Effects of Grape Seed Extract Supplementation on Endothelial Function and Endurance Performance in Basketball Players.

2022-10-31
International journal of environmental research and public health 19(21)
- Hosung Nho
- Kyung-Ae Kim

PubMed: 36361103
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114223

Study Design

Type: Clinical Trial
Population: 12 elite athletes
Methods: chronic supplementation with grape seed extract (GSE) and placebo (PL) for 14 days, progressive cycling exercise, endothelial function evaluated via flow-mediated dilation (FMD)
Blinding: Double-blind
Duration: 14 days

While dietary polyphenols supplements can improve endothelial function and blood flow to exercise, the effects of chronic supplementation with grape seed extract (GSE) containing a high dose of polyphenols on endurance performance are not known. Accordingly, in 12 elite athletes, we compared the effects of both GSE and placebo (PL) on submaximal VO₂, time to exhaustion performance, and endothelial function during progressive cycling exercise for 14 days. Endothelial function was evaluated from the brachial artery via flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Compared to PL, GSE decreased submaximal VO₂ at 80% and 120% of VO_2peak and increased the time to exhaustion (p < 0.05). GSE also resulted in FMD-induced increase in brachial artery diameter (14.4 ± 5.2% vs. 17.6 ± 4.5%, p = 0.035). We demonstrated that chronic supplementation with GSE improved endurance performance and these effects may partially be due to vasodilation in active skeletal muscle mediated by enhanced endothelial function. Thus, our results suggest that GSE appears to be an ergogenic nutraceutical that can improve exercise performance in elite athletes.

Research Insights

Red Grape→Improved Endurance
Compared to PL, GSE decreased submaximal VO2 at 80% and 120% of VO2peak and increased the time to exhaustion (p < 0.05).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Red Grape→Improved Vascular Endothelial Function
GSE also resulted in FMD-induced increase in brachial artery diameter (14.4 ± 5.2% vs. 17.6 ± 4.5%, p = 0.035).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small