Grape seed extract
Grape seed extract may lower blood pressure by a few points, but the trials disagree on whether the top number falls at all, so the evidence is limited. It is generally well tolerated; the main caution is that little is known about use in pregnancy or breastfeeding, and NCCIH advises checking with a health professional if you take any medicine.
Small reviews also suggest a modest fall in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and Korean trials suggest it may ease chronic venous disease symptoms.
At a glance
Last reviewed 10 October 2026What it's used for
Evidence is rated per use. The same ingredient can be strong for one thing and traditional for another.
| Use | Evidence | What the research shows |
|---|---|---|
| Blood pressureCompare remedies for heart health → | Limited | A 2016 meta-analysis of 16 trials (810 people) found systolic pressure fell by about 6 mmHg and diastolic by about 3 mmHg, with larger falls in younger, obese or metabolic-syndrome participants. A 2022 meta-analysis of 19 trials found diastolic pressure fell by 2.2 mmHg but systolic did not change significantly (−3.55 mmHg, 95% CI −7.59 to 0.49), with very high heterogeneity. An earlier 2011 review of 9 trials found only a 1.5 mmHg systolic fall. Trials were small and short, and none tested it in people with diagnosed hypertension as its main population.1,2,4 |
| Chronic venous disease and leg symptoms | Limited | In a double-blind trial of 303 people with chronic venous disease, the extract was no worse than a standard flavonoid drug (MPFF) for symptoms and quality of life over 8 weeks, and calf circumference fell from baseline in the grape seed group. There was no placebo arm, so this does not show it beats no treatment. A 2025 open-label trial of 176 people found reduced venous reflux time and better symptom scores over 12 weeks versus lifestyle changes alone. The Cochrane review of phlebotonics found small reductions in leg swelling for the drug class as a whole, but only one included trial used grape seed extract, so it cannot confirm this product.6,7,5 |
| LDL cholesterol and triglycerides | Limited | A 2020 meta-analysis of 11 trials (536 people) found LDL fell by 0.17 mmol/l and triglycerides by 0.11 mmol/l, with no overall change in total or HDL cholesterol. A 2011 review of 9 trials found no effect on lipids. NCCIH says the conclusions are not definite because the studies were small and products varied.3,4,8 |
How much
Ranges below are what studies used and what supplements commonly contain. They are not a recommendation for you. Start at the low end.
How people take it
Safety
Who should avoid
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding — NCCIH says little is known about safety
- Anyone taking prescription medicines — NCCIH advises checking with your clinician first
- Managing high blood pressure or cholesterol — not a substitute for prescribed treatment
Known interactions
Questions people ask
Does grape seed extract lower blood pressure?
Slightly, in some analyses. A 2016 meta-analysis found falls of about 6 mmHg systolic and 3 mmHg diastolic, but a 2022 one found only the diastolic fall was significant, with very inconsistent results between trials. It is not a proven replacement for blood pressure treatment.
Can grape seed extract help swollen legs and varicose veins?
Korean trials found symptom improvements in chronic venous disease, and one found smaller calf circumference. However, the larger double-blind trial had no placebo group, and the Cochrane review of this drug class found only a slight reduction in swelling overall.
Does grape seed extract lower cholesterol?
It may lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides a little. A 2020 meta-analysis found falls of 0.17 and 0.11 mmol/l, but total and HDL cholesterol did not change, and an earlier review found no lipid effect at all.
Is grape seed extract safe?
NCCIH says it is generally well tolerated taken by mouth or applied to the skin. Little is known about pregnancy and breastfeeding, and NCCIH advises talking to your health care provider if you take any medicine.
Sources (8)
- Meta-analysis Foshati S, Nouripour F, Sadeghi E, Amani R. The effect of grape (Vitis vinifera) seed extract supplementation on flow-mediated dilation, blood pressure, and heart rate: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials with duration- and dose-response analysis. Pharmacol Res. 2022.
- Meta-analysis Zhang H, Liu S, Li L, et al. The impact of grape seed extract treatment on blood pressure changes: a meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016.
- Meta-analysis Anjom-Shoae J, Milajerdi A, Larijani B, Esmaillzadeh A. Effects of grape seed extract on dyslipidaemia: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Br J Nutr. 2020.
- Systematic review Feringa HH, Laskey DA, Dickson JE, Coleman CI. The effect of grape seed extract on cardiovascular risk markers: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Am Diet Assoc. 2011.
- Systematic review Martinez-Zapata MJ, Vernooij RW, Simancas-Racines D, et al. Phlebotonics for venous insufficiency. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020.
- Randomised trial Kim SM, Joh JH, Jung IM, et al. Vitis vinifera seed extract versus micronized purified flavonoid fraction for patients with chronic venous disease: a randomized noninferiority trial. Ann Vasc Surg. 2024.
- Randomised trial Bae S, Kim H, Son NH, Kim M, Park S, Jung IH. Vitis vinifera seed extract reduces venous reflux time in patients with varicose veins: VICTORY randomized controlled trial. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2026.
- Regulator/health agency NCCIH. Grape Seed Extract. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
Last reviewed 10 October 2026 · Next review April 2027 · How we rate evidence
Reader notes
Experiences and questions from readers, read by an editor before they appear. They are personal accounts, not evidence, and are not medical advice.