Grape Seed Extract May Prevent Cardiovascular Problems

Grape Seed Extract May Prevent Cardiovascular Problems

MILAN, ItalyLeucoselectPhytosome, a botanical grape seed extract produced by Indena, protectslow-density lipoproteins (LDL) under oxidative stress in heavy smokers,according to the company (www.indena.com). If this oxidative stress is notcombated, it causes plaque to form in the walls of medium- and large-sizedarteries in the heart; plaque formation is the main symptom of atherosclerosis,a cardiovascular disease. Grape seeds contain large quantities of procyanidinsthat protect against free radicals and oxidative stress.

The 14-week clinical study (randomized, cross-over, doubleblind, placebo-controlled) involved 24 healthy smokers over the age of 50 whosmoked more than 10 cigarettes per day. During the first four-week stage, onegroup was given 150 mg/d of Leucoselect Phytosome and the other was given 150mg/d of placebo. Following a three-week wash-out period, the second four-weekstage began, during which time the groups received the opposite treatment;another three-week wash-out period followed. The fatty component of the bloodwas measured before and after the end of each phase. [T]reatment withLeucoselect Phytosome, compared with the placebo, induced a 20-percent reductionof the lipidic peroxidation, with a significant 15-percent increase of LDLresistance to oxidating stress, explained Roberto Maffei Facino, a professorat Milan University. There was also an increase in the overall plasmaticantioxidant capacity, which confirms the product is easily assimilated,according to the company. The study results were published in the October issueof Metabolism (52, 10:1250-7, 2003).