Grape Seed Extract for Venous Return
Grape seed proanthocyanidins show modest symptomatic benefit in venous insufficiency.
Overview
Verdict
How It Works
Dosing & Protocol
Typical dose
- Recommended dose
- 150-300mg/day
- Expected timeframe
- 4-12 weeks
Protocol
- form
- Not applicable
- duration
- Not applicable
- co factor
- Evidence is insufficient for venous return specifically. Grape seed OPCs have been used in Europe for chronic venous insufficiency and some small trials report reduced leg swelling, heaviness and capillary permeability at 150-300 mg/day - a plausible effect on capillary leak and oedema. But venous return is a haemodynamic measure of blood flow back to the heart, and no trial has measured venous flow, venous refilling time or calf pump function after grape seed extract. Symptom relief in venous insufficiency, if real, likely reflects reduced capillary permeability rather than improved venous return. Graduated compression stockings, calf exercise and leg elevation are the evidence-based interventions, with horse chestnut seed extract having somewhat better trial support among supplements.
- titration
- Not applicable
- starting dose
- Not applicable for venous return as a measured outcome
Evidence
What the studies say
Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract and venous oedema: randomized controlled evidence review
Sano A, Tokutake S, Seo A
Grape seed extract significantly reduced lower-leg swelling and circumference after prolonged sitting
Safety
Caveats
Compression stockings have far better evidence. May increase bleeding risk.
Less likely to help if
Medical Disclaimer
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Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.