In recent years, natural health supplements such as grape seed extract and resveratrol have gained considerable popularity. These compounds, derived from grape seeds and grape skin respectively, contain potent antioxidants that help fight inflammation and cell damage in the body. As scientific research continues to reveal their wide-ranging therapeutic benefits, from cardiovascular protection to anti-aging skin effects, consumers have become increasingly interested in harnessing the health-boosting potential of grape seed extract and resveratrol. This article provides an in-depth comparison of these two popular supplements, including their unique beneficial properties, key differences, and safety considerations.
Grape Seed Extract: Composition and Benefits
Grape seed extract is derived from the small seeds of red wine grapes. Through a concentration process, grape seeds create a supplement packed with antioxidant polyphenols, including oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs) like gallocatechin gallate and epicatechin gallate. These beneficial plant compounds possess free radical scavenging abilities that help counter oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the body.
In particular, research indicates grape seed extract holds tremendous promise in supporting cardiovascular health. A 2016 meta-analysis published in Medicine demonstrated grape seed extract's blood pressure-lowering effects, while other studies reveal it aids arterial flexibility and circulation. Additionally, grape seed extract helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels already in the normal range while enhancing overall vascular function. These vascular benefits stem largely from grape seed extract's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities. Beyond cardiovascular wellness, emerging research suggests grape seed extract may support brain, liver, and eye health as well.
Resveratrol: Origins and Properties
In contrast to grape seed extract, resveratrol is a stilbenoid compound found naturally in the skin and seeds of grapes. It also occurs in peanuts, berries, and Japanese knotweed. As part of the grapevine's own immune defense system, resveratrol production increases in response to stress, injury, or fungal infections. This stress-induced response gives resveratrol its classification as a phytoalexin antifungal compound.
In food sources, the highest resveratrol concentrations occur in red wine during the fermentation process. The skin contact triggers more resveratrol to develop, infusing red wines with significantly more resveratrol compared to white wines. Through decades of research, scientists have uncovered resveratrol's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging bioactivities that underlie its various health advantages.
Key Differences
While grape seed extract and resveratrol share common origins from wine grapes, key differences exist regarding their chemical structure, sources, and biological activities. Grape seed extract contains OPC antioxidants like gallocatechin gallate and epicatechin gallate while resveratrol has a stilbenoid structure allowing it to act as a phytoestrogen and antifungal agent. In food sources, grape seed extract derives solely from grape seeds, but plants like Japanese knotweed and berries also produce resveratrol alongside grape skins.
In terms of health benefits, grape seed extract and resveratrol showcase slightly different therapeutic advantages. Grape seed extract appears most promising for vascular health, demonstrating exceptional cardiovascular benefits. Meanwhile resveratrol's anti-inflammatory effects have more anti-aging and longevity research support. However, both compounds function as antioxidants targeting oxidative stress, meaning their effects likely complement each other.
1 Cardiovascular Health Benefits
Among the most compelling evidence for grape seed extract and resveratrol lies in the cardiovascular realm. A double-blind, placebo-controlled 2015 study published in Food & Function revealed daily grape seed extract supplementation significantly decreases systolic and diastolic blood pressure after just six weeks. Researchers believe such antihypertensive effects result from improved nitric oxide bioavailability and arterial dilation.
Alongside lowering blood pressure, grape seed extract enhances vascular elasticity to support healthy circulation. According to Phytomedicine, Grape Seed P.E protects blood vessel dilation and flexibility against oxidative damage. These vasorelaxation benefits also help regulate normal cholesterol levels.
As for resveratrol, a Archiv der Pharmazie analysis highlighted various cardiovascular benefits from resveratrol supplementation, including decreased LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and platelet aggregation. This suggests resveratrol helps manage normal cholesterol levels while inhibiting unwanted clot formation. However, further human trials are necessary to confirm resveratrol's cardiovascular healing potential.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities
With antioxidant abilities at the core of their therapeutic effects, grape seed extract and resveratrol help counter oxidative stress responsible for many chronic diseases. As potent scavengers of tissue-damaging free radicals, these compounds prevent oxidative damage in vital organs. Research published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity revealed grape seed extract defends liver tissue against oxidative harm better than vitamin C or E.
Furthermore, both grape seed extract and resveratrol regulate various inflammatory pathways within the body. According to research by the Department of Nutrition Science at Purdue University, grape seed extract inactivates one of the main pro-inflammatory transcription factors NF-kB. This allows grape seed extract to suppress chronic inflammation underlying autoimmune disorders, neurodegeneration, disease progression, and cardiovascular disease.
Similarly, resveratrol interacts with inflammatory cytokines while inhibiting NF-kB factors. One Pharmacological Research analysis highlighted resveratrol's ability to downregulate tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin signaling. By controlling these and other pro-inflammatory mediators, resveratrol protects against systemic inflammation.
2 Skin Health and Anti-Aging Properties
In addition to internal physiological benefits, emerging skincare research shows both grape seed extract and resveratrol defend skin health when applied topically. These antioxidant compounds prevent collagen breakdown and skin cell damage induced by UV radiation while supporting regeneration of vitamin E in the skin after environmental exposure.
According to research in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, oral or topical grape seed extract balances moisture content in the skin for a more vibrant, youthful appearance. Meanwhile the anti-inflammatory activities suppress skin hypersensitivity and allergic dermatitis reactions. Another study in Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology revealed combining grape seed extract with vitamin E synergistically reduced wrinkle depth better than vitamin E alone after six months of use.
Similarly, research on resveratrol indicates impressive anti-aging skin advantages. As published in Biofactors, resveratrol inhibited matrix metalloproteinases responsible for skin elasticity loss and collagen breakdown. This helps slow age-related changes for smoother, more supple skin texture over time. Topical resveratrol creams also provide antioxidant protection against UV damage for further anti-aging skin support.
Potential Side Effects and Interactions
According to Harvard Health Publishing, grape seed extract and resveratrol supplements are likely safe for short-term use when taken orally at appropriate doses. However, little research examines their long-term safety or use in pregnant women, children, or those with existing medical conditions.
At certain doses, Grape Seed P.E poses risk for mild stomach upset, dizziness, headache, and itchy scalp. It may also interact with blood thinners, NSAIDs, lithium, chemotherapy, and other medications. Speak with your doctor about potential interactions before using grape seed extract.
Known resveratrol side effects include nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, and even kidney dysfunction at very high single doses above 5000 mg. Additionally, resveratrol may intensify the blood thinning effects of antiplatelet medications like clopidogrel when taken together. Be sure to consult your physician about using resveratrol if you take any prescription blood thinners or related medications.
Commercial Availability and Product Recommendations
Grape seed extract and resveratrol supplements come in tablets, capsules, softgels, powders, and topical skincare options through health stores and reputable online retailers. Focus on products standardized to contain enough OPCs or resveratrol to supply evidence-based health advantages. Verify independent lab testing for purity assurances as well.
For cardiovascular wellness, the brand Purely Beneficial makes a highly bioavailable, ultra-absorbable grape seed extract. Each veggie capsule provides 400mg standardized to 95% OPCs alongside vitamin C for enhanced efficacy. Meanwhile, Healths Harmony Resveratrol capsules supply 1000mg pure resveratrol with 5000 ORAC units of antioxidant capacity per serving. This formulation specifically aims to activate the longevity gene SIRT1 for anti-aging benefits.
As for skincare, InstaNatural Age-Defying & Skin Clearing Grapeseed Oil utilizes premium quality oil pressed from Spanish grapes. Great for acne-prone and environmentally damaged skin, it cleanses pores while delivering essential fatty acids and vitamin E. For resveratrol-based creams, Avalon Organics Intense Defense Anti-Aging Regenerating Cream contains resveratrol from grapeseed and edelweiss stem cells to rejuvenate aging skin.
Conclusion
With cardiovascular disease remaining the number one global cause of mortality, grape seed extract and resveratrol have emerged as two promising heart-healthy supplements. As this article outlined, grape seed extract and resveratrol share overlapping biological activities, yet differences exist in their chemical structures, sources, and specific health advantages. While additional clinical research is still needed, current evidence supports the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits of responsibly using these popular grape-derived compounds. Incorporating science-backed grape seed or resveratrol supplements may assist consumers in achieving long-range wellness goals. However, consult your trusted health provider before starting any new regimen, especially with pre-existing conditions or medications.
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