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Muscadine Grape

Also known as: Vitis rotundifolia, Muscadine grape, Muscadine grape extract (MGE), Muscadine grape skin/seed extract (MGES)

Overview

Muscadine grape (*Vitis rotundifolia*) is a grape species native to the southeastern United States, distinguished by its high concentration of polyphenolic compounds, particularly in the skin and seeds. Supplements are typically derived from extracts of these components. Muscadine grape supplements are primarily used for their potential cardiovascular benefits, antioxidant support, anti-inflammatory effects, and metabolic health improvements. Emerging research also explores its potential as an adjunct therapy in prostate cancer. The key characteristics of muscadine grapes lie in their unique polyphenol profile compared to other grape species, conferring potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research on muscadine grape extracts is growing, with preclinical studies and small-scale human trials suggesting promising effects. However, systematic reviews specifically focused on muscadine grape extracts remain limited, indicating a need for further investigation to confirm these benefits.

Benefits

Muscadine grape supplements offer several potential health benefits supported by varying degrees of evidence. Animal studies suggest cardiovascular protection by preventing diastolic dysfunction and oxidative cardiac damage in hypertensive models, attributed to the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, muscadine grape extract, when combined with probiotics, has shown promise in improving gut microbiome composition, reducing systemic inflammation, and mitigating metabolic dysfunction in mice fed a Western diet. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial indicates potential anticancer effects in patients with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer carrying a specific genotype (SOD2 Ala/Ala), although detailed outcomes are pending publication. Secondary benefits include in vitro antibacterial activity against *Helicobacter pylori* and suppression of plasma endotoxin and pro-inflammatory proteins after high-fat meals. These benefits may be particularly relevant for hypertensive individuals, those with metabolic syndrome or obesity-related gut dysbiosis, and prostate cancer patients with specific genotypes.

How it works

Muscadine grape's beneficial effects are primarily attributed to its high polyphenol content and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The primary mechanism of action involves the upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase and superoxide dismutase, which reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress. Additionally, muscadine grape extracts can modulate the gut microbiota, leading to reduced systemic inflammation and improvements in metabolic function. The polyphenols present may also inhibit pathogenic bacteria and inflammatory signaling pathways. These actions impact multiple body systems, including the cardiovascular system (protecting against oxidative stress-induced cardiac damage), the gastrointestinal system (modulating microbiome and inflammation), and the immune system (reducing pro-inflammatory protein expression).

Side effects

Muscadine grape supplements are generally considered safe based on available animal studies and limited human data. Significant adverse effects have not been reported in preclinical studies. However, comprehensive data on side effects in humans are lacking. Potential drug interactions, particularly with drugs metabolized by antioxidant pathways or cytochrome P450 enzymes, are possible but not well-studied. As a precaution, individuals on anticoagulants or with known allergies to grapes should exercise caution. Safety in specific populations, such as pregnant or lactating women and children, has not been established. While no specific contraindications are established, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those taking medications. Further research is needed to fully characterize the safety profile of muscadine grape supplements, particularly with long-term use.

Dosage

Due to limited human clinical trials, specific dosage recommendations for muscadine grape supplements are not clearly established. Animal studies have used doses equivalent to dietary supplementation, but the optimal dosage range for humans remains uncertain. The doses used in a prostate cancer RCT have not been publicly detailed. The maximum safe dose is also not established, although no toxicity has been reported in animal studies at tested doses. Chronic supplementation is likely required for cardiovascular and metabolic effects. When choosing a supplement, extracts standardized for polyphenol content are preferred. Co-administration with probiotics may enhance gut microbiome modulation and polyphenol metabolism. Until more data is available, it is best to start with a low dose and gradually increase as tolerated, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

FAQs

Is muscadine grape extract effective for blood pressure?

Animal data suggest cardiac protection without directly lowering blood pressure. Human data, inferred from studies on other grape products, indicate modest effects on blood pressure.

Can muscadine grape extract help with metabolic syndrome?

Preclinical evidence supports benefits on gut microbiome and inflammation associated with Western diet-induced metabolic dysfunction.

Is it safe to take muscadine grape supplements long-term?

Limited safety data suggest good tolerability, but long-term human safety data are lacking. Consult with a healthcare provider before long-term use.

Does it have anticancer properties?

Preliminary clinical trials in prostate cancer are underway, but conclusive evidence is pending. More research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9598776/ – This preclinical study in hypertensive rats demonstrated that muscadine grape skin/seed extract (MGES) prevented hypertension-induced diastolic dysfunction and oxidative cardiac damage. The protective effects were attributed to increased antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced oxidative stress markers. This suggests a potential cardioprotective role for MGES in hypertension, but further human studies are needed.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10670540/ – This preclinical study in mice found that muscadine grape extract (MGE) combined with probiotics improved gut microbiota composition, reduced systemic inflammation, and mitigated metabolic dysfunction induced by a Western diet. The findings suggest that MGE, particularly when combined with probiotics, may have beneficial effects on gut health and metabolic parameters. However, these results need to be confirmed in human clinical trials.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pros.24903?af=R – This multisite RCT is evaluating the efficacy of muscadine grape skin extract in patients with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer and a specific SOD2 genotype. The study is ongoing or recently completed, and detailed outcomes are pending publication. This research could provide valuable insights into the potential anticancer effects of muscadine grape extract in a specific population.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10942912.2021.1901731 – This meta-analysis of 16 RCTs examined the effects of grape seed extract on blood pressure. The analysis found some evidence of modest blood pressure reduction with grape seed extract. While the data is not specific to muscadine grape, it provides indirect support for potential cardiovascular benefits, but more specific research is needed.