This systematic review was conducted to assess the effect of grape seed extract on changes in blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), lipid levels, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. MEDLINE (1950 to 2010), Agricola (1970 to 2010), Scopus (1996 to 2010), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (through 2010) were searched for human randomized controlled trials of grape seed extract reporting efficacy data on at least one of the following end points: systolic or diastolic BP, HR, total cholesterol, low-density or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, or CRP. Nine randomized, controlled trials (n=390) met the inclusion criteria and a meta-analysis was conducted. Upon meta-analysis, grape seed extract significantly lowered systolic BP (95% CI: -2.85 to -0.22, P=0.02]) and HR (95% CI: -2.50 to -0.34, P=0.01). No significant effect on diastolic BP, lipid levels, or CRP was found. The authors concluded that based on the currently available literature, grape seed extract appears to significantly lower systolic BP and HR, with no effect on lipid or CRP levels. Larger randomized, double-blinded trials evaluating different dosages of grape seed extract and for longer follow-up durations are needed. J Am Diet Assoc. 2011 Aug;111(8):1173-81. PMID: 21802563.
