ActiVin® (Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract)

Vitis vinifera
Evidence Level
Limited
1 Clinical Trial
3 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

ActiVin® is a grape seed (Vitis vinifera) extract standardized for proanthocyanidins (OPCs), produced by a water-based extraction and holding GRAS status. Like other grape seed extracts, it is valued for potent antioxidant activity and support for blood-vessel health.

Studied Dose Commonly 50 to 300 mg per day.
Active Compound Grape seed extract standardized for oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs).

Benefits

Antioxidant defense

Grape seed proanthocyanidins are potent antioxidants; in a clinical study, ActiVin reduced markers of oxidative stress and vascular inflammation.

Vascular support

By lowering oxidative stress and vascular adhesion molecules, the extract supports healthy blood-vessel function.

Cellular protection

The OPCs help protect cells and tissues from free-radical damage.

Mechanism of action

1

Proanthocyanidin antioxidant action

Grape seed OPCs neutralize free radicals and support the body's antioxidant enzymes, protecting blood vessels and tissues.

2

Adhesion-molecule modulation

The extract lowers vascular adhesion molecules involved in inflammation of the blood-vessel lining.

Clinical trials

1
Grape Seed Extract and Oxidative Stress — Clinical Study
PubMed

Study of ActiVin grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on oxidative stress and adhesion molecules in systemic sclerosis. (Kalin et al. 2002, Free Radical Research)

Patients with systemic sclerosis.

ActiVin reduced plasma markers of oxidative stress and vascular adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin).

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated — adverse effects are uncommon at normal doses.
Mild digestive upset is occasionally reported.
Discontinue if any unusual reaction occurs.

Important Drug interactions

Anticoagulants — grape seed may have a mild blood-thinning effect; monitor.
Blood pressure medication — possible additive effect; monitor.
Tell your doctor before surgery.

Frequently asked questions about ActiVin® (Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract)

What is ActiVin?

ActiVin® is a grape seed (Vitis vinifera) extract standardized for proanthocyanidins (OPCs), produced by a water-based extraction and holding GRAS status. Like other grape seed extracts, it is valued for potent antioxidant activity and support for blood-vessel health.

What is ActiVin used for?

ActiVin is researched primarily for Antioxidant and Cardiovascular. Grape seed proanthocyanidins are potent antioxidants; in a clinical study, ActiVin reduced markers of oxidative stress and vascular inflammation.

What is the recommended dosage of ActiVin?

The clinically studied dose is Commonly 50 to 300 mg per day. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is ActiVin safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, ActiVin is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated — adverse effects are uncommon at normal doses. Mild digestive upset is occasionally reported. It may also interact with some medications. ActiVin is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does ActiVin interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Anticoagulants — grape seed may have a mild blood-thinning effect; monitor. Blood pressure medication — possible additive effect; monitor. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for ActiVin?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for ActiVin as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 1 clinical trial and 1 cited reference summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(1 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Kalin R, Righi A, Del Rosso A, et al. Activin, a grape seed-derived proanthocyanidin extract, reduces plasma levels of oxidative stress and adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin) in systemic sclerosis. Free Radic Res. 2002;36(8):819-25..PubMedUsed to support: Clinical study supporting antioxidant and vascular benefit of ActiVin grape seed extract.