Effect of Grape seed (Grapex) on activity and severity in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that characterized by inflammation of peripheral joints, pain, swelling and bone losses. Foods containing flavinoid such as grape seed can reduce pain, inflammation and joint swelling in RA patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Grapex on disease severity and activity in RA patients.

Sixty RA patients over the age of 18 years and diagnosed on the basis of ACR criteria are divided into two groups. The first group received 100 mg daily Grapex and the second group received placebo. At the end of the study, after 8 weeks, disease activity Score (DAS28), CRP and ESR were compared based on mean difference in both groups.

The results showed that DAS28 level was lower in the intervention group after the administration of Grapex that was statistically significant (P <0.001). Whereas in the placebo group the mean DAS28 did not change after and before placebo (P> 0.05).

Regarding significantly change in mean difference of DAS28 that only seen in the intervention group, it can be concluded that Grapex in RA patients decreases the severity of the disease. Therefore, Grapex as a supplement can be a promising treatment to reduce the severity of inflammation in these patients, along with other conventional treatments.