Lee Swanson Research Update

Grape Seed Extract may Enhance Cardiovascular Health in Smokers

February 2004

Smokers may see a boost in cardiovascular health if they supplement with a standardized grape seed extract, according to a study conducted in the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine at the University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.

Researchers said, "The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of a standardized formulation of polyphenolic extract of grapes (using LeucoSelect® Grape Seed Phytosome™ (LP) from Indena®) on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) susceptibility to oxidation in a group of heavy smokers."

The 14-week clinical study involved 24 healthy smokers over the age of 50 who smoked more than 10 cigarettes per day. During the first four-week stage, one group was given 150 mg per day of LeucoSelect Phytosome and the other group was given 150 mg per day of placebo.

Following a three-week wash-out period, the second four-week stage began, during which time the groups received the opposite treatment; another three-week wash-out period followed. The fatty component of blood was measured before and after the end of each phase.

They found that treatment with LeucoSelect Phytosome grape seed extract, compared with placebo, brought about a reduction of the lipidic peroxidation, and a significant increase of LDL resistance to oxidating stress, leading researchers to conclude, "the antioxidant potential of grape seed extract polyphenols may prove effective in a model of oxidative stress (smoking)."

Metabolism 52(10):1250-1257, 2003

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