Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract demonstrates better antioxidant
activity than other free radical scavengers
Proanthocyanidins are naturally occurring polyphenolic bioflavonoids
in many fruits and vegetables. They have been reported to have antiviral,
antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiallergic activities. These
compounds may also protect against oxidative damage of tissue by free
radicals. One source of these antioxidants is grape seed proanthocyanidin
extract (GSPE). In this laboratory study, GSPE demonstrated significant
antioxidant activity in liver and brain tissue, compared to controls.
GSPE was shown to decrease chemically-induced DNA damage, lipid peroxidation,
and production of oxygen free radicals. It also provided better protection
against oxidative damage than the same doses of other antioxidants,
including vitamin C, vitamin E succinate, and b-carotene.
From the results of these in vivo studies, GSPE appears to be
better at scavenging free radicals and preventing oxidative damage to
brain and liver tissue than other antioxidants. Results also show that
GSPE is available to target tissues and, therefore, can be useful in
vivo in inhibiting oxidative damage to brain and liver tissue.
Bagchi D, Garg D, Krohn R,
et al. Protective effects of grape seed proanthocyanidins
and selected antioxidants against TPA-induced hepatic and brain
lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation, and peritoneal macrophage
activation in mice. Gen Pharmac 1998; 30(5):771-776. |
