Polyphenolics ~ MegaNatural Grape Seed Extracts

MADERA, Calif.Polyphenolics presented its MegaNatural Grape Seed Extracts during two research presentations at the VI International Conference on Polyphenols and Health in October in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Field experts learned how Polyphenolics' unique grape seed extracts may play an important role in helping people maintain healthy blood pressure and potentially reducing their risks of developing a common form of cancer.

Britt Burton-Freeman, Ph.D., M.S., presented the results of a parallel human clinical study that was conducted by the University of California, Davis, the Illinois Institute of Technology and the Center for Nutrition Research. The study evaluated MegaNatural-BP grape seed extract's effects on blood pressure and metabolic endpoints on middle-aged men and women diagnosed with pre-hypertension.

The randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effect of 300 mg per day of grape seed extract delivered in a beverage for six weeks and a four-week follow up after the study. Subjects who were given the grape seed extract showed significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure; the most benefits were seen in subjects with a higher starting blood pressure. The study also showed marginally significant changes in insulin.

"The study supports the use of grape seed extract as a functional ingredient in a low-calorie beverage to reduce the risk of hypertension," Burton-Freeman said. "The grape seed extract may also aid in glucose control through improved insulin sensitivity."

According to the study, diets high in fruits and vegetables are associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer. The proanthocyanidins (PAC) found in wine are thought to provide some of these benefits. Results from the study was presented by Andrew Waterhouse, Ph.D., focusing on how well the PAC's found in grape seed extract are absorbed into the digestive tracts of pigs, which are reported to be similar to humans. The study was conducted by the University of California, Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology, and the Department of Animal Science.

The study focused on six crossbred female pigs that were fed a diet containing 20 mg of MegaNatural-Gold grape seed extract for six days. On day three of ingesting the grape seed extract, the PAC and microbial-derived phenolic metabolites were present in the pigs' feces, but after 48 hours of the controlled treatment, none of the compounds were present in the feces.

"This data indicates that the grape seed extract's PAC are present in the colon, and are metabolized by gut microbiota to smaller phenolic acids," Waterhouse said. "This report confirms prior studies of the rate which also showed that grape seed extract PAC are present in the colon, and thus could have beneficial effects on gastrointestinal health."