Grape Seed Phytosome Complex
Also known as: Grape Seed Extract (GSE), Grape Seed Phytosome, Leucoselect Phytosome, Vitis vinifera seed proanthocyanidins
Overview
Grape Seed Phytosome Complex is a specialized formulation of grape seed extract (GSE) derived from the seeds of *Vitis vinifera* grapes, which are rich in proanthocyanidins and other beneficial flavonoids. This complex is designed to significantly enhance the bioavailability of these active compounds by binding them with phospholipids, typically from soy lecithin. Primarily utilized for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Grape Seed Phytosome Complex is gaining recognition for its positive impact on cardiovascular health, including improvements in lipid profiles and glycemic control. Emerging research also points to its potential in cancer chemoprevention. Its key characteristics include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering effects, with promising antiproliferative properties. The research supporting its benefits is moderate to advanced, with multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses validating its cardiovascular and metabolic effects, while early clinical trials explore its role in cancer prevention.
Benefits
Grape Seed Phytosome Complex offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily due to its rich content of proanthocyanidins. It has shown significant improvements in metabolic markers, including reductions in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) by approximately 2 mg/dL, total cholesterol (TC) by about 6 mg/dL, LDL cholesterol by roughly 5 mg/dL, and triglycerides by around 6.5 mg/dL. These effects are modest but statistically significant, particularly beneficial for individuals with metabolic syndrome or hyperlipidemia. Furthermore, it demonstrates strong anti-inflammatory effects, evidenced by a reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) by 0.81 mg/L. While it does not significantly impact HbA1c, HDL cholesterol, or anthropometric measures, its anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering properties are clinically relevant. Early-phase clinical trials also suggest potential chemopreventive effects, particularly in high-risk populations like heavy smokers, showing a reduction in bronchial proliferative markers. Most benefits are observed within weeks to a few months of consistent supplementation.
How it works
Grape Seed Phytosome Complex exerts its effects primarily through its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The proanthocyanidins scavenge reactive oxygen species, reducing oxidative stress. Its anti-inflammatory action involves the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme and modulation of prostacyclin (PGI2) production, which helps regulate inflammation and vascular function. In the context of cancer chemoprevention, it has been shown to downregulate oncogenic microRNAs (oncomiRs) such as miR-19a, miR-19b, and miR-106b, and increase PTGIS (prostacyclin synthase) expression, which can inhibit cellular proliferation. The phytosome formulation, by complexing grape seed extract with phospholipids, significantly enhances its absorption and bioavailability, allowing more of the active compounds to reach systemic circulation and exert their therapeutic effects on cardiovascular, inflammatory, and cellular pathways.
Side effects
Grape Seed Phytosome Complex is generally well-tolerated and considered safe, with a good safety profile observed in clinical trials. The most commonly reported side effects are minor gastrointestinal discomfort, though these are not consistently reported across all studies and are typically mild. Uncommon or rare side effects are not significantly documented in high-quality randomized controlled trials, and no serious adverse events have been reported. However, caution is advised regarding potential drug interactions, particularly with anticoagulants, due to the polyphenols' potential effects on platelet aggregation. Individuals on blood-thinning medications should consult a healthcare professional before use. There is limited safety data for pregnant and lactating women, so its use is generally not recommended in these populations. While a Phase I cancer prevention trial in heavy smokers showed good tolerability, long-term safety data, especially beyond a few months, is still limited.
Dosage
For optimal benefits, a daily dosage of 200-300 mg of standardized Grape Seed Phytosome Complex is generally recommended. This range has shown efficacy in studies focusing on lipid and glycemic control. While meta-analyses on general grape seed extract include doses from 100 mg to 300 mg/day, the phytosome formulation's enhanced bioavailability means that lower doses may achieve similar or superior effects compared to unformulated GSE. Doses up to 600 mg/day have been used in some trials without serious adverse effects, but a maximum safe dose is not yet firmly established. It is generally recommended to take the supplement daily, preferably with meals, to potentially improve absorption. The phytosome complex form is preferred due to its significantly enhanced intestinal absorption compared to standard grape seed extract, leading to improved clinical efficacy. No specific cofactors are identified as necessary for its absorption or activity.
FAQs
Is grape seed phytosome complex safe for long-term use?
Available data suggest good safety for short to medium-term use (up to several months). However, long-term safety data extending beyond this period are currently limited.
Does it help with weight loss?
No significant effects on anthropometric measures, including weight, have been reported in clinical studies. Its primary benefits are related to metabolic and cardiovascular health.
How quickly do benefits appear?
Improvements in lipid profiles and glucose levels are typically observed within weeks to a few months of consistent supplementation.
Can it prevent cancer?
Early phase I trials suggest potential chemopreventive effects, particularly in lung cancer, by reducing proliferative markers. However, larger, long-term randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Is phytosome complex superior to regular grape seed extract?
Yes, phytosome formulations significantly improve the bioavailability and absorption of grape seed extract's active compounds, potentially leading to enhanced clinical effects compared to unformulated GSE.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31880030/ – This meta-analysis of 50 randomized controlled trials involving over 2000 participants demonstrated that grape seed extract supplementation significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and C-reactive protein. The study provides high-quality evidence for its metabolic and anti-inflammatory benefits, despite some heterogeneity among included trials.
- https://aacrjournals.org/cancerpreventionresearch/article/9/12/925/50505/Grape-Seed-Procyanidin-Extract-Mediates – This in vitro and molecular study revealed that grape seed procyanidin extract increases prostacyclin production by upregulating PTGIS, an enzyme crucial for inhibiting lung cancer cell proliferation. The findings suggest a direct molecular mechanism for GSE's potential antineoplastic effects, highlighting its interaction with specific cellular pathways.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9570270/ – This Phase I clinical trial evaluated the safety and chemopreventive potential of Leucoselect Phytosome (GSE-phospholipid complex) in heavy smokers. It showed a promising 55% reduction in bronchial Ki-67 proliferative index and downregulation of oncogenic microRNAs, supporting its antineoplastic effects. While the sample size was small, it provides valuable translational data for cancer prevention.
