increase endothelial NO synthesis and reduce oxidation. The human mechanism is partly confirmed in RCTs in vascular disorders: reduced leg oedema in CVI, modest systolic BP reduction (−1–3 mmHg) and oxidised LDL. AEMPS does not register grape seed extract as a medicine. OPC oral bioavailability is low (1–10%), which limits clinical effect.

Safety

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and lactation
  • Children under 12
  • Warfarin and other anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy (theoretical bleeding risk via platelet aggregation inhibition)
  • Discontinue 2 weeks before elective surgery
  • History of allergy to grapes or grape products

Serious adverse effects

  • Anaphylaxis in grape-allergic patients (rare)
  • Increased bleeding risk combined with anticoagulants

Common adverse effects

  • Nausea, stomach discomfort
  • Headache
  • Skin itch (rare)

Pregnancy: can you take Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera, oligomeric proanthocyanidins)?

No RCT data in pregnancy. AEMPS does not register grape seed extract as a medicine. Avoid in pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: can you take Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera, oligomeric proanthocyanidins)?

No data on milk transfer. Lactating women should avoid.

Calculate RID

Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.

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Frequently asked

What is Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera, oligomeric proanthocyanidins) used for?

Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera, oligomeric proanthocyanidins) is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Chronic venous insufficiency (evidence tier D), Primary hypercholesterolemia (evidence tier D), Age-related skin changes (wrinkles, elasticity) (evidence tier D). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.

What are the side effects of Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera, oligomeric proanthocyanidins)?

Common side effects of Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera, oligomeric proanthocyanidins) (≥ 1 in 100): Nausea, stomach discomfort, Headache, Skin itch (rare). See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.

Is Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera, oligomeric proanthocyanidins) safe during pregnancy?

No RCT data in pregnancy. AEMPS does not register grape seed extract as a medicine. Avoid in pregnancy.

Is Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera, oligomeric proanthocyanidins) compatible with breastfeeding?

No data on milk transfer. Lactating women should avoid.

Who should not take Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera, oligomeric proanthocyanidins)?

Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera, oligomeric proanthocyanidins) is contraindicated in: Pregnancy and lactation; Children under 12; Warfarin and other anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy (theoretical bleeding risk via platelet aggregation inhibition); Discontinue 2 weeks before elective surgery; History of allergy to grapes or grape products. Full list in the Safety section.

Other drugs in this group

Horsetail, Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), Lecithin (soy or sunflower phosphatidylcholine), Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus), Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), Rhodiola rosea (golden root), Urolithin A (ellagitannin metabolite, mitophagy activator), L-threonine + pyridoxine (Biotredin)