Effects of Grape Seed Extract Supplementation on Fasting Blood Glucose, Insulin Resistance, and Lipid Profile in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

This research aimed to examine the impact of Grape Seed Extract (GSE) supplementation on fasting blood glucose level, insulin resistance, and serum lipid profile in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). 

Fifty individuals with and without PCOS were selected (GSE=25, & placebo=25) as the study participants. They received 400 mg/d of GSE (in the form of capsules) or placebo for 8 weeks. The samples of fasting blood glucose were collected in two stages of the beginning and end of the treatment. Total Cholesterol (TC), Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Triglycerides (TG), Insulin-Resistance Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA-IR), and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) were measured biochemically. For statistical analysis, Independent Samples t-test, Paired Samples t-test, and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) were used. 

GSE supplementation declined the levels of serum fasting blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, TC, LDL, and weight. Additionally, HDL was elevated in the test group, compared to the controls (P<0.05). In comparison with the baseline values, the serum HOMA-IR and FBS levels were significantly decreased (P=0.005 & P=0.02, respectively). Besides, serum insulin level was increased in the GSE group. In the GSE group, the TG and Body Mass Index (BMI) were lower than the baseline values. In either category, no significant changes were detected in serum TC and LDL-C levels. 

Short-term GSE therapy provided beneficial therapeutic impacts on PCOS-positive women’s metabolic status (e.g., HOMA-IR); thus, this approach could be effective in PCOS complications management.