Flavonoid-rich grapeseed extracts: a new approach in high cardiovascular risk patients?

The management of traditional risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidaemia has been successful in reducing the development of cardiovascular disease. However, this has not resulted in the amelioration of complications; prompting attention to be focused on novel markers of vascular risk such as endothelial dysfunction (a determinant of vascular tone), vascular inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance. With an ever-growing interest in plant-derived products, agents that could have a beneficial effect on this complex web of pathophysiology have thus been a major area of research and interest. Flavonoids have been a major focus of attention since the days of the French paradox and the presence of high quantity of flavonoids in grapeseed extracts has prompted research looking at its effects on novel markers of vascular risk. This review briefly summarises mechanisms implicated in the development of vascular disease and then focuses upon the potential role of the antioxidant properties of flavonoid-rich grapeseed extracts in the reversal of these processes.