Grape seed extract supplementation along with a restricted-calorie diet improves cardiovascular risk factors in obese or overweight adult individuals: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

2020-10-12
Phytotherapy research : PTR 35(2)
- Reyhaneh Yousefi
- Maryam Parandoosh
- Hoda Khorsandi
- Nima Hosseinzadeh
- Masoumeh Madani Tonekaboni
- Atoosa Saidpour
- Hossein Babaei
- Arman Ghorbani

PubMed: 33044768
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6859

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population: 40 obese or overweight individuals (25 ≤ body mass index < 40 kg/m²)
Methods: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial; 12 weeks of GSE 300 mg/day or placebo plus restricted-calorie diet
Blinding: Double-blind
Duration: 12 weeks
Funding: Unclear

Grape seed extract (GSE) is a flavonoid-rich supplement, recently discussed as a potential moderator of inflammation and obesity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of GSE supplementation along with a restricted-calorie diet (RCD), on changes in blood lipid profile, visceral adiposity index (VAI), and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP). We designed a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Forty obese or overweight individuals (25 ≤ body mass index < 40 kg/m² ) were randomly assigned to receive GSE (300 mg/day) or placebo, plus RCD, for 12 weeks. We studied the anthropometric measures, biochemical biomarkers and dietary intake within the study timelines. Levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and HDL-C/low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) significantly increased in the GSE group as compared with the placebo group at week 12 (p = .03 and .008, respectively, adjusted for age, sex, energy and saturated fatty acid intake). We also observed a significant reduction in LDL-C following GSE supplementation in comparison to placebo (adjusted for age, sex and energy intake, p = .04). VAI, AIP, total cholesterol and triglyceride significantly decreased in the GSE group compared with the baseline (p = .04, .02, .01, and .02, respectively). GSE supplementation may have a modulatory role in improving blood lipid profile in obese or overweight individuals, when accompanied by RCD.

Research Insights

Red Grape→Increased HDL Cholesterol Levels
Levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and HDL-C/low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) significantly increased in the GSE group as compared with the placebo group at week 12 (p = .03 and .008, respectively, adjusted for age, sex, energy and saturated fatty acid intake).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
300 mg/day
Red Grape→Reduced Atherogenic Index
VAI, AIP, total cholesterol and triglyceride significantly decreased in the GSE group compared with the baseline (p = .04, .02, .01, and .02, respectively).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
300 mg/day
Red Grape→Reduced Low-Density Lipoprotein Level
We also observed a significant reduction in LDL-C following GSE supplementation in comparison to placebo (adjusted for age, sex and energy intake, p = .04).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
300 mg/day
Red Grape→Reduced Total Cholesterol Levels
VAI, AIP, total cholesterol and triglyceride significantly decreased in the GSE group compared with the baseline (p = .04, .02, .01, and .02, respectively).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
300 mg/day
Red Grape→Reduced Triglyceride Levels
VAI, AIP, total cholesterol and triglyceride significantly decreased in the GSE group compared with the baseline (p = .04, .02, .01, and .02, respectively).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
300 mg/day
Red Grape→Reduced Visceral Fat
VAI, AIP, total cholesterol and triglyceride significantly decreased in the GSE group compared with the baseline (p = .04, .02, .01, and .02, respectively).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
300 mg/day