Certified Organic Muscadine Whole Red Grape
Also known as: Muscadine grape, Muscadine whole red grape, Vitis rotundifolia
Overview
Muscadine grape, scientifically known as Vitis rotundifolia, is a grape species indigenous to the southeastern United States. It is distinguished by its thick skin and exceptionally high concentration of polyphenols, including well-known compounds such as resveratrol, ellagic acid, quercetin, and anthocyanins. Supplements derived from muscadine grapes typically utilize whole grape extracts, encompassing both the skin and seeds, to capture the full spectrum of its beneficial phytochemicals. This botanical supplement is primarily investigated for its potential in cardiovascular protection, its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and its promising anti-cancer properties. Its unique polyphenol profile sets it apart from common grape species. While preclinical studies strongly support its biological activity, the research on muscadine grape supplements is still emerging, with some early-phase clinical trials and pilot studies available. The current evidence base is promising but largely preliminary, with a need for more large-scale randomized controlled trials.
Benefits
Muscadine grape extract demonstrates several promising, evidence-based benefits, primarily in cardiovascular health and oncology. In cardiovascular research, a muscadine grape skin/seed extract supplement (MGES) has been shown in animal models to improve diastolic cardiac function in hypertensive subjects, even without lowering blood pressure. This suggests specific cardiac protective effects, likely attributed to its ability to reduce oxidative stress. While this finding is significant, it is currently based on animal studies and early human safety trials, requiring further confirmation in larger human efficacy trials. For anti-cancer effects, preclinical studies provide strong evidence that MGES can inhibit tumor cell growth, induce apoptosis (programmed cell death), and reduce metastasis in various breast cancer models. It may also enhance the efficacy of conventional therapies like trastuzumab. These findings are compelling but are primarily from in vitro and animal studies, with human clinical data still in early phases focusing on safety and tolerability rather than efficacy. Additionally, muscadine grape is being investigated for its potential to reduce fatigue in older adult cancer survivors, though this is a secondary effect still under preliminary investigation. Populations that may benefit most include individuals at risk of cardiac damage due to hypertension and cancer patients, potentially as an adjunct therapy, as well as older adults experiencing fatigue.
How it works
Muscadine grape extract exerts its effects primarily through its rich polyphenol content, which confers significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its mechanism of action involves the reduction of oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines. In the cardiovascular system, these actions contribute to myocardial protection. In the context of cancer, muscadine polyphenols modulate various signaling pathways, leading to cell cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of metastasis in cancer cells. This interaction with cancer cell biology suggests a multi-targeted approach to tumor growth inhibition. The specific molecular targets are still being elucidated but likely involve key enzymes and transcription factors involved in cellular proliferation and survival. The absorption and bioavailability of these polyphenols are variable and require further study to fully understand their pharmacokinetics in humans.
Side effects
Phase I clinical trials have generally reported muscadine grape extract (MGES) to be well-tolerated with minimal adverse events. Common side effects are not well-documented due to the early stage of research, but no significant or frequent adverse reactions have been reported in the limited human studies conducted to date. Uncommon or rare side effects have also not been significantly reported, indicating a relatively safe profile in short-term use. However, comprehensive long-term safety data are still lacking. Regarding drug interactions, while no direct interference was observed in animal studies with antihypertensive drugs, caution is advised for patients on multiple cardiovascular medications until more definitive human data are available. Potential unknown interactions with other medications cannot be entirely ruled out. Contraindications are not yet established, but individuals with known allergies to grapes or grape products should exercise caution. Specific populations, such as cancer patients and older adults, have been included in pilot trials, and the safety profile appears acceptable within these groups, though further confirmation in larger studies is needed. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data.
Dosage
The optimal and minimum effective dosages for muscadine grape extract are not yet clearly established, as clinical research is still in its early stages. Phase I studies have utilized proprietary extracts and employed dose escalation to determine maximum tolerated doses, but specific effective doses for various conditions are still under investigation. No toxicity has been reported at the doses studied in these early trials, suggesting a good safety margin within the tested ranges. For potential cardiovascular or anticancer effects, chronic supplementation is likely required, but the exact duration and timing for observable benefits are unknown. Extracts standardized for polyphenol content are generally preferred over raw fruit to ensure consistency in active compound delivery. The absorption and bioavailability of polyphenols can be influenced by the food matrix and individual metabolism; co-administration with fats might enhance absorption. Currently, no specific cofactors are identified as necessary for its efficacy. Patients should follow guidance from ongoing clinical trials or consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate dosing.
FAQs
Is muscadine grape extract safe?
Early clinical trials indicate good tolerability with minimal side effects, suggesting it is generally safe for short-term use. Long-term safety data are still being gathered.
Does it lower blood pressure?
No significant blood pressure reduction has been observed in studies. Its benefits appear to be more cardiac-specific, focusing on improving heart function rather than blood pressure.
Can it be used alongside cancer treatments?
Preclinical data suggest potential synergy with conventional cancer therapies, but clinical evidence is still preliminary. Consult your oncologist before combining it with treatments.
How long until benefits appear?
Animal and early human studies suggest effects may appear after several weeks of supplementation. However, long-term effects and the exact time course in humans are not yet fully known.
Is organic certification important?
Organic certification may reduce exposure to pesticides, which is a general health benefit. However, it does not directly affect the efficacy of the muscadine grape extract itself.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9598776/ – This study combined preclinical animal models with a Phase I human trial to evaluate muscadine grape skin/seed extract (MGES). It found that MGES improved diastolic dysfunction in hypertensive animal models, indicating cardiac-specific protective effects. The human Phase I trial reported MGES to be well-tolerated with minimal side effects, though it was a small sample focused on safety rather than efficacy.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8141001/ – This Phase I clinical trial investigated muscadine grape extract (MGE) in patients with metastatic solid tumors. The study concluded that MGE was safe and tolerable, supporting preclinical findings of its anti-cancer effects. However, it was a small-scale study primarily focused on safety and tolerability, without efficacy as a primary endpoint.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11139022/ – This review article comprehensively summarizes the bioactive polyphenols found in muscadine grape seed extract (MGSE) and their potential anti-cancer mechanisms. It highlights the promising preclinical data supporting MGSE's role in inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis, and emphasizes the need for further clinical research to validate these findings in humans, noting the current lack of large-scale randomized controlled trials.
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