Original Research

Polyphenolics Invests In Original Research

While it may come as a surprise, the vast majority of raw materials in the marketplace today rely on “borrowed” science — studies performed on materials other than their own — to support their claims. MegaNatural^®-BP is the rare exception.

As a science-driven organization, Polyphenolics has invested heavily in original research on MegaNatural^®-BP at both the laboratory and clinical levels. Why is original research important? Because multiple factors — from the grape varietals chosen, to the time of harvest, to the extraction technique — can influence the constituent profile of the finished product. The only way to know if a particular extract has biological efficacy is to test the specific composition of the extract.

Polyphenolics is fortunate to be associated with the Department of Preventive Cardiology at U.C. Davis, where researchers have conducted numerous clinical and in vitro studies on MegaNatural^®-BP.

Mechanism of Action Study

Publication: Mechanism of the Endothelium-Dependent Relaxation Evoked by a Grape Seed Extract⁴

How does MegaNatural^®-BP work?

Research using animal models indicates that it activates the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) to produce nitric oxide (NO). NO is a gaseous compound that acts as a cellular messenger. When NO is present in the inner lining of the blood vessels, known as the endothelium, it causes the surrounding smooth muscle to relax. This endothelium-dependent relaxation of the blood vessels then supports healthy blood flow.*

Human Clinical Study #1

Publication: Effect of Grape Seed Extract on Blood Pressure in Subjects with the Metabolic Syndrome¹

Design:Twenty-five subjects were randomized into three groups: a.) placebo, b.) 150 mg MegaNatural^®-BP per day and c.) 300 mg MegaNatural^®-BP per day. Each group took their
respective treatment for four weeks.

Results:Blood samples showed MegaNatural^®-BP to be well absorbed after a single dose, with a steep rise in polyphenols 90 minutes after ingestion. At the end of four weeks, both dosages of MegaNatural^®-BP were found to help maintain blood pressure levels (both systolic and diastolic) within the normal range.*

Human Clinical Study #2

Publication: Effect of Grape Seed Extract in Subjects with Pre-Hypertension²

Study Type: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled

Design: All 30 subjects began the trial by taking a placebo for two weeks. Then, they were randomized into two groups: a.) placebo and b.) 300 mg MegaNatural^®-BP per day. Each group took their respective treatment for eight weeks.

Results: At the end of eight weeks, MegaNatural^®-BP was found to help maintain blood pressure levels (both systolic and diastolic) within the normal range.*

Human Clinical Study #3

Publication (submitted): Effects of Grape Seed Extract Beverage on Blood Pressure and Metabolic Indices in Individuals with Pre-Hypertension

Study Type: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled

Design: Consumption of MegaNatural^®-BP beverage for six weeks led to a significant reduction in systolic BP compared to placebo beverage that returned to baseline after four week discontinuation of GSE beverage. Similar findings were apparent for diastolic BP showing 4.7% reduction in DBP that returned to baseline after discontinuation of GSE beverage. Subjects with higher starting BP experienced greater BP reduction, which nearly doubled the effect size. Changes in fasting insulin and insulin sensitivity as calculated by HOMA-IR tended to be improved after six weeks of GSE beverage, suggesting metabolic effects of MegaNatural^®-BP.*

References:

1. Sivaprakasapillai B, et al. Metabolism Clinical and Experimental 58 (2009):1743-1746.
2. Robinson M, Lu B, Kappagoda T., Journal of Pharmacy and Nutrition Sciences, 2012, 2, 155-159.
3. Park E, Edirisinghe I, Choy Y, Waterhouse A, Burton-Freeman B. Submitted/under review.
4. Edirisinghe I, Burton-Freeman B, Tissa Kappagoda C. Clin Sci (Lond). 2008 Feb; 114(4):331-337.

Other Research