Proanthocyanidins are naturally occurring polyphenolic bioflavonoids in many fruits and vegetables. They have been reported to have antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiallergic activities. These compounds may also protect against oxidative damage of tissue by free radicals. One source of these antioxidants is grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE). In this laboratory study, GSPE demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in liver and brain tissue, compared to controls. GSPE was shown to decrease chemically-induced DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and production of oxygen free radicals. It also provided better protection against oxidative damage than the same doses of other antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E succinate, and b-carotene. From the results of these in vivo studies, GSPE appears to be better at scavenging free radicals and preventing oxidative damage to brain and liver tissue than other antioxidants. Results also show that GSPE is available to target tissues and, therefore, can be useful in vivo in inhibiting oxidative damage to brain and liver tissue.
Bagchi D, Garg D, Krohn R, et al. Protective effects of grape seed proanthocyanidins and selected antioxidants against TPA-induced hepatic and brain lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation, and peritoneal macrophage activation in mice. Gen Pharmac 1998; 30(5):771-776.
