| Abstract: | Grape seed extract (GSE) has in vitro antioxidant activity but whether or notit works in vivo is not clear. In a fully randomised, crossovertrial with 4-week treatment periods on 36 men and womenwith above-average vascular risk, we aimed to demonstrate that2 g/day of GSE (1g of polyphenols) alone,or with 1g/day of added quercetin in yoghurt, favourably altersvascular function, endothelial function, and degree of oxidative damagein comparison to a control yoghurt. GSE alone improved flow-mediateddilatation determined ultrasonically by an absolute 1.1% comparedwith control. There was no effect of the combination of GSE withquercetin. No other blood or urine measure was altered. Thussufficient polyphenols from GSE appear to be absorbed to influenceendothelial nitric oxide production, and GSE has the potential tofavourably influence vascular function. |
