Question: What are the benefits of grape seed extract?

Answer: Grape seed extract is a source of oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs), which are antioxidant compounds.

Several studies suggest it can help reduce symptoms of venous insufficiency (causing leg swelling), as well as swelling after surgery (such as arm swelling after breast cancer surgery).

Additionally, a small, placebo-controlled study in men and women with prehypertension found that a fruit drink containing 150 mg of grape seed extract consumed twice daily for six weeks reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressures by, respectively 5.6% and 4.7% (Park, Br J Nutr 2015). Subjects with higher initial blood pressures experienced nearly double the reduction.

OPCs are also found in pine bark extracts, such as Pycnogenol.