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Effect of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on hard exudates in patients with non-proliferative diabetic

Sang Woong Moon1, Yong Un Shin2, Heeyoon Cho2

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine.

Medicine
|May 25, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) effectively improved hard exudates in non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). GSPE showed greater efficacy than calcium dobesilate for this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Diabetic Retinopathy Research
  • Natural Product Therapeutics

Background:

  • Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision loss.
  • Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is an early stage characterized by retinal thickening and hard exudates (HEs).
  • Effective treatments for NPDR, particularly for managing HEs, are crucial for preventing vision impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the efficacy and safety of oral grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) in patients diagnosed with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).
  • To compare the effects of GSPE with placebo and calcium dobesilate (CD) in managing NPDR symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, multicentre, double-blind trial involving 124 patients with NPDR.
  • Patients received oral placebo, calcium dobesilate (750 mg/d), or GSPE (150 mg/d) for up to 12 months.
  • The primary outcome was improvement in hard exudates (HEs) by at least one grade on a 10-grade scale, assessed via fundus photography.

Main Results:

  • GSPE treatment led to a significantly greater improvement in HE severity compared to both placebo and calcium dobesilate.
  • While optical coherence tomography parameters showed no significant differences, GSPE significantly decreased total macular volume (TMV) after 9 months.
  • Adverse events were primarily gastrointestinal and mild, occurring in 4 GSPE cases and 2 CD cases.

Conclusions:

  • Oral GSPE therapy for one year demonstrated efficacy in improving hard exudates in patients with NPDR.
  • GSPE exhibited superior efficacy in reducing HEs compared to oral calcium dobesilate in the studied population.
  • GSPE represents a promising therapeutic option for managing NPDR, with a favorable safety profile.

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