The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Varicose Veins
Posted by Patrick O'Flaherty (St. George, UT) on 07/11/2021
★★★★★
Not sure if this would help but....if memory serves me correct, back in the late 90's / early 2000's, my aunt was suffering from a severe case of varicose veins in both lower legs and her skin was discolored with swelling and much pain. This confined her to a wheelchair most of the time. So I got her a combination of grape seed extract and pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) and all her issues started getting better immediately, steadily but not completely. I don't recall how long she took it for. If you try this, please share your results good or bad.
Ganglion Cyst
Posted by Toourlady89 (Hayward, Ca, Usa) on 09/13/2011
★★★★★
Years ago, my daughter had a ganglion cyst in her right wrist that was in the way and painful when she writes. A surgeon advised surgery to drain it but he said it could recur. Instead, at a friend's suggestion, I started her on grape seed extract (Tru OPCs ) other name is Proanthocyanidin.. Dose suggestion is 1 mg per kg weight once a day before meals or divide the dose and take it twice a day.. The cyst cleared in about 6 weeks.. Or longer, there is no definite time... Another friend had a big one in his right foot and has been unable to wear shoes for months.. It also cleared after taking Tru OPCs and never re appeared.. We used Nature's way Tru Opcs but they are also available at Costco as grape seed extract...
Hay Fever, Food Allergies
Posted by Jayna D. (Fountain Valley, CA) on 11/20/2023
★★★★★
Grapeseed Extract For Hay Fever and Food Allergies!
Decades ago a sweet lady told me to take 100 mg. Grapeseed Extract to prevent my nasal and food allergies. I ordered Swanson Vitamins' brand of capsules and began taking them. (I had felt like a zombie taking Benadryl. 😡) Taking this Grapeseed Extract solved my problem. Some days I needed to take more. Before this eating corn caused loose bowels. After, thankfully, I no longer had food and nasal allergies. 😁
UTI
Posted by Art (California) on 03/26/2023 2325 posts
★★★★★
Lynn,
Both Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract (GSPE) and Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) have shown benefits against UTIs. GSPE is more specific to certain bacterial strains whereas GSE has a broader spectrum effect. So the original poster likely found GSPE effective for their particular UTI bacterial infection.
Art
UTI
Posted by Lynn (California) on 03/26/2023 4 posts
I'm wondering if the original poster meant grapeFRUIT seed extract for UTI?? GSE is used for both Grapeseed Extract AND GrapeFRUIT Seed Extract but they are two different things. GrapeFRUIT Seed Extract is antibacterial so it would make sense that this is what was meant and not Grapeseed Extract. I'd research both and make your decision. I just wanted to bring this up in case someone sees it and may purchase the wrong thing. They are easy to confuse.
Grape Seed Extract Side Effects
Posted by Tassi (Berkeley, Ca) on 04/01/2017
WARNING: Grapeseed Extract could CAUSE venous insufficiency in some.
Googling, I found this disturbing link. Disturbing especially because the problem with my legs' circulation did start AFTER I began taking the yummy & expensive organic grape seed extract powder I ordered. (I started taking it for pancreas problems, which it also did not help.)
Most things on google say GSE is GOOD, to get rid of the problem but here were supposedly 5 reports of cases caused by it -- and this link came at the TOP of the google results.
http://factmed.com/report-GRAPE SEEDS AND%20PHOSPHATIDYL CHOLINE%20AND RESVERATROL-causing-VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY.php
About this FactMed analysis covering adverse side effect reports of GRAPE SEEDS AND PHOSPHATIDYL CHOLINE AND RESVERATROL patients who
developed VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY. FactMed provides MD-approved analysis to help both patients, researchers, and physicians accurately assess the risk profile for more than 20,000 different pharmaceutical products. The below report offers compiled information from Food & Drug Administration and FactMed user submissions.
Between January 2004 and October 2012, 5 individuals taking GRAPE SEEDS AND PHOSPHATIDYL CHOLINE AND RESVERATROL reported VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY to the FDA. A total of 5 GRAPE SEEDS AND PHOSPHATIDYL CHOLINE AND RESVERATROL drug adverse event reaction reports were made with the FDA during this time period. Often the FDA only receives reports of the most critical and severe cases; these numbers may therefore underrepresent the complication rate of the medication.
Allergies
Posted by Joyce (Santa Monica) on 11/07/2016
★★★★★
I found grape seed extract after I had been taking Pycnogenol for 1 yr in 1995. It has been 21 yrs of taking these OPCs. I got rid of all allergy and sinus meds and never back to an allergist since Sept 1995. The main reason I got on OPCs, we were told MAY prevent cancer(s). One happy camper here.
Fibroids
Posted by Janice Gilliard (Tampa, Fl) on 02/20/2016
I'm trying the grape seed extract this month. I have fibroids and have tried everything I've read it heard about on the t.v. or the dr shows. I'm expecting the miracle also. I'm tired of going through 2 packs of over night pads in 3 days of my 5 day cycle. How I long for that lighter 3 day cycle. Thanks for sharing
Grape Seed Extract Side Effects
Posted by Paula (Montreal) on 02/03/2016
I started taking Grape Seed Extract recently and soon afterward began having anxiety (which is not usually a problem for me in the same situations I am currently in), heart palpitations that I thought would never end on some days and when there were no regular heart palpitations it felt like there was congestion or rumbling in my chest (similar to what I might have felt if I was congested with bronchitis).
I didn't link it to the Grape Seed Extract right away, but after a week or so I stopped taking it and within 36 hours I was back to how I usually feel. I waited a few days and took it again, and that day and into the next the symptoms were back so I won't be taking it anymore.
MRSA
Posted by Kat (Gj, Co) on 01/05/2014
Hi Jim,I wanted to post the link for citation. Thank you for alerting us to it. I will definitely look into it more!!
Grape Seed Extract Side Effects
Posted by Kat (Gj, Co) on 01/05/2014
Number one I suggest you you address your alcohol consumption. The amount you listed is excessive and terribly hard on your liver. I know from personal experience and that of thousands of others that when asked about our alcohol consumption we down play it, if that is what you've done then I suggest you contact Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) at your convenience. Your child deserves a sober mother and you deserve to be conscious and aware of your life. It passes quicker than you think my friend!
I was a young mother to three when I began my journey with AA. It's been 26 yrs and I love my life. This site is a great place to start your search towards health, but until you stop poisoning yourself with alcohol you chances are slim for long term good effects.
God Bless You! Kat
Grape Seed Extract Side Effects
Posted by Snowbell (Minneapolis, Mn) on 07/09/2013
Just wondering if you ever tried taking Grapeseed extract again. I have had some anxiety issues with possibly Grapeseed extract as well but never find anything online when I try to research.
Grape Seed Extract Side Effects
Posted by Octagon (Chicago, Illinois) on 02/28/2013
You may have gotten hold of a contaminated batch. Perhaps trying another highly rated brand would make a difference.
Grape Seed Extract Side Effects
Posted by Sarah (Toledo, Oh) on 02/14/2013
Tim, thank you for your suggestions. Rosanne - It is Grape seed extract I was taking.
Grape Seed Extract Side Effects
Posted by Rosanne (Toronto, Canada) on 02/14/2013
Are you using Grape Seed Extract, or Grapefruit Seed Extract? They are two different things.
Grape Seed Extract Side Effects
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 02/13/2013 2048 posts
Sarah: GSE doesn't actually "detoxify" a free radical, but simply sequesters or mobilizes it to the liver for detox. I have had similar side effects from the antioxidant Lutein. Your symptoms suggest inadequate liver detox. Try supplementing NAC, Selenium, and 3mg Melatonin before retiring. Milk Thistle Seed Extract may also be necessary.
There is a wide range of antioxidants the body needs so I would also suggest dropping the G. S. For an "antioxidant complex" (which may contain some G.S.). Vit-A, E work well with Selenium and NAC. Zinc and Niacin help with the alcohol detox.
Grape Seed Extract Side Effects
Posted by Sarah (Toledo, Ohio, United States) on 02/12/2013
I'm currently six months post partum and decided to start taking Grape Seed Extract for general health and younger looking skin. I was told to take 1mg for each pound I weigh (120lbs/120mg). The pills are 100mg each, so I was taking two a day with the understanding that excess would be excreted through urine. That day I started having heart palpitations, severe night sweats and anxiety/depression spells. This continued for two weeks (I thought it might be an adjustment period) before I reduced to one pill a day (100mg). The issues continued. I then stopped taking the GSE and all symptoms disappeared by the next day. I waited a week and tried it again. All negative symptoms came back in full force. In all my research on the internet, I'm not finding anyone with any issues like this regarding grape seed extract. I have two theories regarding my reaction and wanted to hear everyone else's feedback.
1. I'm thinking I might have post partum depression and the grape seed extract is amplifying it.
2. I had an epidural and petocin during my labor and my body is reacting poorly to all those drugs leaving my system.
These are merely guesses.
Age: 32, Weight: 120, good general health - no diagnosed issues, moderate exercise and a fairly healthy diet consisting of many fruits, vegetable, minimal meat and minimal processed foods. I do have alcoholic drinks almost every night (typically 1-3).
Thanks all!
Eczema
Posted by Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 10/12/2012
★★★★★
I take Grape Seed Extract for my ezcema - along with evening primrose oil and it seems to help. Only been doing it for a few months but little to no patches have appeared of late. Cheers, Bess
UTI
Posted by Michelle (San Anselmo, Ca) on 01/18/2012
★★★★★
Grape Seed Extract for bladder infections -- Yes! Isn't it wonderful, and it's so much cheaper than D-Mannose and Doctors! I just posted about it on my blog. So glad to see others have tried it too.
UTI
Posted by Leriejane (Seattle, Wa, Usa) on 07/17/2010
★★★★★
Grapeseed Extract cured my Urinary Tract Infection
I scheduled a doctor's visit for what I thought was a UTI (frequent urination with discomfort, bloated abdomen, back pain, etc) but they could not see me til the next week. So I bought grapeseed extract capsules and took 2 daily in conjunction with drinking water at every opportunity. (To help flush out any bacteria. )
The day before my appointment, my symptoms had stopped and I was never diagnosed with a UTI, though the doctor said my symptoms matched a UTI diagnosis, and that mine had probably cleared on its own. I didn't mention the grapeseed extract; I was just glad my symptoms were gone. It took about 5 days of grapeseed extract daily.
Fibroids
Posted by Karling (Los Angeles, CA) on 06/08/2008
★★★★★
Well, Let me first say, I've had fibroids and ovarian cysts for over 7 years. They have progressively gotten worse and worse as far as heavy clotting periods, PMS, and weight gain. Basically my life revolves around my periods. I don't "do" western medicine so I only go to the doctor to find out what's going on. I'm also a vegetarian. My job is that of performer, so I've had to be meticulous about scheduling shows around my cycle. I'm so excited right now I had to share this immediately. It's early days, I'm only into day 4 of my period, but the change has been incredible. For a whole week before my period I did castor oil packs over where I consider the fibroids are. I rented movies, and spent every evening for about an hour and a half with the pack on my belly, and a heating pad over the area. Also, from the first day of my period I've been taking 2 (100mg) grapeseed extract tablets 3 times a day. They give me a bit of lose stool, but that's the least of my problems after all the bleeding I've endured over the years. Ok the report is: So far my bleeding has been cut in half, if not even more. A few very small clots, as apposed to huge clots. I feel different. I don't feel exhausted, and I'm thinking a miracle has happened to me. I don't know if it's the grape seed or the packs, but I am going to continue this procedure. I'm not sure how often I should do the packs, but I read in this forum that the grapeseed should be done only during your period to keep it's potency on your system. Oh, also something else. I had been taking BSM for over a year, (no decrease in bleeding, but other very good effects) and I read on this forum that House of Herbs had the most iron, so I orderd a whole case of it.. but the label is very sparse, and I think it might be sulfured, and that is not good because it thins the blood, so the only other thing I've changed is that I've cut OUT the sulfured BSM. I will update as I find out more, but right now I'm extremely happy. Day 4 and it's been a walk in the park!!!
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Posted by crystal (any town, United States) on 04/23/2008
★★★★★
I tried grapeseed extract for menstrual flooding associated with fibroids. I took 3 - 90 mg tablets 4 times a day and my menstrual was the closest to normal it's been in years. Also mother tried it for the same problem and was well pleased! I am happy!
Broken Capillaries
Posted by Casafina (Sedona, Az) on 07/10/2012
★★★★★
Broken Capillaries on my nose for ever!!!! I just recently added Grape Seed Extract to my supplement list and it would appear to be working. I had first thought too much caffiene so I cut that out, then maybe I had a "booze" nose cut that out, then it was o still there must be years of sun damage. I had been covering with concealer and with in the first week of adding grapeseed extract I was able to go out with out any concealer. I take plenty of other supplements but my thinking is that it was the only thing that I had added after reading on here about it as a possible solution.
Small Vessel Capillaritis
Posted by Afitch (Colorado Springs, Co, USA) on 06/07/2012
★★★★★
I was diagnosed with small vessel capilaritis - red spots on my legs that look like pupura. They would appear almost on a daily basis and take a week to fully heal and fade away. I went to 12 doctors and no one could tell me what to do for them. I found an article on the internet that suggested that oligomeric procyanidins OPCs have shown to improve capillary vessel strength.
I have been taking grape seed extract supplements (from the local health food store) for about two years now and have virtually no capilaritis now. I want to share this with people because it seems that most doctors do not know of anything you can for this condition. These grape seed supplements have helped me greatly. Andy
MRSA
Posted by Jim (Gary, Indiana Usa) on 02/05/2011
★★★★★
I recently saw a report about trials conducted on grapeseed extract and mrsa the trials were done in kuwait and it said that 43 strains of mrsa were killed by grapeseed extract. I do not know how many strains there are, but it seems like an easy enough test. If I had mrsa I would be taking grapeseed extract not to be confused with grapefruit seed extract. Also Jesus is the ultimate healer so pray when taking it. I would and do. Jim
