Unique UC Davis-tested grape seed extract lowers blood pressure and may prevent Alzheimer's

May 13, 12:29 PMSacramento Nutrition ExaminerAnne Hart

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Numerous UC Davis human studies show a specific type of grape seed extract named MegaNatural BP may be effective in reducing blood pressure. Refer to the UC Davis Medical School’s clinical trials.  Several studies were performed between 2006 and 2008 on two types of grape seed extract to measure the ability of grape seed extract to lower blood pressure and also to possibly prevent or reverse Alzheimer's disease. 

The 2006 study revealed that one type of grape seed extract with a unique molecular structure called MegaNatural BP helped lower blood pressure in a human clinical trial study to measure the benefits of grape seed extract on patients with high blood pressure. About 40 percent of American adults have a specific risk for heart disease called metabolic syndrome.

The syndrome shows a combination of symptoms that include some or all of the symptoms of high blood pressure, weight gain around the abdomen or in some cases, apple-shaped torsos, high triglycerides, high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, and insulin resistance or a tendency toward developing type 2 diabetes.

Not any grape seed extract will work to lower blood pressure. The product, MegaNatural BP, also has been noted in the popular book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Natural Remedies, by Chrystle Fiedler (page 287). The book adds, “Ordinary grape seed products are good antioxidants but will not lower blood pressure.”  The book notes that MegaNaturalBP is the type of grape seed extract that has been shown in human clinical trials to lower blood pressure. You don't want just any type of grape seed extract.

MegaNatural BP has shown it will lower blood pressure. Another version of grape seed extract that will soon be available to the public is called MegaNatural-AZ grape seed extract, designed to possibly prevent or reverse the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

In June 2008, results of a new study were published in the Journal of Neuroscience that had implications for the future use of a different type of grape seed extract, a unique, new form of grape seed extract, to inhibit the development of Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive impairments such as some dementias. Dr. Giulio Maria Pasinetti of the Research Center at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in collaboration with UCLA's Molecular Biology Institute and Dr. Anil Shrikhande, the director of the Polyphenolics division of Constellation Brands, a major producer of biologically active grape products conducted the research.

The study tested the hypothesis that certain molecules contained in red wine, in particular in grape seeds currently being developed with the name of MegaNatural-AZ, (a different product than MegaNaturalBP) might offset disease progression in mice genetically modified to develop Alzheimer' disease, according to the Polyphenolics news site.

Research will continue in this area before making this product commercially available. I’m waiting to see the results of human trials on this product. As far as the MegaNaturalBP, I’ve bought it online and am happily taking it myself. Regarding the Alzheimer’s study on grape-derived MegaNatural-AZ, read the scientific study in the Journal of Neuroscience: Wang J, Ho L, Zhao W, et al. Grape-Derived Polyphenolics Prevent Aß Oligomerization and Attenuate Cognitive Deterioration in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. The Journal of Neuroscience. June 18, 2008. 28(25);6388–6392.

The 2008 study notes, “Our study suggests that grape seed-derived polyphenolics may be useful agents to prevent or treat Alzheimer’s Disease.” If it worked on mice, to help prevent or reverse Alzheimer’s, will it also work on humans? The study concludes with, “Considering the safety profile of GSPE (Bentivegn a and Whitney, 2002 ) and its efficacy in attenuating AD-type phenotype, this natural compound is immediately available to be tested in AD clinical settings to prevent or treat AD.” The grape seed extract product for helping to prevent Alzheimer’s, MegaNatural-AZ, is not yet available to consumers. You can watch for news about the product at the manufacturer’s site, Polyphenolics.

The blood pressure lowering study with humans already has revealed that MegaNaturalBP can lower high blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure or are pre-hypertensive, ask your doctor whether it’s advisable for you to add this particular molecular version of grape seed extract to your diet to help lower your blood pressure to normal levels.

MegaNaturalBP is made in California “from a special seed blend primarily from varietal white wine grape seeds. The seeds are extracted with hot water, the extract is purified, concentrated and spray dried to high phenolic grape seed extract powder for use in supplements and functional foods and beverages,” according to the Polyphenolics products site.

Polyphenolics also makes other grape-derived products. See the Polyphenolics products information site for information on each product and check the company’s latest news sites on products that will be available in the near future that have been tested in human clinical trials.

This specially formulated grape seed extract, MegaNaturalBP, is sold online by numerous health food sellers such as Swanson Health Products (Fargo, ND) or Healthy Origins, and other online sellers. I bought it online from Healthy Origins. It's also on sale at Swanson.

According to the study mentioned at the Polyphenolics products site, MegaNatural BP is a patent pending new grape seed extract. “This product was evaluated in a human clinical at UC Davis on patients with Metabolic Syndrome and reduced their average systolic blood pressure by 12 mm and their average diastolic blood pressure by 8 mm." In a second study conducted on participants with prehypertension at UC Davis, when taking 300 mg of MegaNatural-BP once a day for two months, researchers "saw a drop in systolic blood pressure of 8 mm and diastolic blood pressure of 5 mm.”

The month-long human clinical trial at UC Davis, School of Medicine studied the benefits of grape seed extract on patients with high blood pressure. The clinical trial involved twenty-four male and female patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.

According to the release about the first study on people with high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome, the release noted on the Polyphenolics news page that, “The patients were divided into three groups of eight. The first group received a placebo while the second and third groups received 150 mgs and 300 mgs, respectively, of a new and unique grape seed extract, MegaNaturalBP. This patent-pending product was developed and made by Polyphenolics. All participants' blood pressure was automatically measured and recorded for 12 hours after ingestion.”

Participants in the two groups receiving grape seed extract experienced an equal degree of reduced blood pressure. The average drop in systolic pressure for patients (that already had high blood pressure) was 12 mm. "The average drop in diastolic pressure was 8 mm,” says the study’s lead researcher, Dr. C. Tissa Kappagoda, Professor of Medicine (Cardiovascular Medicine) and Director of the Preventive Cardiology Program at UC Davis.

Dr. Kappagoda adds that the group taking the 300 mgs of grape seed extract also had reduced serum oxidized LDL cholesterol levels. "Generally, the higher their initial oxidized LDL level was, the greater the drop by the end of the study," he said. MegaNaturalBP®  is GRAS certified and has no known side effects.

In May, 2007, According to a release at the Polyphenolics news site, the UC Davis research team also embarked on a second placebo-controlled human clinical study of grape seed extract, looking at its benefits for pre-hypertension patients with systolic pressure of 120-139, and diastolic blood pressure of 80-89. Three previous studies in animal models by this team have indicated that grape seed extract may also prevent atherosclerosis. The cardiovascular researchers at UC Davis School of Medicine and Medical Center conducted that second human clinical study on the effects of grape seed extract on elevated blood pressure.

How the special grape seed extract works is by helping vasodilation. According to the Polyphenolics news site, “Blood pressure decreases when the blood vessel walls are relaxed and the interior of the blood vessel (lumen) can dilate, or increase in size.” This effect, called vasodilation, helps the body “achieve positive physical gains beyond healthy blood pressure.”

How does the extract actually work? The polyphenolic substances in the grape seed extract are the actual vasodilators. Grape seed extract “works by acting on specific receptors within the endothelial cells,” said Dr. C. Tissa Kappagoda, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, Davis and Director of Preventive Cardiology Program, UCDMC. “This study indicated that the unique grape seed extract, supplied by Polyphenolics, does in fact help lower blood pressure in pre-hypertensive patients.”

The experimental group of pre-hypertensives in the second study as well as hypertensives (with metabolic syndrome) in the first study each received 300 mg. daily for eight weeks of a unique grape seed extract called MegaNatural®_BP, developed and made by Polyphenolics. The pre-hypertensive patients that were given the grape seed extract showed an 8 mm drop in systolic pressure versus zero for those in the placebo group; and a 5 mm drop in diastolic pressure versus an increase of 2 mm in the placebo group.

The first study with metabolic syndrome patients that also were hypertensives (people with high blood pressure) taking MegaNatural-BP experienced an average drop in systolic pressure of 12 mm, and an average drop in diastolic pressure of 8 mm. It's the particular type of grape seed extract with its unique molecular structure that lowered the blood pressure of those with high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome more points that it did for the pre-hypertensives, those with borderline blood pressure readings.

Polyphenolics, a division of Constellation Wines U.S. and a leading manufacturer of ingredients for the nutritional and beverage industries, funded the research. Its extracts are produced in Constellation Wines U.S. wineries in California from unfermented grapes, using a patented, solvent-free, water extraction process. For more information, visit Polyphenolics.  Below are some links to news about recent studies and links that answer questions about Polyphenolics.

• Mount Sinai/UCLA study shows very strong relationship between experimental MegaNatural-AZ grape seed product and therapeutic strategies in Alzheimer's disease
• Second UC Davis study concludes that a new unique grape seed extract may help lower blood pressure in pre-hypertensive patients
• UC Davis Study Shows Grape Seed Extract May Be Effective in Reducing Blood Pressure
• MegaNatural Grape Seed Extract to Carry NSF Certification Mark
• UC Davis Studies Show That Grape Seed Extract May Inhibit Artery Hardening
• Polyphenolics Has Expanded Self Affirmation GRAS Notification For A Wide Variety Of Food Products
• AHA presentation links procyanidins to protection against atherosclerosis
• Polyphenolics Trade Show Schedule for 2004
• Polyphenolics Presents Flavored Water Breakthrough
• Polyphenolics Introduces New MegaNatural Rubired Grape Juice Extract
• Polyphenolics Introduces "Gold Standard" Grape Seed Extract
• Polyphenolics Announces Additions to Product Line
• Polyphenolics Has Analyzed All of its Products For ORAC Values And The Results Are Impressive
• MegaNatural Gold is Synergistic With Vitamins C and E
• MegaNatural Studies Show High Antioxidant Level and Cholesterol Decline
• What are Polyphenols?
• What is ORAC and how is it done?
• Have you analyzed your product for ORAC?
• Do you use sulfur dioxide during the processing of your grape skin extracts?

 Watch the three uTube videos below on grape seed extract's health benefits.

Resveratrol Grape Seed Extract - A Safer Alternative? - The best video clips are right here

Dr Oz and Resveratrol on Oprah's Show - Resveratrol Ultra - The best bloopers are here