Grape Seed Extract

Grape Seed Extract contains Leucoselect Phytosome® which have demonstrated in studies to reduce the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol in heavy smokers and decrease oxidative stress in diabetics and in healthy individuals after a fatty meal.

The primary constituents of Thorne’s OPC 100 grape seed extract are oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). OPCs have strong free-radical scavenging (antioxidant) ability, resulting in inhibition of oxidative damage and protection of blood vessels and other tissues.

1. Grape seed extract has been shown to protect vascular endothelial cells from oxidative damage and appears to strengthen the resistance of cell membranes to injury and impairment. OPCs also can bind copper and iron, thereby reducing their oxidative effects.
2. Evidence suggests OPCs enhance the cross-linkage of collagen in the skin and other connective tissues.
3. Grape Seed Extract has also been shown to decrease capillary permeability, which can manifest as decreased bruising.
4. A clinical study of 10 healthy volunteers analyzing the effect of OPC supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative stress found significantly increased levels of the antioxidant alpha-tocopherol in red blood cell membranes.
5. In a randomized human trial, young healthy volunteers received 300 mg of Leucoselect phytosome daily or a placebo.
6. Antioxidant activity was measured at multiple time points during days one and five.
7. Within 30 minutes after administration on day one, the antioxidant activity measured by the “total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter” (TRAP) was significantly elevated compared to the placebo.