Grape Seed
(Seeds)
Latin name:Vitis Vinifera L.
English name: Grape Seed
Chinese name: Shan putao zi
Grapes (Vitis vinifera) have been heralded for their medicinal and nutritional value for thousands of years.Grape leaves were used to stop bleeding, inflammation, and pain, such as the kind brought on by hemorrhoids. Unripe grapes were used to treat sore throats and dried grapes (raisins) were used for constipation and thirst. Round, ripe, sweet grapes were used to treat a range of health problems including cancer, cholera, smallpox, nausea, eye infections, and skin, kidney, and liver diseases.
A study of healthy volunteers found that taking grape seed extract did substantially increase levels of antioxidants in their blood. Antioxidants are substances that destroy free radicals -- harmful compounds in the body that damage DNA (genetic material) and even cause cell death. Free radicals are believed to contribute to aging as well as the development of a number of health problems, including heart disease and cancer.
Today, standardized extracts of grape seed may be used to treat a range of health problems related to free radical damage, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Some studies -- mostly in animals -- support these uses.
Grape seed extract is sometimes suggested for the following, although evidence is slight:
•Diabetes (improving blood sugar control)
•Improving night vision
•Protecting collagen and elastin in skin (anti-aging)
•Treating hemorrhoids
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