Production

• After the skin and the pulp of the ripe grape are removed and used in the production of fruit juice or other grape products, the grape seed is washed and dried before either a heat expeller or a cold press removes the oils from the seeds. Consumers wanting maximum health benefits should look for the "cold pressed" designation when buying grape seed extract. The higher temperatures used in a commercial expeller destroy at least some of the nutrient value of the extract.
  
  

Skin

• Grape seed extract may offer some benefits by increasing the body's natural healing process. A 2002 study, conducted at the Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, in Columbus OH, showed increased wound healing in mice that received grape seed extract. Although successful use in humans is unproven, researchers believe grape seed extract may reduce the natural oxidation in a wound, promoting quicker healing. See a doctor before using grape seed extract therapy for deep or chronic wounds.
  
  

Circulation

• Grape seed extract enjoys a position of importance in the alternative treatment of cardiac health. As a known antioxidant, grape seed extract may improve circulation more than Vitamin C and Vitamin E, as determined by a European study conducted at the Pasteur and Huntington Institute by Dr. Jacques Masquelier. His findings indicate that grape seed extract also promotes vision, skin and brain health and is one of very few substances that penetrates the blood brain barrier to protect brain tissue and boost mental acuity.
  
  

Cancer

• As part of an ongoing study in the treatment of different forms of cancer, grape seed extract is showing a promising start. In Jan 2009, the University of Kentucky publicized encouraging results in the American Association for Cancer Research Journal. In a controlled laboratory testing facility, leukemia cells were exposed to grape seed extract and within 24 hours, more than two-thirds of the deadly cells perished. More testing is needed to determine the effects of grape seed extract upon cancer cells in humans.
  
  

Food

• As a natural and abundant organic alternative to saturated oils, grape seed oil is popular in the production of vegetarian products. Alternative health practitioners recommend grape seed-based cooking and salad oils and the extract is added to smoothies and health drinks to boost their nutritive and antioxidant value.
  
  

Warning

• Although the US National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that a dosage of 100mg per day is safe for most individuals, there are some reported side effects that may occur. Itchy skin and headaches are the most common, along with occasional nausea. Patients with bleeding disorders should consult their doctors before using the extract in any form since preliminary testing suggests that grape seed extract reduces blood clotting time.