Grape seed

Grapes -- along with their leaves and sap -- have been traditional treatments in Europe for thousands of years. Grape seed extract is derived from the ground-up seeds of red wine grapes. Although fairly new to the U.S., grape seed extract is now used to treat a number of diseases.

Grape seed extract seems to be an especially valuable anti-oxidant for lupus patients. Users claim that it counteracts inflammation, decreases allergic reaction, and repairs damaged collagen (connective tissue.)

Some people get immediate results. Some take anti-oxidants for weeks before they experience improvement. 

One woman with joint pain did not notice a benefit from grape seed extract until after four months of continued use, but since then has had very little pain. Grape seed extract or other anti-oxidants must be taken on a regular basis, not just when joints hurt.

There’s strong evidence that grape seed extract is beneficial for a number of cardiovascular conditions. Grape seed extract may help with a type of poor circulation (chronic venous insufficiency) and high cholesterol. Grape seed extract also reduces swelling caused by injury and helps with eye disease related to diabetes.

Many people are interested in grape seed extract because it contains antioxidants. These are substances that protect cells from damage and may help prevent many diseases. However, it’s still too early to say whether the antioxidant properties of grape seed extract really benefit people. Researchers are studying grape seed extract to see if it might lower the risks of some cancers. For now, the evidence is not clear.

Grape seed extract has been studied for use in many other conditions -- ranging from PMS to skin damage to wound healing --