Usda Certified Organic Muscadine Whole Red Grape
Also known as: Muscadine grape, Muscadine whole red grape, Muscadine grape extract, MGE, MGES, Vitis rotundifolia
Overview
Muscadine grapes (Vitis rotundifolia) are a species of grape native to the southeastern United States, distinguished by their thick skins and high concentration of polyphenolic compounds, including flavonoids, ellagic acid, and resveratrol. The 'USDA Certified Organic Muscadine Whole Red Grape' supplement typically incorporates the entire fruit, encompassing the skin, seeds, and pulp, to deliver a comprehensive array of bioactive compounds. These supplements are primarily utilized for their antioxidant properties, potential cardiovascular health benefits, and emerging anti-cancer effects. While research is ongoing, current evidence includes preclinical studies, early-phase clinical trials, and broader meta-analyses on grape polyphenols, indicating promising biological activity and safety. The quality of evidence varies, with strong preclinical data and initial human safety data, alongside moderate evidence for cardiovascular benefits from general grape polyphenols.
Benefits
Muscadine grape supplements offer several evidence-backed benefits. Preclinical studies have demonstrated significant anti-cancer potential, showing that muscadine grape extract (MGE) can inhibit tumor cell growth, induce apoptosis, and reduce metastasis in breast cancer models. A Phase I clinical trial further supported the safety and tolerability of MGE in patients with metastatic solid tumors, with some exploratory signals of disease stabilization, though definitive efficacy is yet to be established. For cardiovascular health, animal studies indicate that muscadine grape skin/seed extract (MGES) can prevent hypertension-induced cardiac damage by reducing oxidative stress markers and enhancing endogenous antioxidant enzymes like SOD1 and catalase. Furthermore, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on grape polyphenols (not exclusively muscadine) found a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure, suggesting a broader cardiovascular benefit for grape-derived compounds.
How it works
The beneficial effects of muscadine grapes stem from their rich content of bioactive polyphenols. These compounds function primarily as potent antioxidants, effectively neutralizing free radicals and mitigating oxidative stress throughout the body. At a cellular level, muscadine polyphenols modulate various signaling pathways involved in cell cycle regulation, programmed cell death (apoptosis), and inflammatory responses, which contributes to their observed anti-cancer properties. Their cardioprotective actions are mediated by upregulating the body's natural antioxidant enzymes, such as SOD1 and catalase, reducing harmful lipid peroxidation products, and improving overall myocardial redox balance. Additionally, these polyphenols may enhance vascular function and help regulate blood pressure through their influence on endothelial nitric oxide pathways and general anti-inflammatory effects.
Side effects
Muscadine grape extract appears to have a favorable safety profile. Phase I clinical trial data in cancer patients indicated that the extract was safe and well-tolerated at the doses studied, with no dose-limiting toxicities reported. Currently, there are no significant adverse effects or drug interactions widely documented in the available scientific literature for muscadine grape supplements. However, safety has not been established for specific populations such as pregnant or lactating individuals, or children. Due to its antioxidant properties, caution is advised when combining muscadine grape supplements with chemotherapy or other medical treatments without direct medical supervision, as potential interactions, though not yet documented, could theoretically alter treatment efficacy. Always consult a healthcare professional before integrating this supplement into a treatment regimen.
Dosage
Optimal dosing for muscadine whole grape supplements is not yet standardized, and bioavailability can vary based on formulation. In a Phase I clinical study for cancer, escalating doses were administered over four weeks; specific details should be referenced from the original study, but doses were generally standardized based on polyphenol content. For cardiovascular benefits, studies on grape polyphenols (not exclusively muscadine) suggest effective doses for systolic blood pressure reduction typically range from 150–300 mg/day of total polyphenols. The timing of supplementation and co-administration with meals may influence the absorption and efficacy of these polyphenolic compounds. It is crucial to follow product-specific recommendations or consult a healthcare professional for personalized dosing advice, especially given the lack of standardized guidelines for muscadine-specific products.
FAQs
Is muscadine grape extract effective for cancer treatment?
Current evidence is primarily preclinical and early-phase clinical. It shows promise in inhibiting cancer cell growth and inducing apoptosis, but it is not an established cancer treatment and requires further research.
Can muscadine grape supplements lower blood pressure?
Meta-analyses of grape polyphenols, which include compounds found in muscadine grapes, suggest a modest reduction in systolic blood pressure. This benefit is likely applicable to muscadine polyphenols.
Are there safety concerns with muscadine grape supplements?
Clinical studies have reported muscadine grape extract to be generally safe and well-tolerated with minimal side effects. However, safety in pregnant/lactating women and children is not established.
How long does it take to see benefits from muscadine grape supplements?
For cardiovascular effects, clinical trials on grape polyphenols typically observed benefits after weeks to several months of consistent supplementation. Individual results may vary.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8141001/ – This Phase I clinical trial evaluated the safety and tolerability of muscadine grape extract (MGE) in patients with metastatic solid tumors. It found MGE to be safe and well-tolerated with no dose-limiting toxicities, and exploratory outcomes suggested potential disease stabilization in some patients, though it was a small, uncontrolled study.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9598776/ – This preclinical animal study demonstrated that muscadine grape skin/seed extract (MGES) prevented hypertension-induced cardiac damage in rats. It showed MGES reduced oxidative stress markers and increased endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity, suggesting cardioprotective effects.
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0137665 – This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on grape polyphenols investigated their effect on blood pressure. It concluded that grape polyphenols significantly reduced systolic blood pressure but had no significant effect on diastolic blood pressure, supporting their cardiovascular benefits.
Recommended Articles
Glutamine Dosage for Gut Health: A Guide
Glutamine supports gut health with a recommended dosage of 5-30 grams per day, available in various supplement forms.
2025's Top Vegan Protein Powders: A Buyer's Guide
In 2025, the best vegan protein powders are third-party tested, ensuring purity, safety, and high nutritional content.
Top Anti-Inflammatory Supplement Ingredients
Curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, CBD, and Vitamin D are proven to effectively reduce chronic inflammation.
Top NSF & Informed-Sport Certified Supplements
NSF Certified for Sport and Informed-Sport certifications ensure supplement safety and efficacy for athletes.