Research : Grape extracts can fight fat-induced kidney disease

By Dr Y Bala Murali Krishna The powerful antioxidants contained in the grape seed and skin extracts (GSSE) can effectively fight high-fat-induced kidney disorders, says a new study. This study, first of its kind, was published in the open access journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism. The authors examined the effect of GSSE processed from a grape cultivar ('Carignan') of Vitis vinifera from northern Tunisia on rats. Rats were fed a high-fat diet that induced a low-grade reno-lipotoxicity, that is, kidney damage associated with lipids. The researchers found increased deposits of triglycerides (TG) increased signs of oxidative stress and depleted copper levels in the kidneys. "In our research, obesity-induced leaky kidney and proteinuria are shown to be prevented by GSSE, which suggests the use of GSSE as a preventive nutriceutical for high-risk patients," says co-author Kamel Charradi.

Medicinal Uses Grapes (Vitis vinifera) have been heralded for their medicinal and nutritional value for thousands of years. European folk healers made an ointment from the sap of grapevines to treat skin and eye diseases. Grape leaves were used to stop bleeding, inflammation, and pain etc. Unripe grapes were used to treat sore throats, and dried grapes (raisins) were used for constipation and thirst. Round, ripe, sweet grapes were used to treat a range of health problems including cancer, cholera, smallpox, nausea, eye infections, and skin, kidney, and liver diseases. The grapes may be green, red, or purple. Today, standardized extracts of grape seed may be used to treat a range of health problems including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Grape seed extract has also been shown to protect against bacterial infections. Another study revealed that "Bad" LDL cholesterol levels were lower in those taking the grape seed supplement. And grape seed extract might help treat hypertension or high blood pressure. Antioxidants found in grape seed help protect blood vessels from damage. Studies have found that grape seed extracts may prevent the growth of breast, stomach, colon, prostate, and lung cancer cells in test tubes. Grape seed extract may also help prevent damage to human liver cells caused by chemotherapy medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining antioxidants with any chemotherapy drugs to make sure they interact safely together and that they don't interfere with effects of the chemotherapy medications. Grape seed is available as a dietary supplement in capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts.