Effect of a polyphenoics extracts of Grape Seeds (GSE) on Blood Pressure(BP) in patients with the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS)

Abstract

Effect of a polyphenoics extracts of Grape Seeds (GSE) on Blood Pressure(BP) in patients with the Metabolic Polyphenolic compounds in grape seeds are potent anti-oxidants which cause a NO mediated endothelium dependent relaxation of blood vessels. The present study was undertaken to determine whether a GSE lowers BP in subjects with the MetS . The GSEs which was manufactured by Polyphenolics Inc. (Madera, CA) contains ~95% phenolic compounds and is low gallate units. 24 subjects with MetS (NCEP III) were randomized into 3 groups (n=8) and given either a placebo, 150 mg/day or 300 mg/day of the extract. A 12 hour ambulatory BP recording was made at the start of the study and after 4 weeks of treatment. Serum lipids, blood glucose, plasma insulin and oxidized LDL were measured at the start and end of the study. Oxidized LDL was measured using an ELISA (Mercodia Inc, Uppsala, Sweden). After 4 weeks subjects receiving both 150 mg and 300 mg of GSEs significantly lowered their BP while those on placebo showed no significant change (p < 0.05, ANOVA). The fasting blood glucose, plasma insulin, serum lipids and plasma oxidized LDL concentrations were unchanged. Insulin resistance as determined by the homeostasis model was elevated in all 3 groups but did not change with treatment. It is suggested that the GSE used in the present study which has been granted GRAS status by the FDA, is a potentially useful nutraceutical compound for the management of BP in patients with Met S.