Grape seed extract is a rich source of potent antioxidants.
This natural nootropic has been extensively studied for its cognitive benefits, like improved memory, attention, and executive function.
Available in various forms, GSE is generally safe when used as directed. However, it may interact with certain medications and should be avoided by some individuals.
This article explains GSE’s benefits, usage, and safety considerations.
Table of Contents
Why Is Grape Seed Extract Significant?
Grape seed extract (GSE) is derived from the ground-up seeds of certain grape species.
Although often discarded as part of the winemaking process, these seeds are rich in antioxidants. These compounds are known for their ability to neutralize free radicals and enhance health.
The health benefits of grape seed extract are vast. It is most renowned for its cardiovascular benefits and ability to bolster the skin’s texture and elasticity.
Grape seed extract also supports brain health by improving blood flow and has been linked to a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
In everyday use, GSE is available as a dietary supplement in various forms, such as capsules, tablets, and liquids.
This versatile extract continues to be studied for its potential benefits in cancer prevention, diabetes management, and more, making it a popular choice for those seeking to enhance their health naturally.
What Use and Benefit Do Different Forms of Grape Seed Extract Offer?
Grape seed extract can be found in several forms, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
- Grape seed powder: A finely ground form of dried grape seeds that can be added to smoothies, yogurt, or baked goods.
- Grape seed oil: A lipid-based extract that’s rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, often used in cooking or as a carrier oil for other supplements.
- Standardized extracts: These are designed to provide consistent levels of proanthocyanidins, typically ranging from 50-95%, ensuring optimal potency and efficacy.
Which Grape Variety is Most Commonly Used for Their Seeds?
Vitis vinifera, commonly known as the common grape vine, is primarily used for grape seed extract because of its high concentration of oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs).
Vitis vinifera seeds provide a more consistent and higher potency of these beneficial compounds compared to other grape species, making them the preferred choice for cognitive health applications in supplements and functional foods.
What Are the Bioactive Compounds in Grape Seed Extract?
Grape seed extract contains a complex mixture of bioactive compounds, primarily oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), flavonoids, and phenolic acids.
- Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPCs): OPCs are powerful antioxidants that protect brain cells from oxidative stress and improve blood flow to the brain. OPCs are primarily composed of catechin and epicatechin monomers, which have been shown to provide a variety of nootropic effects.
- Flavonoids: These compounds enhance neural communication and protect neurons from damage by neutralizing free radicals. They also support neurogenesis, the creation of new neurons, which is vital for maintaining cognitive functions.
- Phenolic Acids: Phenolic acids exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and enhance blood-brain barrier integrity, ensuring that harmful substances do not reach the brain. They contribute to improved brain plasticity and cognitive resilience.
These bioactive compounds collectively enhance cognitive health by reducing oxidative stress, improving blood circulation, and supporting neuronal integrity and communication.
What Are the Cognitive Benefits of Grape Seed Extract?
Grape seed extract has been shown to improve various aspects of cognitive function, including memory, attention, and executive function.
Can Grape Seed Extract Improve Memory and Learning?
Several studies have investigated the effects of grape seed extract on memory and learning, with promising results:
A study found that grape seed extract improved spatial memory and learning in people with Alzheimer’s disease-like cognitive impairment.(1)
Another study demonstrated that grape seed extract enhanced memory retention and recall, suggesting its potential to combat age-related memory decline.(2)
The mechanisms behind these effects include increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, which support neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity.
Additionally, grape seed extract enhances cerebral blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain while reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, both of which can impair memory formation and retrieval.
Can Grape Seed Extract Improve Attention and Focus?
Grape seed extract’s ability to improve attention and focus has been explored in several human studies, yielding positive results.
One study found that a single dose of grape seed extract (300 mg) significantly improved attention and vigilance in healthy young adults.(3)
Another study demonstrated that daily supplementation with grape seed extract (150 mg) for 12 weeks improved attention and working memory in healthy older adults.(4)
This improvement in cognitive function is attributed to the extract’s antioxidant properties, which enhance cerebral blood flow and reduce oxidative stress.
Does Grape Seed Extract Enhance Executive Function?
Executive function, which includes skills such as planning, decision-making, and cognitive flexibility, is essential for daily life and can decline with age. Grape seed extract has shown promise in enhancing executive function.
A clinical trial found that daily supplementation with grape seed extract (150 mg) for 12 weeks improved cognitive flexibility and decision-making in healthy older adults.(5)
Another study demonstrated that daily consumption of grape extract rich in proanthocyanidins improved verbal learning and memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.(6)
The mechanisms at play include the extract’s ability to improve blood flow to the brain, reduce inflammation, and enhance synaptic plasticity.
How Is Grape Seed Extract Used as a Nootropic Supplement?
Grape seed extract is widely available as a dietary supplement, with various dosages and formulations to suit individual needs and preferences.
What Are the Recommended Dosages of Grape Seed Extract for Cognitive Enhancement?
The optimal dosage of grape seed extract for cognitive enhancement may vary depending on factors such as age, health status, and individual response.
However, most studies have used daily doses ranging from 100-300 mg of standardized grape seed extract (containing 95% proanthocyanidins).
How to Use Grape Seed Supplements for Maximum Efficacy?
For maximum benefits and to avoid any side effects, it’s advisable to:
- Use grape seed extract in recommended doses
- Cycle supplementation (e.g., take breaks every 8-12 weeks)
- Monitor for any adverse effects and discontinue use if necessary
- Regularly consult with a healthcare professional to assess safety and efficacy
Are There Any Safety Concerns with Grape Seed Extract?
While grape seed extract is generally well-tolerated, it can occasionally have some minor side effects or interactions with medications.
Let’s explore what you need to look out for!
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Grape Seed Extract?
Grape seed extract is considered safe for most people when used in recommended doses. However, some individuals may experience mild side effects, such as:
- Digestive discomfort (e.g., nausea, diarrhea)
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
These side effects are typically transient and resolve on their own.
If persistent or severe side effects occur, discontinue use.
What Medications or Conditions May Interact with Grape Seed Extract?
Grape seed extract may interact with certain medications or exacerbate pre-existing health conditions. Caution should be exercised in the following situations:
- Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, heparin): Grape seed extract may enhance the effects of these medications, increasing the risk of bleeding.
- Chemotherapy drugs: Grape seed extract’s antioxidant properties may interfere with the efficacy of some chemotherapy agents.
- Diabetes medications: Grape seed extract may lower blood sugar levels, potentially leading to hypoglycemia when combined with diabetes medications.
- Iron absorption: Grape seed extract may reduce iron absorption, which could be problematic for individuals with iron deficiency anemia.
Always consult a healthcare professional before starting grape seed extract supplementation, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking medications.
Is Grape Seed Extract Safe for Long-Term Use?
While most studies on grape seed extract have been short-term (12 weeks or less), there is limited evidence suggesting that long-term use (up to 12 months) is safe and well-tolerated in healthy individuals.
Who Should Avoid Grape Seed Extract Supplements?
People who should avoid grape seed extract supplements include:
- Those with known allergies to grapes or grape products
- Individuals on blood-thinning medications (like warfarin or aspirin) due to the extract’s potential to increase bleeding risk
- Those with hormone-sensitive conditions, as grape seed extract may have estrogenic effects
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Sarkaki, Alireza, Yaghoub Farbood, and Mohammad Badavi. “The effect of grape seed extract (GSE) on spatial memory in aged male rats.” Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences 23.4 (2007): 561.↩
- Rastegar-Moghaddam, Seyed Hamidreza, et al. “Grape seed extract effects on hippocampal neurogenesis, synaptogenesis and dark neurons production in old mice. Can this extract improve learning and memory in aged animals?.” Nutritional Neuroscience 25.9 (2022): 1962-1972.↩
- Bell, Lynne, et al. “Grape seed polyphenol extract and cognitive function in healthy young adults: A randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel-groups acute-on-chronic trial.” Nutritional Neuroscience 25.1 (2022): 54-63.↩
- Sochorova, Lenka, et al. “Health effects of grape seed and skin extracts and their influence on biochemical markers.” Molecules 25.22 (2020): 5311.↩
- Bell, Lynne, et al. “Grape seed polyphenol extract and cognitive function in healthy young adults: A randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel-groups acute-on-chronic trial.” Nutritional Neuroscience 25.1 (2022): 54-63.↩
- Bird, Rachel Jayne, Nigel Hoggard, and Magaly Aceves-Martins. “The effect of grape interventions on cognitive and mental performance in healthy participants and those with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.” Nutrition Reviews 80.3 (2022): 367-380.↩