Grape Seed
Also known as OPC, grape seed, grape seed extract, grape seed proanthocyanidin
Key takeaways
- Meta-analysis of 16 RCTs demonstrates a significant impact of GSE on blood pressure reduction (PMID: 27537554).
- GSE positively modulates blood pressure and perceived stress in healthy volunteers (PMID: 33671310).
- Combination therapy of low-dose Monacolin K with GSE and other extracts lowers LDL cholesterol in patients with mild dyslipidemia (PMID: 37375586).
What the research shows
AI-synthesized from 14 peer-reviewed sources · Updated 2025
Grape Seed Extract (GSE) is a polyphenol-rich supplement primarily studied for its cardiovascular and metabolic benefits. Research suggests it may help lower blood pressure and improve lipid profiles, particularly in individuals with pre-hypertension or metabolic syndrome.
By condition
Hypertension/Pre-hypertension
Moderate
Multiple RCTs and meta-analyses indicate that GSE can significantly reduce blood pressure and attenuate the blood pressure response to exercise.
Dyslipidemia/Cardiovascular Risk
Moderate
Evidence suggests GSE improves cardiovascular risk markers and LDL cholesterol, often when combined with other extracts or calorie-restricted diets.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Weak
Preliminary evidence suggests potential positive effects on liver enzymes and hepatic steatosis, though data is limited.
Effective doses
Specific standardized doses were not detailed in the provided abstracts, though studies ranged from low to high dose standardized extracts.
Safety & interactions
No specific contraindications provided in the abstracts; however, users should monitor for interactions with blood pressure or cholesterol medications.
Limitations
Many studies have small sample sizes (e.g., N=9 or N=10), and there is a need for more large-scale, long-term trials to establish standardized dosing and long-term efficacy.
Top-rated Grape Seed products
Ranked by safety score and evidence coverage
How it's sold
Data aggregated from 354 product labels
Research evidence
Showing top 10 of 14 sources, sorted by quality
**Angelopoulos et al., 2023** | Nutrients | Rct Angelopoulos Nicholas, Paparodis Rodis D, ... Livadas Sarantis. Low Dose Monacolin K Combined with Coenzyme Q10, Grape Seed, and Olive Leaf Extracts Lowers LDL Cholesterol in Patients with Mil…
**Grohmann et al., 2021** | Nutrients | Systematic Review Grohmann Teresa, Litts Caroline, ... de Roos Baukje. Efficacy of Bilberry and Grape Seed Extract Supplement Interventions to Improve Glucose and Cholesterol Metabolism and Blood Pres…
**Feringa et al., 2011** | J Am Diet Assoc | Meta Analysis Feringa Harm H H, Laskey Dayne A, ... Coleman Craig I. The effect of grape seed extract on cardiovascular risk markers: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Am Diet As…
**Zhang et al., 2016** | Medicine (Baltimore) | Meta Analysis Zhang Haili, Liu Shuang, ... Tian Geng. The impact of grape seed extract treatment on blood pressure changes: A meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials. Medicine (Baltim…
**Schön et al., 2021** | Nutrients | Rct Schön Christiane, Allegrini Pietro, ... Petrangolini Giovanna. Grape Seed Extract Positively Modulates Blood Pressure and Perceived Stress: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study in Hea…
**Park et al., 2016** | Br J Nutr | Rct Park Eunyoung, Edirisinghe Indika, ... Burton-Freeman Britt. Effects of grape seed extract beverage on blood pressure and metabolic indices in individuals with pre-hypertension: a randomised, double-b…
**Sivaprakasapillai et al., 2009** | Metabolism | Rct Sivaprakasapillai Brahmesh, Edirisinghe Indika, ... Kappagoda Tissa. Effect of grape seed extract on blood pressure in subjects with the metabolic syndrome. Metabolism. 2009-Dec;58(12):1…
**Yousefi et al., 2021** | Phytother Res | Rct Yousefi Reyhaneh, Parandoosh Maryam, ... Ghorbani Arman. Grape seed extract supplementation along with a restricted-calorie diet improves cardiovascular risk factors in obese or overweight adul…
OBJECTIVE: Peripheral endothelial dysfunction (PED) is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events. Similar to cardio-protective Mediterranean diet, Chardonnay seeds are rich in polyphenols, fibers, and grape seed oil. In this rando…
BACKGROUND: Despite the high antioxidant potential of grape seed extract (GSE), very limited studies have investigated its effect on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of investigatin…
Frequently asked questions
What is Grape Seed Extract and what is it used for?
Grape Seed Extract (GSE) is a polyphenol-rich supplement primarily studied for its potential cardiovascular and metabolic benefits. Research suggests it may help lower blood pressure and improve lipid profiles, particularly in individuals with pre-hypertension or metabolic syndrome.
Does Grape Seed Extract work for high blood pressure?
There is moderate evidence indicating that GSE can significantly reduce blood pressure and attenuate the blood pressure response to exercise. A meta-analysis of 16 RCTs demonstrates a significant impact of GSE on blood pressure reduction, making it a potential supportive option for those with pre-hypertension.
Can Grape Seed Extract help with cholesterol levels?
Evidence suggests GSE improves cardiovascular risk markers and LDL cholesterol, often when combined with other extracts or calorie-restricted diets. This benefit is noted in individuals with mild dyslipidemia, though specific standardized doses were not detailed in the provided abstracts.
Is Grape Seed Extract effective for fatty liver disease?
The evidence for Grape Seed Extract's effect on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is weak. Preliminary data suggests potential positive effects on liver enzymes and hepatic steatosis, but the data is limited and more research is needed to confirm these findings.
What is the effective dose of Grape Seed Extract?
Specific standardized doses were not detailed in the provided abstracts, though studies ranged from low to high dose standardized extracts. Because effective dosing varies, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate amount for your specific health needs.
Is Grape Seed Extract safe to take with blood pressure medication?
While no specific contraindications are documented, users should monitor for interactions with blood pressure or cholesterol medications because GSE can lower blood pressure. Pregnant individuals or those on prescription drugs should consult a healthcare provider before use to avoid potential additive effects.
Who should avoid taking Grape Seed Extract?
Individuals taking blood pressure or cholesterol medications should exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider due to potential interactions. Additionally, because safety data is limited for specific populations, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid use unless advised by a doctor.