Vitis Vinifera Skin Extract
Also known as: Grape, grape seed extract, grape skin extract, grapeseed oil, Vitis vinifera
Overview
Vitis vinifera skin extract is derived from the skins of grapes and is a rich source of polyphenols, including proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, and resveratrol. It is primarily utilized for its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-protective properties in both dietary supplements and topical cosmetic applications. Research indicates its potential benefits for cardiovascular health, skin health, and anti-aging effects. While closely related to grape seed extract, which is also derived from Vitis vinifera, the skin extract is particularly noted for its resveratrol content. The extract is available in various forms, including capsules for oral supplementation and as an ingredient in creams and serums for topical use. Research maturity is moderate, with a growing body of evidence from randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews supporting its efficacy and safety profile.
Benefits
Vitis vinifera skin extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily due to its rich polyphenol content: * **Skin Health:** Topical application of Vitis vinifera extracts has been shown to stimulate keratinocyte proliferation, enhance the production of dermal collagen type I, elastin, and fibrillin-1, and improve dermal-epidermal junction proteins. This suggests significant potential for improving skin structure, elasticity, and overall anti-aging effects. A 12-week placebo-controlled RCT demonstrated that a grapeseed oil-loaded nanoemulgel significantly reduced skin melanin and erythema, improved skin elasticity and moisture, and decreased sebum production, indicating benefits for skin tone, barrier function, and hydration. * **Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects:** The polyphenols in Vitis vinifera act as potent antioxidants, effectively scavenging reactive oxygen species and reducing oxidative stress throughout the body. The extract also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting key inflammatory mediators such as VEGF and modulating MMP-9 secretion, which is involved in extracellular matrix remodeling. This dual action contributes to its protective effects against various inflammatory and oxidative conditions, including those affecting the skin. * **Cardiovascular Benefits:** Oral supplementation with grape seed extract, a closely related Vitis vinifera derivative, has been shown to significantly improve endothelial function by increasing flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and lowering both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials confirmed these cardiovascular benefits, highlighting dose- and duration-dependent effects. These improvements are attributed to enhanced nitric oxide bioavailability, leading to vasodilation and better blood flow.
How it works
The therapeutic effects of Vitis vinifera skin extract are primarily attributed to its rich polyphenol content, including proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, and resveratrol. These compounds act as powerful antioxidants, neutralizing reactive oxygen species and reducing oxidative stress, which is a key contributor to aging and disease. The extract also exerts anti-inflammatory effects by modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and inhibiting enzymes such as VEGF and MMP-9, which are involved in inflammation and tissue remodeling. For skin health, it promotes the synthesis of structural proteins like collagen, elastin, and fibrillin, enhancing dermal integrity and elasticity. In the cardiovascular system, its polyphenols improve endothelial function by increasing the bioavailability of nitric oxide, leading to vasodilation and reduced blood pressure.
Side effects
Vitis vinifera skin extract is generally considered safe for both oral and topical use, with a high no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) reported in animal studies (approximately 1780-2150 mg/kg body weight/day). Human clinical trials have not reported significant adverse effects at typical supplemental or topical doses. Topical formulations have demonstrated low irritation and sensitization potential in in vitro studies. While no major drug interactions have been definitively documented, caution is advised for individuals taking anticoagulant medications due to the potential for mild blood-thinning effects associated with polyphenols. However, this effect is generally considered minor compared to prescription anticoagulants. There is insufficient data to make firm recommendations for special populations such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, so use in these groups should be approached with caution and under medical supervision. Overall, the safety profile is favorable, but individuals with known allergies to grapes or grape products should avoid its use. Discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur.
Dosage
For oral supplementation, particularly for cardiovascular benefits, studies on grape seed extract (a closely related Vitis vinifera derivative) have utilized doses ranging from 100 mg to 600 mg daily. More pronounced effects are typically observed with longer durations of supplementation, often requiring at least 8 weeks. There is no established maximum safe dose, but human studies have not extensively explored doses above 600 mg/day. The absorption of polyphenols can be moderate, and bioavailability may be enhanced when taken with food or through advanced formulation technologies. For topical applications, such as in cosmetic products, specific dosage guidelines are less standardized, as concentrations vary widely. However, one study demonstrating significant skin improvements used a grapeseed oil nanoemulgel applied twice daily for 12 weeks. It is advisable to follow the manufacturer's instructions for topical products. Always start with the lower end of the dosage range to assess tolerance and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
FAQs
Is grape skin extract the same as grape seed extract?
They are related but distinct. Grape skin extract is rich in resveratrol and flavonoids, while grape seed extract is richer in proanthocyanidins. Both offer antioxidant properties but may have slightly different therapeutic profiles.
How long does it take to see benefits from Vitis vinifera extract?
For topical skin benefits, improvements may be noticeable after several weeks, typically around 12 weeks. For oral cardiovascular benefits, effects usually require consistent supplementation for 8 weeks or more.
Is Vitis vinifera extract safe for daily use?
Yes, within the studied dosage ranges, Vitis vinifera extract is generally considered safe for daily use with a low incidence of side effects. However, consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns.
Research Sources
- https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/vitis022012SLR_for%20posting.pdf – This CIR Safety Report provides an extensive review of grape seed extract, demonstrating its ability to stimulate keratinocyte proliferation and increase dermal collagen and elastin in a 3D skin model. It also highlights the extract's low irritation potential, offering mechanistic insights into its skin benefits, though it is an in vitro study.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6562865/ – This in vitro study investigated Vitis vinifera leaf extract, showing its capacity to inhibit VEGF release and modulate MMP-9 secretion in keratinocytes. This suggests its potential to reduce inflammation and support skin repair processes, providing important mechanistic evidence that warrants further clinical validation.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jocd.15161 – This randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated a grapeseed oil nanoemulgel applied topically for 12 weeks. The study found significant reductions in skin melanin, erythema, and sebum, along with improvements in skin elasticity and moisture, demonstrating the efficacy of topical Vitis vinifera for skin health.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34798267/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Foshati et al. (2022) synthesized data from multiple controlled trials on grape seed extract. It concluded that supplementation significantly improves endothelial function (flow-mediated dilation) and reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, providing high-quality evidence for its cardiovascular benefits.