What is the Difference Between Resveratrol and Grape Seed Extract

The key difference between resveratrol and grape seed extract is that resveratrol comes from grape skins, whereas grape seed extract comes from seeds of grapes.

According to medical research, a combination of resveratrol and grape seed extract is very effective in killing colon cancer cells. Therefore, it is important to find their sources, properties, and other uses.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Resveratrol  
3. What is Grape Seed Extract 
4. Resveratrol vs Grape Seed Extract in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Resveratrol vs Grape Seed Extract

What is Resveratrol?

Resveratrol is a stilbenoid natural phenol produced by several plants as a response to injury when a plant is under attack by pathogens like bacteria and fungi. It is also categorized as a phytoalexin. There are different sources of resveratrol, such as grapes, blueberries, raspberries, mulberries, and peanuts. However, grapes are considered the major source.

Resveratrol is commonly used as a dietary supplement. It is also studied in laboratory models for human diseases, but we lack evidence to prove that it has the ability to improve lifespan or any effect on human diseases.

The chemical formula of resveratrol is C₁₄H₁₂O₃. It has a molar mass of 228.25 g/mol. It appears as a white powder with a slight yellow cast. The melting point of this compound can be found in the range of 261 – 263 degrees Celsius. It has a slight solubility in water, DMSO, and ethanol. The solubility in ethanol is higher compared to that of water. The IUPAC name of resveratrol is 3,5,4’-trihydrixystilbene. It is named as such because it is a stilbenoid, which is a derivative of stilbene.

There are two geometric isomers of resveratrol: cis and trans isomers. Moreover, this compound exists conjugated with glucose molecules. The trans isomer of resveratrol can undergo photoisomerization. This means it can convert into the cis form upon exposure to UV irradiation.

What is Grape Seed Extract?

The grape seed extract is a chemical substance that is made from the seeds of wine grapes. It is usually promoted as a dietary supplement for a variety of conditions. This includes venous insufficiency, promotion of wound healing, and reduction of inflammation. Typically, components of grape seed extract are proanthocyanidins.

Proanthocyanidins are potent free radical scavengers in various berries such as strawberries, cranberry, bilberry, and blueberry, as well as green and black tea, red wine, and red cabbage. According to some research studies, when grape seed extract is topically applied to the skin, it can enhance the sun protection factor in human volunteers. Furthermore, the grape seed extract is a significantly more potent scavenger of free radicals compared to vitamins C and E. We can list down 10 important benefits of grape seed extract.

1. Reduction of blood pressure.
2. Improvement of blood flow
3. Reduction of oxidative damage
4. Improvement of collagen levels and bone strength
5. Supporting the bran when it ages
6. Improving the kidney function
7. Inhibition of infectious growth
8. Reduction of the risk of cancer
9. Protecting the liver
10. Enhancing the wound healing and appearance

What is the Difference Between Resveratrol and Grape Seed Extract?

Resveratrol and grape seed extract are important dietary supplements. The key difference between resveratrol and grape seed extract is that resveratrol comes from grape skins, whereas grape seed extract comes from the seeds of the grapes. The chemical formula of resveratrol is C₁₄H₁₂O_3, and it appears as a white powder with a slight yellow cast. On the other hand, grape seed extract usually contains proanthocyanidins.

Below is a summary of the difference between resveratrol and grape seed extract in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.

Summary – Resveratrol vs Grape Seed Extract

Resveratrol is a stilbenoid natural phenol produced by several plants as a response to injury when the plant is under attack by pathogens like bacteria and fungi. The grape seed extract is usually proanthocyanidins. The key difference between resveratrol and grape seed extract is that resveratrol comes from grape skins, whereas grape seed extract comes from the seeds of the grapes.

Reference:

1. “Grape Seed Extract.” An Overview | ScienceDirect Topics.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Resveratrol” By Fvasconcellos 23:21, 9 December 2007 (UTC) – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Rasveratrol isomerization” By V8rik at English Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia