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Organic Muscadine

Also known as: Muscadine grape, Organic muscadine, Muscadine grape extract, MGES, Vitis rotundifolia

Overview

Muscadine grapes (*Vitis rotundifolia*) are a native fruit of the southeastern United States, distinguished by their rich concentration of polyphenols, including ellagic acid, resveratrol, and various flavonoids. Supplements derived from muscadine grapes typically utilize extracts from the grape skins and seeds, which are potent sources of these beneficial compounds. The primary applications of muscadine supplements revolve around their antioxidant properties, potential to support cardiovascular health, and ability to mitigate oxidative stress-related damage. While research on muscadine grape extracts is still in its nascent stages, early findings are promising. The current body of evidence, comprising preclinical studies, small clinical trials, and broader systematic reviews on grape polyphenols, suggests a moderate level of support for its health benefits. However, more high-quality, direct randomized controlled trials specifically on muscadine are needed to solidify these findings and establish definitive efficacy.

Benefits

Muscadine grape extract offers several potential health benefits, primarily due to its rich polyphenol content: * **Cardiovascular Protection:** Preclinical studies, specifically using a Muscadine Grape Skin/Seed Extract Supplement (MGES), have demonstrated its ability to prevent hypertension-induced cardiac damage and oxidative stress in animal models. This includes improvements in diastolic function, although it does not directly affect blood pressure. This suggests a protective role for the heart, particularly in conditions involving elevated oxidative stress. * **Oxidative Stress Reduction:** A systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on grape polyphenols (which include compounds found in muscadine) indicate a partial improvement in markers of oxidative stress. While the results are not entirely conclusive across all studies, there is a consistent trend towards reducing oxidative damage, suggesting a broad antioxidant effect. Further well-designed trials are needed to confirm these effects specifically for muscadine. * **Improved Endothelial Function:** Studies on related grape products, such as Concord grape juice (which shares a similar polyphenol profile), have shown improvements in endothelial function and reduced arterial stiffness in specific populations like smokers. This indicates a potential for muscadine to support vascular health by enhancing the function of blood vessel linings. While these studies were not directly on muscadine, the shared biochemical pathways suggest similar benefits. These benefits are particularly relevant for individuals with hypertension or those at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, although more direct human clinical trials on muscadine are necessary to confirm these effects in broader populations.

How it works

Muscadine grape polyphenols exert their beneficial effects primarily through their potent antioxidant activity. They actively scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby reducing oxidative damage to cellular components like lipids, proteins, and DNA. Beyond direct antioxidant action, these compounds modulate various biological pathways involved in inflammation and endothelial function. They interact with signaling pathways implicated in cardiac remodeling and diastolic function, contributing to cardiovascular protection. While the bioavailability of polyphenols can vary, extracts from muscadine seeds and skins are concentrated sources, though absorption can be influenced by gut metabolism.

Side effects

Muscadine grape extract supplements (MGES) have demonstrated a favorable safety profile in early-phase clinical trials. A Phase I clinical trial reported that MGES was well tolerated, with minimal side effects observed among participants. Currently, there are no significant adverse effects or drug interactions extensively documented in the available scientific literature specifically for muscadine grape extract. However, caution is advised when combining muscadine supplements with antihypertensive medications, as there is a theoretical potential for additive effects, although this has not been clinically confirmed. While no specific contraindications have been identified to date, the limited scope of human clinical safety data necessitates ongoing research. As with any supplement, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare professional before incorporating muscadine grape extract into their regimen to ensure safety and avoid potential interactions.

Dosage

Specific dosing guidelines for muscadine grape extract supplements are not yet standardized due to the limited number of human clinical trials. Research studies have utilized varied doses, making it challenging to establish a universally recommended amount. For instance, animal studies have employed controlled extract doses, while human studies investigating similar grape products (like Concord grape juice for endothelial benefits) used approximately 7 mL/kg/day. The optimal dosage for muscadine grape extract requires further rigorous clinical trials to determine both the minimum effective dose for desired health benefits and the maximum safe dose to prevent adverse effects. Factors such as the specific formulation (e.g., juice vs. concentrated extract) and timing of administration can also influence the absorption and overall efficacy of the polyphenols. Consumers should follow product-specific recommendations and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

FAQs

Is muscadine grape extract safe?

Yes, early-phase clinical data indicate good tolerability with minimal side effects reported, suggesting it is generally safe for consumption.

Does it lower blood pressure?

Muscadine grape extract does not directly lower blood pressure. Its benefits appear to be cardiac-specific, primarily related to reducing oxidative stress and improving heart function rather than blood pressure reduction.

How soon do benefits appear?

Animal studies show effects after several weeks of supplementation. Human studies with related grape products have shown vascular effects within approximately two weeks, suggesting a similar timeframe for muscadine.

Is it better than other grape extracts?

Muscadine possesses a unique polyphenol profile compared to other grape varieties. However, comparative efficacy against other grape extracts is not yet well-established through direct head-to-head clinical trials.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9598776/ – This study, combining preclinical and Phase I clinical research, found that Muscadine Grape Skin/Seed Extract (MGES) prevented hypertension-induced cardiac damage and reduced oxidative stress in animal models. The Phase I trial also indicated that MGES was well tolerated in humans, suggesting its potential as a safe cardiac protective agent.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7971097/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials on grape polyphenols concluded that these compounds partly improve oxidative stress markers. While showing promise, the study highlighted heterogeneity among trials and the need for more specific data on muscadine to draw definitive conclusions about its direct impact on oxidative stress.
https://www.drugs.com/npp/grape-juice.html – This summary of various RCTs, including studies on Concord grape juice, indicated that grape juice improved endothelial function in adult smokers within 2-4 weeks. This suggests a potential for similar vascular benefits from muscadine due to its comparable polyphenol profile, although the studies were not directly on muscadine extract.