There are a lot of people suggesting grape seed extract for "taming" HIV infection. I asked Dr. Ditangco about this, one time during my consultation and she said that there are no proven facts to support this. So instead of believing what I've been hearing from fellow pozzies, I opted to believe my good doctor instead.
Recently, I came across an article about the effects of grape seed extract so I further investigated it.
What is Grape Seed Extract?
Grape seed powdered extract is currently being promoted as a better alternative to vitamins C, E as well as beta carotene combined. As the name implies, this extract is taken from the seeds of whole grapes and proven to be a great source of oligomeric proanthocyanidins or OPC. These substances keep the cells healthy by protecting them from free radicals as well as improving blood circulation. The absorption of this extract also helps in enhancing an individuals well-being by keeping the arteries healthy. In addition, the antioxidants in the extract protect the brain and helps improve memory.
Ingestion of grape seed powdered extract allows the body to absorb the needed nutrients for a longer period of time wherein it is noted that the extract stays in the system for several days. It is a fact that this natural extract is 20 times more effective compared than vitamin C and 50 times greater than that of vitamin E.
Grape Seed Extract and HIV
1. According to a study published in "Biological Research" in 2002, grape seed extract also has anti-HIV effects because it interferes with HIV receptors and co-receptors. Researchers found that the introduction of grape seed extract to cultures resulted in a lower amount of certain HIV receptors. GSE was also found to cause a cellular decrease in the number of co-receptors. As such, GSE may effectively reduce or prevent the impact of HIV infection.
2. Grapeseed extract may act in many ways. It is a potent antioxidant and can thus reverse the strong and destructive pro-oxidant state of chronic diseases such as HIV. It may also protect cells from dying by some means, and may even specifically block the entry of HIV into cells.
3. A similar effect was seen in laboratory studies of grape seed extract against HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Although the exact ways that grape seed extract may fight HIV and other viruses are not known, it is thought that grape seed extract interferes with viral multiplication, possibly by preventing viral attachment to host cells. How high doses of resveratrol and other chemicals in grape seed extract may affect normal human cells is not yet known.
There you go. But before doing something or getting this supplement, please consult your doctor first. HIV is a serious infection and us pozzies should not compromise our health by just believing anything that we hear or read.
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