6 Serious Side Effects Of Grape Seed Extract

Made from the seeds of grapes, grape seed extract is rich in antioxidants and several other nutrients. Commonly used as a dietary supplement, grape seed extract may benefit your health in the long term and reduce the risk of developing medical conditions. What you are probably not aware of are the many side effects of grape seed extract. In this article, we take a deeper look at the reported side effects and how they may impact your health.

Know The Flip Side: Grape Seed Extract

Short-Term Effects
Itchy scalp, dizziness, nausea, sore throat, infections, abdominal pain, indigestion, and muscular problems like inflammation and pain.

Long-Term Effects
Prolonged bleeding, severe allergic reactions like rashes, itching, and hives, breathing difficulties, and hemorrhagic stroke.

Drug Interactions
Grape seed extract can interact with blood-thinning medications, anti-platelet drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and cancer medications.

When To See A Doctor
If you experience nausea, headache, vision or speech impairment, numbness in your arms or legs, abdominal discomfort, swelling of lips, mouth, tongue, or throat.

Grape Seed Extract – A Brief

Well, as evident from its name, grape seed extract comes from grapes and has a high concentration of Vitamin E, linoleic acid, flavonoids and phenolic procyanidins (1). Grape seed extract is derived from grape seeds that are extracted, dried and purified to produce polyphenolic compounds-rich extract that also has well documented antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties (2).

It is mostly used for industrial purposes while oral grape seed extract is used in capsules or tablets. Grape seed is also available in the form of oils as many people use grapeseed oil for hair since they are said to maintain hair health.

Did You Know?

A team of geneticists extracted DNA from an ancient grape seed, compared it with recently grown grapes, and matched it to Savagnin blanc grapes. This means that this grape type has grown unchanged for close to a millennium, surviving the Hundred Year’s war, the French Revolution, and both the World Wars.

Grape Seed Extract Side Effects

Given below are some of the grape seed extract side effects which can turn out be serious:

1. Bleeding

One of the most prominent side effects of grape seed extract is bleeding, both internal and external (4). It can slow down blood clotting, thus leading to prolonged bleeding in cuts and bruises. Grape seed extract can also cause internal bleeding that includes symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding like blood in vomit, bright red blood in stools, and tarry stools.

Since grape seed extract slows down blood clotting, it is not suitable for those having to undergo surgery as it might cause extra bleeding. Hence, the use of grape seed extract may show contraindications and should be stopped at least two weeks prior to a scheduled surgery.

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke

One of the most serious side effects of grape seed extract is hemorrhagic stroke, which is also a form of internal bleeding. It is characterized by the bursting of blood vessels inside the brain. The blood clot inside the brain irritates the brain tissues and causes swelling.

Symptoms of hemorrhagic stroke include coma, unconsciousness, headache, nausea, difficulty in swallowing, vision or speech impairment, weakness or numbness in arms or legs, loss of coordination, etc.

3. Allergic Reactions

Grape seed extract can also cause allergic side effects like rashes, itching, swelling of lips, mouth, tongue or throat, hives, difficulty in breathing or wheezing, etc (4). It is advisable to seek immediate medical attention if any of these allergic reactions is observed. And if possible, always take precautions while eating outside or purchasing products. Always check the ingredient list and make sure it suits your body.

Fun Fact

Grape seed extract has been used in West Asia and parts of Europe for healthcare dating back 6000-8000 years ago. It was used to moisturize the skin and for its antioxidant property.

4. Unsuitable For Pregnant And Nursing Women

Pregnant women and those trying to conceive should avoid using supplements having grape seed extract as an ingredient, as these supplements have no medical recommendation. Besides, nursing women should consult their gynaecologist before using grape seed extract. This is because grape seed extract is considered a herbal medicine and herbal medicines are not standardized.

5. Drug Interactions

Due to its potential blood thinning effects, grape seed extract can adversely interact with certain drugs that include medicines for blood thinning (5). This interaction can react with anti-platelet drugs as well as pain relieving drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Cholesterol lowering drugs and prescription drugs such as methotrexate can also react with it and create toxicity. Hence, grape seed extract should not be used with any of these medications without medical advice.

6. Other Minor Side Effects

Grape seed extract may also cause adverse effects like dry or itchy scalp, dizziness, and nausea (6). So, even though many people use grapeseed oil for skin for its potential to improve skin firmness and health, remember it is an essential oil and may irritate the skin. Moreover, intake of grape seed extract may lead to other minor side effects like dry mouth, sore throat, cough, infections, abdominal pain, stomach upset, indigestion, and muscular problems.

Do these side effects mean that you should avoid grape seed extract altogether? Definitely not! You can still have it in moderation. Scroll down to learn more.

Usage Guidelines For Grape Seed Extract

There is no set recommended dosage of grape seed extract. So, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider before consumption. The extract is available in many forms, from capsules and gummies to tinctures and powders. You may choose the one that suits your preference the best. You may also follow the following tips for safe consumption:

• If you are new to grape seed extract, begin with the lowest recommended dose to assess how your body responds.
• Ensure it is from a trusted brand that offers clear ingredient labeling and third-party purity testing. Stay away from products with unnecessary fillers or preservatives.
• If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medications, consult your doctor before using grape seed extract.
• If you have a sensitive stomach, try taking the extract with meals to reduce the likelihood of stomach upset.

Infographic: 4 Serious Side Effects Of Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed extract has lately become popular for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is a herbal medication, but consuming it excessively can lead to adverse effects and disrupt the safety of the body. Check out the infographic below to learn about the four major side effects of grape seed extract.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is grape seed extract a cure-all for diseases?

No, there is no scientific evidence that suggests grape seed extract can cure all diseases. It may have some benefits against diseases like hypertension and diabetes, but it is not a miracle cure (6).In fact, excess consumption can lead to some side effects as described in this article. It is always a good idea to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate medical advice.

Can you take grape seed extract every day?

Yes. Moderate consumption of grape seed extract can benefit your health in many ways. However, excess intake may lead to a few adverse effects.

What time of day should you take grape seed extract?

You can take grape seed extract whenever you want to, at any time of the day.

Is grape seed extract safe for children to take?

Possibly yes. Studies on the risk of grape seed extract in children are lacking, however, modest consumption should be safe.

Can grape seed extract cause liver damage or toxicity?

Possibly not. According to a study, ingestion of grape seed extract for three months improved liver function in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (4).

Can grape seed extract lower blood pressure too much?

Possibly not. A study noted the positive modulation of blood pressure in patients with mild hypertension after the intake of grape seed extract. The participant’s blood pressure lowered to normal from elevated levels (5).

Illustration: Serious Side Effects Of Grape Seed Extract

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Stay informed on the potential serious side effects of grape seed extract. Prioritize your safety and expand your knowledge to make well-informed decisions about what you eat or drink. Check out the video now!

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Mary-Walker HallBS (Food, Nutrition, & Dietetics)

 

Mary-Walker Hall is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with 12 years of experience, who has a passion for equipping parents and caregivers with the tools to raise healthy eaters from the start. She focuses on whole foods and an overall healthy lifestyle with simple strategies, such as baby-led weaning.

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Tanya ChoudharyHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Tanya is an ISSA certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition. She specializes in writing articles on ingredients that benefit skin, hair, and health. She believes in the right health and lifestyle practices and strives to promote the same to everyone around her.

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Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Moksha GandhiHealth & Wellness Writer

Moksha is a health and wellness writer and a certified diet and nutrition coach. Her passion for science and writing has helped her excel in crafting evidence-based articles. Her previous experience in writing science-based research papers ensures that her articles are grounded in research and provide practical tips that are reader-focused.

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