Common Names: OPC-3, Oligomeric Procyanidins, Procyanidin, Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract (GSPE), GSE
Grape Seed Extract, derived from the crushed seeds of grape plants, has a rich history of medicinal use dating back to ancient Greece. In modern medicine, the extract has gained attention for its potential health benefits, particularly in protecting the cardiovascular system. The compound proanthocyanidin found in grape seed extract, belonging to the flavonoid group of plant phytochemicals, has been identified for its protective properties, akin to those found in red wine. This compound may safeguard blood vessels by preventing collagen breakdown, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, Grape Seed Extract is recognized for its mixture of tannins and procyanidins, which exhibit anti-estrogenic effects and have the potential to enhance blood flow, sharing mechanistic similarities with green tea catechins rather than resveratrol.