Alzheimer's and Muscadines
The National Institutes of Health is constantly updating their findings on the benefits of Grape Seed Extracts. Following are some recently updated findings:
- Grape seed extract is used for conditions related to the heart and blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, high cholesterol and poor circulation.
- Other reasons for the use of grape seed extract include complications related to diabetes, such as nerve and eye damage; vision problems, such as macular degeneration (which can cause blindness); and swelling after an injury or surgery.
- Grape seed extract is also used for cancer prevention and wound healing.
What the Science Says: - Laboratory studies have shown that grape seed contains antioxidants-substances that prevent cell damage caused by free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that can damage cell function.
- Grape seed extract has shown some beneficial antioxidant effects in preliminary clinical trials.
For more information about the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicines and the research they are involved in, please click here.
Medical Support and News
Resveratrol Promotes Clearance of Alzheimer's Disease Amyloid-{beta} Peptides
Originally published in the Journal for Biological Chemistry Several epidemiological studies indicate that moderate consumption of wine is associated with a lower incidence of Alzheimer's disease. Wine is enriched in antioxidant compounds with potential neuroprotective activities. However, the exact molecular mechanisms involved in the beneficial effects of wine intake on the neurodegenerative process in Alzheimer's disease brain remain to be clearly defined. Here we show that resveratrol (trans-3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene), a naturally occurring polyphenol mainly found in grapes and red wine, markedly lowers the levels of secreted and intracellular amyloid-{beta} (A{beta}) peptides produced from different cell lines. Resveratrol does not inhibit A{beta} production, because it has no effect on the A{beta}-producing enzymes {beta}- and {gamma}-secretases, but promotes instead intracellular degradation of A{beta} via a mechanism that involves the proteasome. Indeed, the resveratrol-induced decrease of A{beta} could be prevented by several selective proteasome inhibitors and by siRNA-directed silencing of the proteasome subunit {beta}5. These findings demonstrate a proteasome-dependent anti-amyloidogenic activity of resveratrol and suggest that this natural compound has a therapeutic potential in Alzheimer's disease. Please visit our news section for up-to-date news and media on resveratrol, antioxidants, and Alzheimer's. Healthy Lives Start on the Vine :: NutraGrape :: Empower Your Health | 
