Health aspects of functional grape seed constituents

Functional ingredients of grape seeds include several flavonoids with a phenolic nature such as monomeric flavanols (catechin and epicatechin), dimeric, trimeric and polymeric procyanidins, and phenolic acids (gallic acid and ellagic acid). These flavonoids have been reported to exhibit antioxidant activity in vivo and in vitro in a number of studies. The antioxidant activity of flavonoids is closely associated with activity against various cancer types, cardiovascular diseases and several dermal disorders. In this study, we present a review of functional components of grape seeds or skins with emphasis on health benefits of their use in the human diet. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved