Phytotherapy

Grape seed

Vitis vinifera · OPC

Mechanism

Standardised grape-seed extract provides oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC), condensed flavan-3-ol compounds with pronounced in-vitro radical-scavenging/antioxidant activity. From this the traditional application to support the oxidative balance is derived; controlled equine studies on clinical endpoints are, however, lacking. Important for differentiation: what is meant is the standardised grape-seed extract — NOT grapes or raisins. Whole grapes/raisins are discussed separately in the horse as unclear with regard to safety (kidney concerns from other species) and are to be distinguished from the pure seed extract.

Cautions

· Use only standardised grape-seed extract — no grapes or raisins
· Do not clinically over-buffer the antioxidant status; sensible integration into the overall ration
· With double supply of other antioxidants (vitamin E/selenium) keep maximum amounts in view

Sources

PMID:10962138Bagchi et al. 2000 (Toxicology) — Traubenkern-Proanthocyanidine, Radikalfänger/Antioxidans

PMID:28928504Yang et al. 2017 (Molecules) — Bioaktivitätsbasiertes Screening antioxidativer Komponenten im Traubenkern-OPC-Extrakt

Futtermittel-VO 767/2009VO (EG) 767/2009 — Deklaration als Ergänzungsfuttermittel

Equiterna Score

58/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7.2/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosageproduct-specific (standardised OPC content); do not feed whole grapes/raisins

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

Evidenceemerging

Frequently asked questions

Is Grape seed a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?

Equiterna classes Grape seed as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.

Is Grape seed allowed at FEI competitions?

In the profile, Grape seed is listed with the FEI status “Not listed”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.

Which dosage do the sources give for Grape seed?

Stated in the profile: product-specific (standardised OPC content); do not feed whole grapes/raisins. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.

Which sources are there for Grape seed?

The profile cites: PMID:10962138, PMID:28928504, and Futtermittel-VO 767/2009.

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.

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