Abstract
Recent animal studies have suggested that grape seed extract has beneficial effects
on the cardiovascular system. Randomized trials in human beings have yielded conflicting
results. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effect of grape
seed extract on changes in blood pressure, heart rate, lipid levels, and C-reactive
protein (CRP) levels. We searched MEDLINE (January 1, 1950, through October 31, 2010),
Agricola (January 1, 1970, through October 31, 2010), Scopus (January 1, 1996, through
October 31, 2010), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (through
October 31, 2010) for randomized controlled trials in human beings of grape seed extract
reporting efficacy data on at least one of the following end points: systolic or diastolic
blood pressure, heart rate, total cholesterol, low-density or high-density lipoprotein
cholesterol, triglycerides, or CRP. A manual search of references from primary and
review articles was performed to identify additional relevant trials. For all endpoints
except CRP, the mean change in each parameter from baseline was treated as a continuous
variable and the effect size was calculated as the weighted mean difference between
the means in the grape seed extract and control groups. Data on CRP were pooled as
a standardized mean difference. 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 blood pressure (weighted mean difference −1.54
mm Hg (95% confidence interval −2.85 to −0.22, P=0.02]), and heart rate (weighted mean difference −1.42 bpm (95% confidence interval
−2.50 to −0.34, P=0.01]). No significant effect on diastolic blood pressure, lipid levels, or CRP was
found. No statistical heterogeneity was observed for any analysis (I2<39% for all). Egger's weighted regression statistic suggested low likelihood of publication
bias in all analysis (P>0.05 for all), except for the effect on diastolic blood pressure (P=0.046). Based on the currently available literature, grape seed extract appears to
significantly lower systolic blood pressure and heart rate, 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.
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Biography
H. H. H. Feringa is master's of public health degree candidate, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, and a resident physician, Griffin Hospital, Derby, CT.
Biography
D. A. Laskey is a doctor of pharmacy, University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, Storrs.
Biography
J. E. Dickson is a doctor of pharmacy, University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, Storrs.
Biography
C. I. Coleman is an associate professor of pharmacy practice, University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, Storrs, and co-director and methods chief, University of Connecticut/Hartford Hospital Evidence-Based Practice Center, Hartford.
Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
March 2,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 American Dietetic Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
