Trial tests grape seed extract on arteries

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Oct. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers are conducting a trial of Nature's Pearl Muscadine Grape Seed supplement to test its potential cardiovascular health effects.

Lead investigator Dr. David Herrington of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C., said Nature’s Pearl is prepared in a way that generates a high concentration of plant chemicals, including gallic acid, ellagic acid, oligomeric proanthocyanidins and resveratrol -- antioxidants that can prevent or slow the oxidative damage to the body.

Oxidative stress in blood vessel disease -- atherosclerosis -- has generated interest in dietary sources of antioxidants, including black and green tea, grape seeds, olive oil and cocoa, Herrington said.

Muscadine grapes have been shown to be more potent in antioxidants than any other variety of grapes and laboratory studies have suggested that grape seeds have higher antioxidant capacity than grape skins, the researcher said.

Study participants will be given two grape seed supplements a day, while another group will get a placebo. Ultrasound technology will be used to determine blood vessel function.