Grape Seed Extract May Inhibit Atherosclerosis

Grape Seed Extract May Inhibit Atherosclerosis

SACRAMENTO, Calif.Takinggrape seed extract may discourage atherosclerosis, according to threeproprietary studies funded by Polyphenolics (a division of Constellation Wines),conducted at UC Davis School of Medicine and Medical Center and presented at theExperimental Biology Conference in San Diego earlier this year.

In two of the studies, guinea pigs were used to gauge theeffect of grape seed extract on cholesterol accumulation caused by high-fatdiets. After 12 weeks, the cholesterol accumulation in the animalstissues was significantly lower in animals given grape seed extract. The thirdstudy, done in vitro, showed grape seed extract prevented fatty acids in coconutoil from adversely affecting endothelial function in rabbit aortas.

Grape seed extract is a powerful antioxidant and has asignificant effect on atherosclerosis, said C. Tissa Kappagoda, one of thescientists involved in the research. Atherosclerosis, or hardening of thearteries, occurs when cholesterol builds up in artery walls, limiting theability of the arteries to expand and contract as blood passes through them. Ourstudies on guinea pigs found that grape seed extract kept cholesterol fromaccumulating in the arteries.