Cardiometabolic Health Benefits of a Sustainable Grape Seed Extract supplementation on Elevated Blood Pressure and Stage 1 Hypertension: Results from a Multicenter, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Elevated blood pressure (BP) and Stage 1 hypertension represent early stages of cardiovascular risk where non-pharmacological interventions are recommended. Grape, a polyphenolic antioxidant, has shown potential BP-lowering and cardiometabolic benefits, but controlled clinical evidence remains limited. Objective: Aim of the study was modulation of BP, lipid profile, systemic inflammation, psychological well-being, lipid, after grape supplementation vs placebo for 8 weeks in individuals at an early stage of BP dysregulation. Methods: In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled clinical trial, 80 adults with elevated BP or Stage 1 hypertension were randomized to receive either a sustainable oral grape seed extract (GSEe) supplement, 2x150 mg daily, or placebo for 8 weeks. Primary outcomes were changes in systolic and diastolic BP. Secondary outcomes included lipid profile, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and psychological well-being assessed by the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), perceived stress (PSQ-30), and health-related quality of life (QoL) questionnaires. Results: GSEe supplementation resulted in significant between-group differences versus placebo (p < 0.01), and progressive reductions in systolic (−7.8 mmHg) and diastolic BP (−10.1 mmHg) at 8 weeks compared with baseline. Favorable effects on cardiometabolic parameters were observed, including reductions in LDL cholesterol and attenuation of non-HDL cholesterol progression. Systemic inflammation (hs-CRP) decreased in the GSEe group. Psychological outcomes showed improvements in affective status, alongside in QoL domains and reductions in PSQ-30. Conclusion: Supplementation with a sustainable GSEe improved blood pressure, lipid profile, inflammatory status, and psychological well-being, in adults at an early stage of BP dysregulation, supporting GSEe benefits in early cardiovascular risk management.