Grape Seed Oil

Latin (Botanical) Name: Vitis vinifera

Plant Family: Vitaceae

Common Extraction Method: Cold press

Typically Used Plant Part: Seed

Color: Yellow

Aromatic Characteristic: Nutty, sweet aroma

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The vine is endemic to the Mediterranean region as well as to Asia, and the Greeks are believed to be the first community to consume grapes for their numerous health benefits. Ancient medical writings revealed that the health benefits of grapes were recorded by Greek philosophers. Grape seed oil has been around and used for over 6,000 years.

According to other historical sources, Ancient European medical doctors used extracts from the seeds and leaves of the grape in medicinal practices to create ointments that would specifically treat skin and eye ailments. The leaves were used as bandages to help stop blood flow in wounds and soothe inflammation associated with hemorrhoids. Unripe grapes were eaten to relieve constipation and the discomfort of overeating. Overripe grapes were used to relieve nausea and skin ailments such as smallpox. Raisins were known to naturally relieve constipation and liver problems.

In Ayurvedic medicine, grapes were called "Drakshaa Phalottamaa", meaning "the top of all fruits". Grapes were included in Ayurvedic medicines used for various ailments such as memory loss, fatigue, depression, hypertension, diarrhea, indigestion and bloating. Other approaches to alternative medicine have used grapes to treat sore throats, strengthen the voice, relieve nausea, and soothe skin problems.

Grape later became widespread in Europe. In 1569, Emperor of Italy II. Maximilian authorized a musician to produce grape seed oil as a monopoly to protect musical instruments. They were mixed with grape seeds and water in large barrels, kept closed for a few days, and then beaten every few days until a puree was obtained. A gentle heat was applied to separate the oils from the water.

The grape was finally recognized in North America. Thus, it has become one of the most popular fruits grown worldwide. Numerous suppliers have started producing massive quantities of grapeseed oil.

In the 20th century, grape seed oil began to attract the attention of scientists. Although gaining popularity as a culinary oil, it continues to be widely used in cosmetic, soap and medical applications.

It offers many health benefits thanks to the fatty acids and other components it contains.

KEY COMPONENTS / ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Linoleic acid (Omega 6)
Oleic acid (Omega 9)
Palmitic acid
Stearic acid
Linolenic acid (Omega 3)
Arachidic acid

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BENEFITS

Skin firendly:

Used topically, grape seed oil is easily absorbed by the skin without irritating the skin, leaving an oily residue or clogging the pores, providing intense moisturization and softening [1].

The proanthocyanidins (GSP) contained in the grape seed are powerful antioxidants and free radical scavengers [2]; Thanks to these, grape seed oil helps protect against sun damage and reduce the appearance of blemishes, wrinkles and stretch marks. It helps to smoothen the skin, slow down the appearance of aging by tightening, and even out the skin tone [3].

Thanks to its antiseptic and astringent characteristics, it helps repair the skin, it is commonly found in cosmetic products such as face creams, lip balms, and sunscreens [4] [5] [6].

Used on the skin, Grape Seed Oil helps cleanse the pores and balance oil production, thus helping to reduce future acne breakouts [5].

Scientific studies have proven that it is recommended to regularly apply cosmetics containing grape seed oil for dark circles under the eyes, either alone or mixed with other vegetable oils [7] [8].

Hair friendly [9] [10]:

Grape seed oil used in the hair contributes to the softness of the hair. It moisturizes dry, frizzy, damaged and brittle hair without leaving an unpleasant odor or feeling heavy and greasy. It helps to eliminate dandruff, reduce hair loss, and make hair healthier and stronger.

It shows anti-inflammatory characteristic:

Chronic diseases are often accompanied by inflammatory processes that are often difficult to control with current treatments and interventions. In this context, consuming foods with anti-inflammatory characteristic will be beneficial in the treatment of chronic diseases [3]. Grape seed oil has anti-inflammatory characteristic thanks to its polyphenol components [5].

When used in a massage, it helps to soothe tired muscles and relieve pain and swelling associated with arthritis [11].

It helps circulation:

Grape seed oil is beneficial in preventing circulatory problems [12].

WARNINGS

Avoid contact with eyes, in case of contact rinse with plenty of water.
Do not use the product if you have a known allergy to any of its ingredients.
It is recommended that children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people using medication should consult their doctor before using grape seed oil.

ACADEMIC STUDIES

[1] S. Kapoor, S. Saraf (2010). Assessment of viscoelasticity and hydration effect of herbal moisturizers using bioengineering techniques. Pharmacogn Mag. 2010 Oct-Dec; 6(24): 298–304.

[2] R. R. Korać, K. M. Khambholja (2011). Potential of herbs in skin protection from ultraviolet radiation. Pharmacogn Rev. 2011 Jul-Dec; 5(10): 164–173.

[3] Garavaglia et al. Grape Seed Oil Compounds: Biological and Chemical Actions for Health. Nutrition and Metabolic Insights 2016:9 59–64 doi:10.4137/NMI.S32910.

[4] Puiggros F, Llópiz N, Ardévol A, Bladé C, Arola L, Salvadó MJ. Grape seed procyanidins prevent oxidative injury by modulating the expression of antioxidant enzyme systems. J Agric Food Chem. 2005;53(15):6080–6086.

[5] M. E. Martin, E. Grao-Cruces, M. C. Millan-Linares, S. Montserrat-de la Paz (2020). Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) Seed Oil: A Functional Food from the Winemaking Industry. Foods 2020, 9, 1360.

[6] Shivananda Nayak, B.; Dan Ramdath, D.; Marshall, J.R.; Isitor, G.; Xue, S.; Shi, J. Wound-healing Properties of the Oils of Vitis vinifera and Vaccinium macrocarpon. Phytother. Res. 2011, 25, 1201–1208.

[7] Sotiropoulou, E.I.; Varelas, V.; Liouni, M.; Nerantzis, E.T. Grape Seed Oil: From a Winery Waste to a Value Added Cosmetic Product-a Review. 2015.

[8] Cho, Y.H.; Lee, S.Y.; Jeong, D.W.; Choi, E.J.; Kim, Y.J.; Lee, J.G.; Yi, Y.H.; Cha, H.S. Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med. 2014, 2014, 549721.

[9] Takahashi T. ,.Kamiya T, Hasegawa A.,Yokoo Y: Procyanidin oligomers selectively and intensively promote proliferation of mouse hair epithelial cells in vitro and activate hair follicle growth in vivo. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 112. 310–316. (1999).

[10] Cho, Y. H., Lee, S. Y., Jeong, D. W., Choi, E. J., Kim, Y. J., Lee, J. G., Yi, Y. H., Cha, H. S.: Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. (2014).

[11] Mossalayi, M.D.; Rambert, J.; Renouf, E.; Micouleau, M.; M’erillon, J.M. Grape polyphenols and propolis mixture inhibits inflammatory mediator release from human leukocytes and reduces clinical scores in experimental arthritis. Phytomedicine 2014, 21, 290–297.

[12] Bada JC, León-Camacho M, Copovi P, Alonso L (2015) Characterization of grape seed oil from wines with protected denomination of origin (PDO) from Spain. Grasas y Aceites, 66.