Can grape-derived substances improve blood vessel function?

This review assessed the acute (short-term) effects of grape polyphenols on endothelial functioning at different times following the administration of the polyphenols.

The buildup of plaque (made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood) along the inner walls of the arteries, also called atherosclerosis, may lead to coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke. The status of the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels) may be used to show the development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, a disturbance of endothelial functioning is considered as a key event in the development of CAD.

Polyphenols are compounds that often occur naturally in plants. Most polyphenols are used as antioxidants to protect the body from chemicals that may lead to heart diseases. This review evaluated the effects of polyphenols derived from grapes in endothelial functioning.

This analysis reviewed 9 studies including healthy individuals or patients with CAD. One group of patients was on a grape polyphenol diet, while the other group was not on any diet (control group). Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), defined as widening of the blood vessels in response to an increase in blood flow, was the parameter used to assess endothelial function.

These studies showed that patients on a grape polyphenol diet experienced greater effects on FMD or greater widening of blood vessels within 2 hours of polyphenol consumption compared to the control group. In all these studies, the influence of grape polyphenols was higher in patients who had been diagnosed with CAD than in healthy individuals. Two studies reported no change of FMD after 180 minutes of grape polyphenol consumption.

In summary, this analysis showed that grape polyphenols improve endothelial function within two hours of polyphenol consumption, the highest beneficiaries being those with a history of smoking or CAD.

Talk to your physician about the use of grape polyphenols in endothelial functioning.