Grapes are a favorite with everyone; be it an adult or a child. They are not only favored for their taste but also for innumerable benefits for hair, skin and health. Did you know that grape seed extracts are also super beneficial? The only source for you to get grape seed extracts are grapes. They have a high concentration of flavonoids, linoleic acid, Vitamin E and phenolic procyanidins.
You can find grape seed extracts which can be consumed orally in the form of capsules and tablets. They are rich in oligomeric proanthocyanidins, antioxidants, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. All of these properties make it quite beneficial for our health.
Though the benefits of grape seed extracts are quite impressive, you need to look at the other side as well, meaning the side effects! Similar to other natural substances, grape seed extracts also have their fair share of side effects. As they say, ‘half-baked information is always dangerous.’ So read on to find out what those side effects are and what is it that you can do to overcome those side effects.
Top 12 Side Effects Of Grape Seed Extract
1. Surgery
If you are already using grape seed extracts and are scheduled for a surgery, then you need to stop using it at least 2 weeks prior to your surgery. It has been reported that grapes might slow the process of blood clotting and can also cause excess bleeding during or post-surgery. So. Don’t forget the 2-weeks time frame.(1)
2. Bleeding Disorders
Bleeding disorders are one of the severe side effects of consuming grape seed extracts. As mentioned earlier, it can slow down blood clotting because of which there is excessive bleeding from cuts and bruises. The grape seed extracts can affect both your internal as well as external bleeding. Some of the internal bleeding disorders that you might face are tarry stools, stools with red blood, blood while vomiting, etc. One really needs to be careful while dealing with this side effect.(2)
3. Headache And Dizziness
Headaches and dizziness are two such side effects of consuming grape seed extracts which are not very serious. They can be easily overcome by using the right medications. Though there are no reports of any severe conditions, if it does persist then consult with your doctor.(3)
4. Nausea
Another side effect which a lot of people have reported due to the consumption of supplements with grape seed extract is the feeling of nausea.(4)
5. Allergies
If you are already allergic to gapes, then you should definitely avoid using grape seed extracts as it can result in various allergic reactions. Also, if you notice any allergic reactions in the form of rashes, hives, difficulty in breathing, swelling of mouth, tongue, lips, throat, etc., then you need to take immediate medical attention before your condition worsens.(5)
6. High Blood Pressure
It is imperative to remember that just because a product is natural, doesn’t mean that it is completely safe! There have been negative impacts on the blood pressure of an individual due to the use of grape seed extracts. There are chzances of your blood pressure shooting up due to the ingestion of these extracts.(6)
7. Drug Interaction
Using herbal products and natural substances like grape seed extracts can cause certain conditions due to their interaction with various drugs. If you are taking any medications for heart problem, cancer treatment, painkillers like aspirin, Advil or Aleve, blood thinners, etc., then do consult with your doctor before using any supplements which has grape seed extracts.(7)
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8. Itchy Scalp
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, dry and itchy scalp have been reported as possible side effects of grape seed extracts. Again, like headaches, these are not serious side effects and can be treated as required.
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9. Pregnancy
Women who are trying to get pregnant or are already pregnant should avoid the use of any supplements which have grape seed extracts. This is because till date there is no medical proof whether they are harmful or beneficial. Hence, to be on the safer side, it is best to avoid using them. You could also take a decision after talking to your physician. Women should also avoid it during breastfeeding.
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10. Hemorrhagic Stroke
Hemorrhagic stroke is an internal bleeding condition wherein you have internal bleeding in your brain caused due to the bursting of blood vessels present in the brain. Now that makes it one of the serious side effects of grape seed extracts. Some of the signs and symptoms of hemorrhagic stroke are severe headache, weakness, numbness in your arm or leg, vision or speech impairment, coma, loss of coordination, unconsciousness, etc.
11. Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a minor side effect of grape seed extract and since dry mouth can occur due to a number of reasons, it is best to find out the root cause before assuming that it is due to the grape seed extract supplements. If at all it is due to the extracts, you can stop using it or find a remedy for the dry mouth.
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12. Gastric Problems
The final side effect in our list is the gastric problems. People who have used grape seed extract have complained about gastric problems like indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea, etc. So if you notice any of these problems, they can be a result of your grape seed extract consumption.
We hope the above side effects will help you in making the correct decision on whether you should use supplements with grape seed extracts or not!
Scientific Evidence:
- Grape Seed Extract : https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/grape-seed-extract
- Dual Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Activity of Polyphenolic Grape Seeds Extract : https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30621248/
- Adverse Effects of Grape Seed Extract Supplement: A Clinical Case and Long-Term Follow-Up : https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25688637/
- Grape seed extract : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grape_seed_extract
- Subchronic 3-month oral toxicity study of grape seed and grape skin extracts : https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12419686/
- The impact of grape seed extract treatment on blood pressure changes : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5370781/
- Variable inhibitory effect of different brands of commercial herbal supplements on human cytochrome P-450 CYP3A4 : https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19353999/
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