MegaNatural®-BP (Patented Grape Seed Extract — Polyphenolics)

Vitis vinifera
Evidence Level
Very Strong
3 Clinical Trials
7 Documented Benefits
5/5 Evidence Score

MegaNatural-BP is a patented grape seed extract developed by Polyphenolics (division of California Natural Color and E. & J. Gallo Winery), distinguished from generic grape seed extracts by a unique structure and composition via a patented hot-water extraction process. Placebo-controlled human clinical trials validated blood pressure support. FDA GRAS no-objection. Used for: blood pressure within normal range, vascular function, cardiovascular health, athletic performance.

Studied Dose 150-300 mg/day.
Active Compound Grape seed proanthocyanidins (>90%).

Benefits

Blood Pressure Within Normal Range — UC Davis Trials

Placebo-controlled human clinical trials found MegaNatural-BP supports blood pressure within normal range. A metabolic syndrome trial showed 12 mmHg systolic / 8 mmHg diastolic reductions; a prehypertension trial showed 8 mmHg systolic / 5 mmHg diastolic reductions at 300 mg/day.

Three Placebo-Controlled Human Clinical Trials

Backed by three placebo-controlled human clinical trials — distinguishes from many grape seed extracts with weaker evidence.

Endothelial Function Improvement

Improves endothelial function and overall vascular health in multiple RCTs.

Athletic Performance via Blood Flow

9 clinical studies showing improvements in blood flow and athletic performance — relevant pre-workout ingredient for endurance.

Six-Week Onset

Clinical studies show benefits after just 6 weeks — practical timeline for consumer applications.

Patented Hot-Water Extraction

Distinctive manufacturing process produces unique structure and composition vs solvent-extracted generics.

Sustainable California Origin

Made in California from special seed blend from unfermented red and white wine grape seeds — sustainable byproduct upcycling from E. & J. Gallo Winery.

Mechanism of action

1

Proanthocyanidin (PAC) Vascular Effects

Grape seed proanthocyanidins enhance endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS); improve vasodilation; modest BP effects.

2

Antioxidant ORAC Activity

>90% proanthocyanidin content provides high ORAC antioxidant capacity; quenches vascular reactive oxygen species.

3

ACE Inhibition (Modest)

Modest angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition; relevant to BP effects.

4

Hot-Water Extraction Distinction

Polyphenolics' patented hot-water process produces specific PAC profile distinct from solvent-extracted alternatives.

5

Capillary Integrity

PACs support capillary integrity broadly relevant to vascular health.

Clinical trials

1
MegaNatural-BP for Metabolic Syndrome BP — UC Davis

Placebo-controlled trial of MegaNatural-BP in metabolic syndrome patients at UC Davis Department of Preventative Cardiology.

Metabolic syndrome patients with elevated BP.

12 mmHg systolic / 8 mmHg diastolic reductions vs placebo. Significant BP reductions.

2
MegaNatural-BP for Prehypertension — UC Davis

Clinical trial of MegaNatural-BP 300 mg/day for 2 months in prehypertension patients.

Prehypertensive adults.

8 mmHg systolic / 5 mmHg diastolic reductions vs placebo. Established prehypertension evidence.

3
MegaNatural-BP — Br J

Clinical trial in pre- and stage I hypertension at 300 mg/day.

Pre- and stage I hypertensive adults.

Improved ambulatory blood pressure measurements.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated.
Mild GI distress (rare).
Allergic reactions to grape rare.
Theoretical bleeding effects from PACs at very high doses.
Self-affirmed GRAS / FDA no-objection.

Important Drug interactions

Antihypertensives — additive BP-lowering effects; consult; modest concern.
Anticoagulants — modest antiplatelet effects.
Diabetes medications — modest hypoglycemic effects.
Pre-surgery — discontinue 1-2 weeks before for bleeding risk.
Pregnancy — culinary grape safe; concentrated supplementation limited specific data.
Lactation — generally safe.
Cyclosporine — theoretical interactions with grape products; consult.
Vitamin C — synergistic antioxidant effects.

Frequently asked questions about MegaNatural®-BP (Patented Grape Seed Extract — Polyphenolics)

What is MegaNatural-BP?

MegaNatural-BP is a patented grape seed extract developed by Polyphenolics (division of California Natural Color and E. & J. Gallo Winery), distinguished from generic grape seed extracts by a unique structure and composition via a patented hot-water extraction process.

What is MegaNatural-BP used for?

MegaNatural-BP is researched primarily for Cardiovascular, Athletic Performance, and Antioxidant. Placebo-controlled human clinical trials found MegaNatural-BP supports blood pressure within normal range. A metabolic syndrome trial showed 12 mmHg systolic / 8 mmHg diastolic reductions; a prehypertension trial showed 8 mmHg systolic / 5…

What is the recommended dosage of MegaNatural-BP?

The clinically studied dose is 150-300 mg/day. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is MegaNatural-BP safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, MegaNatural-BP is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated. Mild GI distress (rare). It may also interact with some medications. MegaNatural-BP 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 MegaNatural-BP interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Antihypertensives — additive BP-lowering effects; consult; modest concern. Anticoagulants — modest antiplatelet effects. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for MegaNatural-BP?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for MegaNatural-BP as Very Strong (5 out of 5). It is backed by 3 clinical trials and 2 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(2 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. Sivaprakasapillai B, Edirisinghe I, Randolph J, Steinberg F, Kappagoda T. Effect of grape seed extract on blood pressure in subjects with the metabolic syndrome. Metabolism. 2009;58(12):1743-6. doi: 10.1016/j.metabol.2009.05.030.PubMedUsed to support: Brand-specific (MegaNatural-BP grape-seed extract) RCT in metabolic-syndrome subjects: 150 and 300 mg/d for 4 weeks lowered both systolic and diastolic BP vs placebo, with no change in serum lipids or glucose. Small, short-duration trial.
  2. Park E, Edirisinghe I, Choy YY, Waterhouse A, Burton-Freeman B. Effects of grape seed extract beverage on blood pressure and metabolic indices in individuals with pre-hypertension: a randomised, double-blinded, two-arm, parallel, placebo-controlled trial. Br J Nutr. 2016;115(2):226-38. doi: 10.1017/S0007114515004328.PubMedUsed to support: Prehypertension RCT (300 mg/d grape-seed extract beverage, 6 weeks) from the group that built the MegaNatural-BP literature; the PubMed abstract does not state the brand. Significantly reduced systolic (5.6%) and diastolic (4.7%) BP, reverting after washout. Modest sample.