Grape Seed Extract for Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Using grape seed extract for cancer has garnered much attention in recent years. It has been used for centuries as a traditional remedy, but only recently has it come to the attention of medical science.

Research shows that chemical compounds contained within grape seed extract may promote apoptosis of cancer cells, helping to slow or prevent the growth of tumors. The B2G2 compound found in grape seeds also appears to leave healthy cells undamaged, providing a targeted action against cancerous cells.

More research is needed to understand the mechanisms of action of using grape seed extract for cancer, as well as the potential viability of this supplement as a treatment option for certain types of cancer.

At this time, the FDA has not approved grape seed extract as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions, including cancers. In the U.S. grape seed extract is available as a dietary supplement only.

Grape Seed Extract

Anti-Oxidant Supplement

Heart Health

Brain Function

Anti- oxidant

How It Works:

• Supports brain health & alertness
• Improves heart health & cholesterol levels
• Potent anti-oxidant & procyanidins source

Dosage:

Between 150 - 300 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Grape Seed Extract Supplements

Interest in the health-boosting properties of grape seed extract began with the ‘French Paradox.’

This is the name given to the discovery that although the French had a high fat diet the death rate from heart attacks was a quarter of that of their UK neighbors.

French people tend to have higher consumption of Omega 3 fatty acids from food sources, but they also drink more red wine than the British or North American population.

An influencing factor was thought to be the French consumption of red wine and scientific investigations began in earnest to identify components of grapes that could promote health. What was analyzed were the components of the grape itself including skin and seeds.

It was found that grape seeds contained many compounds in a higher concentration than any other part of the plant. Grape seed extract is now used to improve cardiovascular health, to reduce cholesterol levels, and as a potent antioxidant.

It has also been shown in studies that grape seed extract can help reduce and control high blood pressure levels. As with many traditional supplements, although there appears to be positive results, in many cases it is not understood how beneficial results are achieved.

Research on Grape Seed Extract and Cancer

Some studies have claimed that using grape seed extract for cancer is more effective than certain types of chemotherapy for eliminating cancer cells. Although many compounds contained within grape seed extract have been identified in the last 2 decades, it was not understood how they act upon certain conditions or ailments.

Previous studies have shown that grape seed extract contains a complex mix of polyphenols that appear to slow the progression of cancer cells when administered in vitro. Late in 2013, the University of Colorado Cancer Center revealed that a compound called B2G2 appears to be the most active element against cancer cells.

Until this time, although researchers reported some success in grape seed extract for cancer producing positive results, they were unsure as to why. The B2G2 compound was suggested as a candidate, but there were initial problems in confirming this hypothesis due to the difficulty in respect of isolating enough of the compound from the extract to provide for sufficient treatment.

In an effort to resolve the problem, the research group managed to produce a synthetic version of B2G2 relatively inexpensively. In trials, the synthesized version produced very similar responses to that of the naturally occurring chemical.

Overall the effectiveness was in relation to B2G2 being able to induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Up to 70% of cancerous cells in culture plates were killed when B2G2 from grape seed extract was administered.

Although this study was carried out on prostate cancer cells, the implications are that it may have benefits for other types of cancer as well. It also supports the traditional belief that grapes are beneficial and have substantive healing properties.

Further studies have also looked into the properties of grape seed products. While there appears to be some consistency between compounds and components, the ratios differ between each part.

Grape Seed Extract for Cancer Prevention

Rather than investigate the effects on existing cancer, some researchers are interested in determining how effect a daily dose of grape seed extract for cancer may be at preventing the occurrence of this disease. However, this is a difficult question to answer due to the logistics of how modern medical trials are conducted.

No long-term studies have been pursued as of yet to examine the potential preventative effects of grape seed extract. While it has been established that one compound contained within the grape seed has significant effects on inducing cell death in cancer cells, the preventative properties are unknown.

It is also unclear whether increased consumption of grapes could result in the same benefits as the use of a grape seed supplement or administration of synthetic B2G2 (as was used in the above study).

The health benefits of directly eating grapes is limited because most people do not eat the seeds. If it is this part of the fruit which contains most of the anticancer properties, then grape seed extract liquid or capsules may be useful instead.

Additional Benefits of Grape Seed Extract

Use of grape seed extract is also believed to slow down signs of aging due to its antioxidant effects. It is associated with improved cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and healthier cholesterol levels. In addition to health benefits as a direct result of the agents contained within grape seed extract, it is also an excellent source of fiber.

Our bodies need fiber for more than simply aiding digestion. Dietary fiber can also help prevent:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Cardiovascular disease
• Obesity
• Colon cancer

The nutritional value and fiber content have not been overlooked by the food industry. Many products considered nutritional supplements, such as food bars, now contain grape seed extract as an ingredient.

Correct Dose of Grape Seed Extract for Cancer

The term grape seed ‘extract’ is slightly misleading. The extract is in fact the ground or powered seeds which are procured as a byproduct of the wine industry. The oil which is exuded from the process is grape seed ‘oil’ and used in cooking and other processes.

There have been no studies defining safe guidelines for grape seed extract dosages as an anti-cancer supplement. Standard dosages recommendations usually suggest taking between 100 and 300 mgs per day. No significant side effects have been found in studies where higher doses of grape seed extract have been taken.

Proper dosage is based on many different factors including age, weight, sex, and the reason for taking a supplement. It is recommended that you speak to your doctor for advice on dosage and usage of grape seed extract for cancer.

Due to the lack of research it is cautioned that children should not be given grape seed extract. Similarly, the standard warning applies that women who are breastfeeding or pregnant should consult with a clinician prior to taking it. Other warnings also affect those who are allergic to grapes.

Grape seed extract can most commonly be purchased in powder, tablet, or capsule form. The capsules do not contain a fluid but the dry extract. Liquid extract products do exist, but are rare and more expensive then traditional dry supplements. Some people prefer the tablets or capsules because they are the most convenient to take, as the taste of the powder is considered quite bitter and must be mixed with juice to be consumed.

Although grape seed extract has anecdotally been believed to be beneficial to health, results have only recently been validated. The recent studies do indicate that B2G2 found within grape seeds can promote apoptosis in cancerous cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. The use of grape seed extract for cancer treatment continues to garner much research interest from the academic and medical communities.

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