Grapes have been used for centuries to treat numerous conditions, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The leaves of the vine were used to treat inflammation and pain, and the unripened grapes were used to soothe sore throats. The grape seeds are even beneficial, as they are the source of grape seed extract, which offers several of its own medicinal benefits. Grape seed extract is available in the form of liquid, capsules or tablets. For benefits to the skin, it can be taken internally or applied topically.
Antioxidants protect cells from unstable molecules that can cause damage to healthy cells on the skin and in the body, according to the National Cancer Institute. Two of the most famous antioxidants are vitamins E and C. Grape seed extract contains several plant compounds, including oligomeric proanthocyanidins, or OPCs. OPCs are powerful antioxidants, and according to a report from the Food Research Center in Guelph, Canada, OPCs in grape seed extract contain 20 times the antioxidant power of vitamin E and 50 times the antioxidant power of vitamin C. The report, published in the Winter 2003 issue of “Journal of Medicinal Food,” states that grape seed extract can protect the body from sun damage. The sun can damage skin by causing wrinkles, pigment changes and skin cancer.