Whole Grape Extract Impacts HDL

SAN ANSELMO, Calif.A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study on the effect of Whole Grape Extract (as VinCare, from Ethical Naturals) on cholesterol and antioxidant status. Results showed supplementation with the patented extract increased HDL cholesterol, the ratio of HDL-to-total cholesterol (TC) and biomarkers of oxidative stress.

Conducted in collaboration with KGK Synergize, the study involved 26 human subjects who exhibited pre-hypertension, overweight, and/or pre-diabetes, and took 350 mg/d VinCare for six weeks. The dose was safe and well-tolerated and correlated to improved HDL, HDL:TC and biomarkers including 8-isoprostane, compared to placebo.

Were very pleased that this study scientifically validates the health benefits associated with products concentrated from whole grapes," said Cal Bewicke, president of Ethical Naturals. He added the company put a lot of work into developing this ingredient and obtaining a patent (U.S. # 7,959,963) in the United States. Additional overseas patents are pending in China and the European Union.

Marketed as both VinCare and ORAC-15M, the ingredient is standardized to contain 80-percent grape polyphenols with an ORAC Value of 15,000 µmol TE/gram, according to Ethical Naturals, which noted the ingredient is GRAS-affirmed for use in foods and beverages, in which they are widely used for added antioxidant value and polyphenol content. While the ingredient is used in supplements, the company its low color and flavor profiles are ideal for beverages.