In an era where cardiovascular health remains a top concern,
The Hunt for Natural Blood Flow Support: How California Wine Country Makes it Happen
MegaNatural-BP is a grape seed extract with 9 clinical studies showing it improves blood flow and athletic performance. California-made and clinically effective at 300mg, it’s the perfect pre-workout ingredient for better endurance and cardiovascular health.
What makes MegaNatural-BP special isn’t just its American-made status or wine country heritage – it’s the carefully controlled manufacturing process that concentrates specific blood pressure-supporting compounds while maintaining their natural ratios. The result is a highly bioactive extract standardized to contain 90-93% total phenolics, including important monomeric flavanols like catechin and epicatechin.
A Better Grape Seed Extract for Sports and Active Nutrition / Workout Applications
Recent clinical research has demonstrated impressive results with MegaNatural-BP supplementation, showing improvements in blood pressure measurements and other markers of cardiovascular health. The ingredient works by supporting healthy endothelial function and vascular signaling – key factors not only in maintaining healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular function, but in performance-based workout supplements as well.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about MegaNatural-BP: its unique composition, mechanisms of action, clinical research, applications, and why it’s become one of the most trusted ingredients for cardiovascular support in the dietary supplement industry — and needs to be in more sports nutrition supplements.
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What is MegaNatural-BP?
MegaNatural-BP is a patented grape seed extract commercialized by PLT Health Solutions and manufactured exclusively by Polyphenolics, a division of California Natural Color and E. & J. Gallo Winery. Unlike generic grape seed extracts, this unique ingredient has been clinically studied for its effects on blood pressure, vascular function, and athletic performance.[1-9]
Background on Grape Seed Extracts and Polyphenols
Grape seeds naturally contain 5-8% flavonoid compounds by weight. These polyphenolic compounds include monomeric flavan-3-ols like catechin and epicatechin, as well as their polymeric forms called proanthocyanidins (PACs). When two or more flavan-3-ol units link together, they form oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), which can range from dimers (two units) up to polymers with 16 or more units.
These specialized compounds work together to support cardiovascular health in multiple ways. The flavan-3-ols and proanthocyanidins act as powerful antioxidants that help protect blood vessels from oxidative stress. More importantly, they help boost nitric oxide production, a molecule that causes blood vessels to dilate and relax, improving blood flow throughout the body.[10] This blood flow-enhancing effect is why grape seed extracts have gained attention in both the medical and sports nutrition fields – better blood flow means improved oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues, organs, and muscles.[5,6]
Additionally, these compounds help support a healthy inflammation response and overall blood vessel function by protecting the endothelium[7] – the crucial inner lining of blood vessels that regulates blood pressure and cardiovascular health.
The above is just a quick introduction to grape seed extract The Mechanisms of Action are covered in greater detail in a section below.in another section lower in this article, but let’s continue to MegaNatural-BP’s differences:
Unique Manufacturing Process and Standardization
What sets MegaNatural-BP apart from other grape seed extracts is its patented hot water-based extraction process. Rather than using harsh chemical solvents, Polyphenolics employs a specialized enzymatic treatment that maximizes the extraction of beneficial lower molecular weight compounds while minimizing unwanted higher molecular weight polymers.
Total Vertical Integration
The company maintains complete control over the entire production process – from selecting specific California-grown wine grape varieties to the final extraction. This vertical integration ensures consistent quality and potency across every batch.
Ingredient Specifications
Polyphenolics’ patents and documentation govern very specific amounts of the ingredient’s constituents:
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Composition and Standardization
According to the ingredient’s patents, MegaNatural-BP is standardized to contain:
- 90-95% total polyphenols
- 25-35% low molecular weight phenolic compounds, including:
- 5-15% monomers
- 5-20% dimers
- 3-10% trimers
- 2-10% tetramers
- 2-10% pentamers
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Manufacturing Process Highlights
- Uses only California-grown wine grapes
- Chemical solvent-free hot water extraction
- Patented enzymatic treatment process
- Complete vertical integration from grape to extract
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Quality Control Measures
- Every lot tested for heavy metals, pesticides, microbiological contaminants, and polyphenol content via HPLC
- Full traceability back to vineyard source
- FDA No-Objection GRAS status[11]
- NSF International certified manufacturing
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Key Bioactive Compounds
The primary active compounds in MegaNatural-BP include:
- Monomeric flavan-3-ols (catechin, epicatechin)
- Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs)
- Gallic acid (400-1500 ppm)
For athletes and active individuals, these compounds support healthy blood flow and vascular function during exercise by helping maintain normal endothelial function and NO production.[10] This makes MegaNatural-BP a valuable ingredient for pre-workout formulas focused on pump enhancement and performance:
This infographic highlights MegaNatural-BP’s four key product advantages: 100% water solubility for versatile delivery formats, industry-leading 94.6% polyphenol concentration, clinically-validated benefits appearing after just 6 weeks of supplementation, and effective dosing at both 150mg and 300mg levels. These attributes make this specialized grape seed extract an ideal ingredient for both cardiovascular health formulations and sports nutrition applications.
A Grape Seed Extract with Athletic Performance Benefits
While MegaNatural-BP is primarily known for its cardiovascular benefits, recent research has demonstrated its potential as an ergogenic aid for athletes. A 2022 study on elite basketball players found that supplementation with 300 mg MegaNatural-BP daily for 14 days provided several performance benefits:[5]
- Decreased oxygen consumption during high-intensity exercise (80% and 120% of VO2peak)
- Increased time to exhaustion during intense exercise
- Enhanced endothelial function measured by flow-mediated dilation
- No negative effects on performance metrics
The researchers attributed these improvements to enhanced blood flow and oxygen delivery to active muscles through improved nitric oxide production and endothelial function.[5]
These results suggest MegaNatural-BP may be valuable as a pre-workout ingredient, as it can enhance exercise performance while simultaneously providing cardiovascular health benefits. The improved endothelial function and blood flow could be especially beneficial for athletes looking to optimize their training and recovery through enhanced nutrient delivery to muscles.
This comprehensive research summary highlights MegaNatural-BP’s diverse health benefits across multiple clinical trials. The infographic displays impressive cardiovascular improvements in various populations, including significant blood pressure reductions in pre-hypertensive subjects and those with metabolic syndrome. Particularly noteworthy is the performance enhancement in elite athletes, showing improved oxygen utilization and extended time to exhaustion – making it a promising ingredient for both health-conscious consumers and serious athletes seeking better exercise performance.
Positive Results After a Single Use in a Cycling Test
Supporting these findings, a 2019 study investigating the acute effects of MegaNatural-BP on resistance to exercise in prehypertensive men found promising results in a cycling test.[6] A single 300 mg dose of MegaNatural-BP.[6]
These findings complement the longer-term athletic performance benefits seen in basketball players, suggesting that MegaNatural-BP can provide both acute and chronic exercise benefits through its effects on blood flow and oxygen utilization.
Next, we’ll dig deeper into the mechanisms of action, and then get into other studies performed using the patented ingredient.
Mechanisms of Action
The mechanisms behind MegaNatural-BP’s effects are multifaceted and well-researched, focusing primarily on vascular function while providing powerful antioxidant support. Through these pathways, MegaNatural-BP helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels and supports cardiovascular health through several complementary mechanisms.
Endothelial Function
The endothelium, which lines our blood vessels, plays a crucial role in regulating vascular tone and blood flow. MegaNatural-BP’s primary mechanisms appear to work through its ability to enhance endothelial function by activating key vasodilatory enzyme pathways that promote vascular relaxation and improved circulation.[10]
Research has shown that MegaNatural-BP activates the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which then phosphorylates eNOS through a redox-sensitive mechanism.[10] This phosphorylation enhances the production of NO, a potent vasodilator that causes blood vessels to relax and expand, improving blood flow.
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The effects can be seen in clinical research measuring flow-mediated dilation (FMD), where MegaNatural-BP supplementation significantly improved endothelial function compared to placebo.[5,7] This improvement in endothelial function not only supports healthy blood pressure but may also enhance exercise performance by improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to active muscles.
MegaNatural-BP’s unique composition of low-molecular-weight polyphenolic compounds, including monomeric and oligomeric flavanols, appears to be key to its effectiveness. The extract’s specialized enzymatic treatment process enhances the bioavailability of these compounds, allowing them to effectively influence endothelial function.
Antioxidant Effects
While many grape seed extracts have antioxidant properties, Polyphenolics’ specialized manufacturing process standardizing for a high concentration of low-molecular-weight phenolic compounds make MegaNatural-BP an exceptionally potent antioxidant. Research shows that MegaNatural-BP can effectively combat oxidative stress, which plays a major role in cardiovascular health and blood pressure regulation.[7]
This visual highlights the diverse phytochemical composition of grape seed extracts. The image of freshly harvested grapes emphasizes MegaNatural-BP’s rich antioxidant content, including phenolic acids, stilbenes, anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins. These natural compounds contribute to the extract’s proven efficacy in supporting cardiovascular health and enhancing athletic performance through multiple biochemical pathways.
The extract’s antioxidant activity stems from its unique polyphenolic profile, with compounds that can neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduce oxidative damage. Studies demonstrate that supplementation with MegaNatural-BP significantly reduces plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a key marker of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation This reduction in MDA was accompanied by improved arterial function in experimental animals.[12]
This graph highlights MegaNatural-BP’s exceptional antioxidant properties. By measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) – a key marker of oxidative stress – researchers found that grape seed extract supplementation significantly reduced oxidative damage in eNOS-deficient mice. For athletes, this translates to better cellular protection during intense training when oxidative stress peaks. MegaNatural-BP’s ability to combat exercise-induced free radicals may help explain its benefits for muscle recovery and performance noted in clinical studies.[13]
Beyond direct ROS scavenging, MegaNatural-BP’s antioxidant effects also appear to work through other pathways. The extract helps preserve nitric oxide bioavailability by protecting it from oxidative degradation, which maintains its vasodilatory effects.[10] This preservation of NO is crucial, as oxidative stress can rapidly degrade NO and impair its beneficial cardiovascular effects.
In the sports nutrition context, these antioxidant properties may be valuable for athletes engaged in intense training. Research indicates that MegaNatural-BP’s ability to combat exercise-induced oxidative stress could help support vascular function during high-intensity activities.[5] It may also reduce muscle damage cause by intense exercise.[6]
Blood Pressure Regulation Pathways
Additionally, MegaNatural-BP works through multiple pathways to help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. One key mechanism involves its interaction with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Research suggests that the procyanidins in grape seed extract can help modulate ACE activity,[13] which plays a central role in blood pressure regulation through the renin-angiotensin system.
This informative graphic details MegaNatural-BP’s California wine country origins, highlighting how the extract is derived exclusively from unfermented domestic red and white varietal wine grape seeds. The image explains the extract’s polyphenol composition, including key flavanols like epicatechin and proanthocyanins, and identifies the two primary product offerings: MegaNatural-BP for cardiovascular support and MegaNatural Gold for general grape seed polyphenol applications.
MegaNatural-BP also appears to work through calcium-dependent mechanisms in vascular smooth muscle cells.[3,10,12] The extract’s polyphenolic compounds can influence calcium handling, which directly affects vascular tone and blood pressure regulation.
MegaNatural-BP has been shown to influence multiple blood pressure regulation pathways simultaneously. Clinical research shows that these combined effects lead to meaningful improvements in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with benefits seen in as little as 6 weeks of supplementation.[4] The consistency of these effects across various studies suggests that MegaNatural-BP provides comprehensive support for healthy blood pressure levels through these multiple pathways.
Other Cardiovascular Mechanisms
Beyond its primary effects on blood pressure and endothelial function, MegaNatural-BP demonstrates several additional beneficial cardiovascular mechanisms. Research shows the extract may help support healthy insulin sensitivity, which is closely tied to cardiovascular function. In clinical studies, subjects receiving MegaNatural-BP showed trends toward improved fasting insulin levels and insulin sensitivity.[4]
This detailed graph demonstrates how MegaNatural-BP significantly improves endothelium-dependent relaxation in key arterial beds. When supplemented in eNOS-deficient mice, grape seed extract restored normal vasodilatory responses to acetylcholine (ACh) in mesenteric and uterine arteries. For athletes, this translates to better blood vessel responsiveness during exercise when demand for oxygen and nutrients increases. MegaNatural-BP’s ability to enhance vasodilation through multiple pathways explains its documented benefits for exercise performance and recovery.[13]
The extract may also influence platelet function in beneficial ways. Studies examining grape seed extract’s effects on platelet aggregation suggest it may help maintain healthy platelet responses, supporting optimal cardiovascular health.[14]
This graph showcases MegaNatural-BP’s versatility in supporting vascular function through multiple mechanisms. The extract significantly improved endothelium-independent relaxation responses to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in eNOS-deficient mice. This remarkable finding reveals that MegaNatural-BP can enhance vasodilation even without functioning nitric oxide synthase – making it complementary to traditional NO-boosting pre-workout ingredients. For athletes, this multi-pathway approach may provide more comprehensive and sustained blood flow enhancement during training.[13]
Emerging research indicates MegaNatural-BP may support cardiovascular health through its effects on metabolic function. The extract may help maintain healthy levels of oxidized LDL cholesterol,[1] a key marker of cardiovascular health. This effect appears to be more pronounced in individuals with higher baseline oxidized LDL levels, suggesting targeted support where it’s needed most.
This graph reveals MegaNatural-BP’s ability to optimize cerebral blood vessel function in challenging conditions. In eNOS-deficient mice, grape seed extract supplementation normalized posterior cerebral artery diameter responses to pressure changes. For active individuals, this suggests potential cognitive benefits during exercise, as optimal cerebral blood flow is crucial for mental focus and performance. MegaNatural-BP’s comprehensive vascular support extends beyond skeletal muscle, potentially enhancing overall exercise capacity through multiple physiological systems.[13]
For athletes and active individuals, MegaNatural-BP’s cardiovascular benefits extend to exercise performance. The extract has been shown to improve oxygen utilization and exercise efficiency, leading to enhanced endurance capacity during high-intensity activities.[5] These performance benefits appear to be linked to improved blood flow and oxygen delivery to active muscles, demonstrating the extract’s comprehensive effects on cardiovascular function.
All told, these mechanisms lead to phenomenal results in research, ranging from in vitro to animal to human clinical trials:
Research & Clinical Studies
MegaNatural-BP’s health-supporting effects have been extensively studied through a systematic research approach – from early mechanistic studies to nine human clinical trials and more on the way. The research demonstrates that this unique grape seed extract works through multiple pathways to support healthy blood pressure levels, cardiovascular function, and athleticism, with a strong focus on enhancing blood flow and endothelial function.
Preclinical Research: Demonstrating eNOS Activation
Before conducting human trials, researchers investigated MegaNatural-BP’s mechanisms of action through both laboratory and animal studies, helping establish its safety profile while uncovering how it supports cardiovascular health at the cellular level.
Early laboratory in vitro research revealed that MegaNatural-BP activates key endothelial vasodilatory enzymes through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, leading to increased production of natural vasodilators.[10] This finding was crucial, as these endogenous vasodilators play a fundamental role in blood vessel relaxation and healthy blood flow. Red wine polyphenols’ ability to enhance vascular signaling molecules occurs through a redox-sensitive mechanism, helping to protect and enhance the endothelium-dependent vasodilation pathway.[15]
Using rabbit aortic rings, researchers demonstrated that removing MegaNatural-BP’s antioxidant properties through methylation eliminated its vasodilating effects, confirming the extract’s mechanism depends on its intact polyphenol structure.[10]
This compelling graph demonstrates MegaNatural-BP’s versatility in supporting cardiovascular function through multiple pathways. In eNOS-deficient mice (lacking the enzyme normally responsible for nitric oxide production), grape seed extract still significantly reduced systolic blood pressure compared to water treatment. This finding has major implications for athletes under intense training – suggesting MegaNatural-BP can support blood flow even when oxidative stress compromises normal NO pathways, making it a valuable addition to comprehensive pre-workout formulations.
[13]
Animal Research on MegaNatural-BP: Mechanisms Behind Blood Flow
While most MegaNatural-BP research has been conducted in humans, a notable 2020 animal study provides valuable insight into how this grape seed extract affects vascular function.[12]
Researchers tested MegaNatural-BP in mice lacking the gene for producing eNOS – creating conditions similar to what athletes experience during intense training when oxidative stress compromises NO production. After two weeks of supplementation (200 mg/kg daily), the extract significantly improved blood vessel function in resistance arteries – the small vessels controlling blood flow distribution to tissues.[12]
The results were impressive: systolic blood pressure dropped by 5.6%, diastolic pressure decreased by 4.7%, and markers of oxidative stress in the blood were reduced. Notably, these improvements occurred even without functioning eNOS, suggesting MegaNatural-BP supports blood flow through multiple pathways beyond the typical NO mechanisms.[12]
This three-panel graph shows MegaNatural-BP’s selective effects on different arterial beds. Unlike some supplements that affect all blood vessels uniformly, grape seed extract demonstrates targeted action – preserving normal smooth muscle function while supporting cardiovascular health. This discriminating effect is particularly beneficial for athletes, as it suggests MegaNatural-BP can enhance blood flow to working muscles without compromising other vascular functions needed during intense exercise.[13]
For athletes, these findings are significant. During intense training, oxidative stress can impair blood flow and recovery. MegaNatural-BP’s ability to support vascular function through multiple mechanisms makes it potentially valuable as a complement to traditional pre-workout blood flow boosters, offering additional pathways for enhanced blood flow and performance support – all with an excellent safety profile.
This comprehensive multi-panel graph reveals MegaNatural-BP’s sophisticated influence on vascular responsiveness across different arterial beds. The extract shows tissue-specific effects on vasoconstriction – a level of selectivity rarely seen with natural ingredients. For athletes, this suggests MegaNatural-BP can help optimize blood flow distribution during exercise, potentially improving nutrient delivery to working muscles while maintaining healthy cardiovascular function throughout the body.[13]
This brings us to the vast amount of human research:
Human Clinical Trials
Nine human clinical trials have been conducted to date specifically using MegaNatural-BP. Below, we run through them chronologically:
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Pre-Hypertension Study Shows Significant Blood Pressure Support (Robinson 2007)
The first human clinical trial for MegaNatural-BP focused on subjects with pre-hypertension, a condition affecting approximately 31% of the adult US population.[9]
Robinson and colleagues conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 30 adults meeting JNC-7 criteria for pre-hypertension (systolic BP 120-139 mmHg or diastolic BP 80-89 mmHg). All subjects began with a two-week placebo run-in period followed by randomization to either 300 mg/day of MegaNatural-BP or placebo for eight weeks. Blood pressure was monitored using 24-hour ambulatory devices to capture comprehensive measurements throughout the day.
The results were striking – after 8 weeks, subjects taking MegaNatural-BP experienced significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Systolic BP decreased from 134 ± 2 mmHg to 126 ± 2 mmHg (p=0.003), while diastolic BP decreased from 79 ± 2 mmHg to 74 ± 2 mmHg (p<0.05) in the MegaNatural-BP group. The placebo group showed no significant changes.[9]
This data table shows the scientifically significant results from an 8-week clinical trial on pre-hypertensive subjects. The purple-highlighted MegaNatural-BP group experienced notable reductions in both systolic (134 to 126 mmHg) and diastolic (79 to 74 mmHg) blood pressure, while the placebo group showed no meaningful changes. With strong statistical significance (p=0.003 for systolic), these findings demonstrate how this specialized grape seed extract supports healthy cardiovascular function through multiple pathways beyond typical NO mechanisms.
The study had excellent statistical power (>0.86 for systolic BP), demonstrating the robust nature of MegaNatural-BP’s effects on blood pressure. Importantly, no changes in serum lipids or blood glucose were observed, indicating the extract’s specific action on vascular function rather than broader metabolic effects.[9]
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Blood Pressure Benefits in Metabolic Syndrome Patients (Sivaprakasapillai 2009)
The next human clinical trial on MegaNatural-BP was conducted in 2009 by researchers at the University of California Davis, who recruited 27 adults diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.[1] This was a critical study because it demonstrated real-world benefits in a population prone to cardiovascular issues.
The researchers used a double-blind, placebo-controlled design, dividing subjects into three groups:
- Placebo group
- 150 mg MegaNatural-BP daily
- 300 mg MegaNatural-BP daily
The study ran for 4 weeks, with blood pressure monitored using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring devices – a more rigorous measurement method compared to single office readings. The researchers also measured blood markers including oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL), a key marker of cardiovascular health.
Key Results
After 4 weeks of supplementation, both MegaNatural-BP groups showed significant improvements compared to placebo:[1]
- Both 150 mg and 300 mg doses effectively lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure
- The 300mg group saw blood pressure decrease from 127/78 mmHg to 116/71 mmHg
- The effects of 150 mg and 300 mg doses were similar in magnitude
- Oxidized LDL levels tended to decrease, with greater effects in subjects who had higher baseline levels
This bar graph demonstrates dose-dependent blood pressure improvements in metabolic syndrome subjects. Both the 150mg and 300mg daily doses of MegaNatural-BP produced statistically significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to placebo. Notably, the 150mg dose showed similar efficacy to the 300mg dose, suggesting that meaningful cardiovascular benefits can be achieved even at lower concentrations of this premium grape seed extract – making it a cost-effective ingredient for supporting healthy blood pressure.
Verification of Absorption
To confirm the grape seed extract was being absorbed, researchers measured plasma catechin levels in a subset of subjects. After taking 300 mg of MegaNatural-BP, catechin levels increased 10-fold after 90 minutes compared to placebo, demonstrating effective bioavailability.[1]
Main Takeaways
This study provided several important insights:
- MegaNatural-BP can significantly impact blood pressure in just 4 weeks
- The 150 mg dose appeared to be as effective as 300 mg for blood pressure benefits
- The ingredient is well-absorbed and bioavailable
- Benefits may be more pronounced in those with higher cardiovascular risk factors
The research laid the groundwork for future studies by establishing safety and efficacy in humans, leading to additional research into both general health and sports performance applications. This was crucial validation for MegaNatural-BP as a clinically-supported ingredient.
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Pre-Hypertension Study Shows Further Blood Pressure Support (Robinson 2012)
Building on the metabolic syndrome research, Robinson and colleagues conducted an 8-week study targeting individuals with pre-hypertension – a condition affecting over 30% of US adults.[2]
The researchers designed a rigorous double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 32 adults meeting JNC-7 criteria for pre-hypertension (systolic BP 120-139 mmHg or diastolic BP 80-89 mmHg). All subjects began with a two-week placebo run-in period to establish baseline measurements, followed by:
- Treatment group: 300 mg MegaNatural-BP daily
- Control group: Matching placebo capsule daily
Blood pressure was monitored using ambulatory devices over 12-hour periods – a more accurate method than single measurements. This approach helped capture the sustained effects throughout the day.
This detailed graph tracks hourly blood pressure patterns throughout the day, comparing MegaNatural-BP supplementation (circles) to placebo (triangles). The consistent separation between treatment lines demonstrates MegaNatural-BP’s sustained blood pressure-supporting effects across both systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom) measurements. The graph clearly shows lower blood pressure readings in the MegaNatural-BP group, particularly during mid-day hours, highlighting how this specialized grape seed extract provides cardiovascular support throughout daily activities rather than just during isolated measurement periods.[3]
Key Results
After 8 weeks of supplementation:
- Systolic BP dropped from 133 ± 2 to 125 ± 2 mmHg in the MegaNatural-BP group
- Diastolic BP decreased from 79 ± 2 to 74 ± 2 mmHg
- The placebo group showed no significant changes
- The effects were statistically significant with strong statistical power (>0.85)
All safety markers remained stable, and there was excellent supplement compliance (>99%).
Why This Study Matters
This research expanded our understanding of MegaNatural-BP in several ways:
- Demonstrated efficacy in a different population than the metabolic syndrome study
- Showed benefits with a longer supplementation period (8 weeks vs 4 weeks)
- Used rigorous ambulatory BP monitoring over extended periods
- Further validated the 300 mg dosage as effective
The findings support MegaNatural-BP as a viable option for those looking to maintain healthy blood pressure levels through nutritional supplementation. This study also laid groundwork for future research into cardiovascular and athletic performance applications.
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A Large-Scale Study for Blood Pressure Support (Ras 2013)
Dutch and British researchers conducted a substantial clinical trial in 2013 to test MegaNatural-BP in a larger population with pre- and stage I hypertension.[3]
The researchers designed an ambitious 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 70 subjects. The study stood out for its comprehensive approach, including:[3]
- A larger subject pool than previous studies
- Strict inclusion criteria (systolic BP between 120-159 mmHg)
- Careful monitoring of diet and lifestyle factors
- One week run-in period before intervention
- Eight-week intervention phase
- Four-week follow-up period with no treatment
Subjects took either 300 mg MegaNatural-BP or placebo daily. The researchers used ambulatory blood pressure monitoring devices to capture daytime readings every hour – providing a more complete picture of blood pressure changes throughout the day.
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Results and Observations
The study found modest but consistent effects:[3]
- Mean systolic BP decreased by 3 mmHg in the MegaNatural-BP group compared to placebo, a statistically non-significant result that the authors attribute to an under-powered study design.
- Mean diastolic BP showed a trend toward reduction of 1.4 mmHg
- Blood pressure returned to baseline levels after the 4-week discontinuation period
- No significant changes in other cardiovascular markers
The researchers noted that while the blood pressure reductions were smaller than in previous studies, even modest decreases can have meaningful population-level health impacts.
This study provided valuable insights:[3]
- Confirmed blood pressure-lowering effects in a larger population
- Demonstrated the reversible nature of the benefits
- Highlighted the need to understand individual response variations
- Showed MegaNatural-BP’s strong safety profile
While the effects were more modest than earlier studies, the researchers noted that at a population level, even small blood pressure reductions can significantly impact cardiovascular health outcomes.[3]
This research helped establish MegaNatural-BP’s role in supporting healthy blood pressure levels, while also pointing toward areas needing further investigation, such as identifying who might benefit most from supplementation.
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Effects of a Grape Seed Extract Beverage on Blood Pressure and Metabolic Markers (Park 2016)
This methodical flow diagram illustrates the rigorous participant tracking throughout the 12-week GSE beverage clinical trial. Starting with 101 screened individuals, the research team implemented a careful selection process including a 2-week placebo run-in period. The diagram maps participant progression through randomization (15 receiving MegaNatural-BP beverage vs. 15 receiving placebo), documenting attrition at weeks 0, 3, and follow-up. This transparent reporting demonstrates the high-quality research methodology supporting MegaNatural-BP’s cardiovascular benefits.[4]
Building upon previous capsule-based studies, researchers conducted a single-center, randomized, two-arm, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examining MegaNatural-BP in a juice-based beverage.[4]
The researchers crafted a comprehensive protocol that included:
- A 2-week placebo run-in period to establish baselines
- 6 weeks of active supplementation
- 4 weeks of follow-up with no supplementation
- 29 middle-aged adults with pre-hypertension completed the study
The beverage formulation contained either:
- A fruit-based blend with 150 mg MegaNatural-BP twice daily (300 mg/d total)
- A matched placebo beverage
- Both beverages provided 167 kJ (40 kcal) per serving
What made this study unique was its examination of grape seed extract (GSE) in a real-world beverage application rather than capsule form. The researchers carefully monitored dietary intake throughout the study to control for external variables.
Results
After 6 weeks of supplementation:[4]
- Daytime systolic BP reduced by 5.6% in the MegaNatural-BP group
- Daytime diastolic BP decreased by 4.7% in the MegaNatural-BP group
- Blood pressure returned to baseline after the 4-week discontinuation period
This dual graph demonstrates MegaNatural-BP’s effectiveness when delivered in beverage form and shows its reversible effects. At 6 weeks, subjects consuming the MegaNatural-BP beverage experienced significant daytime systolic blood pressure reduction (7 mmHg) and diastolic reduction (3.8 mmHg). Importantly, when supplementation was discontinued at week 6, blood pressure levels returned to baseline by week 10, confirming that the cardiovascular benefits are directly tied to active supplementation of this unique grape seed extract.
The study included thorough metabolic profiling:
- Fasting insulin levels showed improvement trends (p=0.09)
- Insulin sensitivity calculations suggested benefits (p=0.07)
- No significant changes in blood lipids or glucose values
- Flow-mediated dilation remained unchanged in fasting state
- Total plasma phenolic concentrations were 1.6 times higher in the GSE group
Key Insights
This research provided several valuable takeaways:[4]
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- MegaNatural-BP remains effective when delivered in a beverage format
- The benefits appear consistent whether consumed as a beverage or capsule
- Effects are reversible after discontinuation
- The ingredient may offer metabolic benefits beyond blood pressure support
- The format shows promise for sports nutrition applications
The study demonstrated that MegaNatural-BP can be successfully formulated into a functional beverage while maintaining its bioactivity – an important finding for product developers looking to create innovative delivery formats.
By systematically examining both cardiovascular and metabolic parameters, this research helped establish MegaNatural-BP’s potential role in comprehensive health formulations, suggesting benefits that could extend into sports nutrition applications.
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MegaNatural-BP Supports Blood Pressure Response During Exercise (Kim 2018)
This 2018 study delved into how MegaNatural-BP affects both blood pressure responses during exercise and various physiological mechanisms in prehypertensive individuals.[7]
The researchers used a rigorous randomized double-blind crossover design comparing acute MegaNatural-BP supplementation (a single dose of 300 mg) to placebo. Nine prehypertensive men completed submaximal cycling exercises at two different intensities (40% and 60% VO2peak). The researchers measured numerous cardiovascular responses.
Results
The study revealed several significant findings about MegaNatural-BP’s acute effects. The extract lowered mean arterial pressure during both exercise intensities:[7]
- 40% VO2peak: 112 ± 2 vs 115 ± 1 mmHg
- 60% VO2peak: 123 ± 2 vs 126 ± 2 mmHg
Additionally, MegaNatural-BP:[7]
- Increased stroke volume during exercise
- Enhanced cardiac output
- Improved total vascular conductance
- Reduced rate pressure product
- Augmented flow-mediated dilation by over 50% (18.9% vs 12.4%)
Key Takeaways:
This study demonstrated that even a single dose of MegaNatural-BP can provide meaningful cardiovascular benefits during exercise through multiple mechanisms:[7]
- Enhanced blood vessel function through improved endothelial activity
- Better blood flow and oxygen delivery during exercise
- Reduced cardiac workload while maintaining performance
These findings also suggest MegaNatural-BP could be valuable as a pre-workout ingredient, as it enhances blood flow and reduces cardiovascular strain during intense exercise.[7]
The researchers concluded that MegaNatural-BP’s effects likely stem from enhanced nitric oxide production and bioavailability, leading to improved endothelial function and vasodilation during exercise.
This study was groundbreaking as it was one of the first to demonstrate MegaNatural-BP’s acute benefits in an exercise setting, paving the way for its use in sports nutrition applications. Another such study was published in 2022, and is discussed in a couple of sections below.
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MegaNatural-BP Reduces Markers of Exercise-Based Damage (Kim 2019)
Kim et al. investigated the effects of acute supplementation of MegaNatural-BP (300 mg/d for 3 days) on muscle damage markers after eccentric exercise in healthy male university students. The researchers were examining whether MegaNatural-BP’s antioxidant properties could help limit exercise-induced muscle damage and improve recovery.[6]
In this randomized placebo-controlled study, 16 healthy male university students (average age 20.3 years) performed strenuous eccentric exercise involving the elbow flexor muscles. The exercise protocol consisted of 2 sets of 25 repetitions using a modified preacher curl machine. Subjects were randomly assigned to either MegaNatural-BP (300 mg/day) or placebo, taken from the time of eccentric exercise through 72 hours post-exercise.
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The researchers measured several key markers of muscle damage and recovery:
- Maximal muscle strength
- Muscle soreness
- Creatine kinase (CK) levels in blood (a marker of muscle cell membrane damage)
While maximal muscle strength and muscle soreness were similar between groups during recovery, the MegaNatural-BP group showed significantly lower CK levels at 96 hours post-exercise compared to placebo. This suggests that MegaNatural-BP supplementation helped maintain muscle cell membrane integrity during the recovery period.[6]
The researchers concluded that even acute GSE supplementation can help reduce cellular membrane damage after intense eccentric exercise. This finding has implications for athletes engaging in resistance training, as limiting muscle damage could theoretically lead to improved recovery between training sessions.
Note, however, that this study was acutely performed only on males. The authors suggested that future research should examine GSE’s effects on exercise recovery using larger sample sizes including both men and women, while also investigating if chronic supplementation might provide additional benefits.[6]
This study added a new dimension to MegaNatural-BP research by demonstrating potential benefits for exercise recovery, moving beyond the cardiovascular effects shown in previous trials. The findings suggest MegaNatural-BP could be valuable not just for its blood pressure-lowering effects, but also as a recovery aid for athletes engaging in intense resistance training.
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Effects of Acute GSE on Blood Pressure and Hemodynamics in Normal and Obese Men (Dillon 2020)
Another study demonstrating the cardiovascular benefits of MegaNatural-BP examined its effects on hemodynamic responses in both normal-weight and obese individuals. Dillon et al. conducted a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial with twenty men (ten normal body weight and ten obese) to evaluate how a single dose of GSE affects blood pressure and related cardiovascular parameters.[8]
This graph illustrates how even a single dose of MegaNatural-BP provides immediate cardiovascular benefits across different body compositions. Both normal weight and obese male subjects experienced significant reductions in systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure within just two hours of consumption. These acute effects highlight the extract’s rapid bioavailability and potential value as a pre-workout ingredient that could enhance exercise performance through improved blood flow and reduced cardiovascular strain.
The researchers compared various hemodynamic measurements 2 hours after subjects consumed either 300 mg of MegaNatural-BP or a matching placebo, with a one-week washout period between treatments. The results revealed significant improvements in multiple cardiovascular markers:[8]
- Systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased significantly in both groups after GSE supplementation compared to placebo (normal weight: 103±4 vs. 99±3 mmHg; obese: 118±3 vs. 112±5 mmHg)
- Mean arterial pressure (MAP) also showed significant reductions in both groups (normal weight: 75±2 vs. 72±2 mmHg; obese: 86±3 vs. 84±3 mmHg)
- Cardiac output (CO) was significantly reduced in obese subjects after GSE supplementation
Differing mechanisms depending on participant type?
Interestingly, the mechanisms behind these blood pressure improvements appeared to differ between the two groups. In normal-weight subjects, the reduction in blood pressure likely stemmed from decreased peripheral vasoconstriction, as evidenced by a trend toward lower total peripheral resistance (TPR), though this didn’t reach statistical significance. In contrast, obese subjects experienced blood pressure reductions primarily through decreased cardiac output, with minimal changes in peripheral resistance.[8]
These findings are significant because they demonstrate that even a single dose of MegaNatural-BP can produce meaningful cardiovascular benefits in different population groups through targeted physiological mechanisms. The ability of GSE to reduce systolic blood pressure by 4-6 mmHg within just two hours of consumption demonstrates its potential value as an acute ergogenic aid before athletic performance.
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MegaNatural Supports Endurance Performance in Elite Athletes (Nho 2022)
In 2022, researchers investigated how MegaNatural-BP impacts endurance performance and endothelial function in elite athletes – specifically, 12 Division I collegiate basketball players.[5] This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was notable for examining high-level athletes rather than the general population or those with cardiovascular concerns.
This informative diagram outlines the groundbreaking crossover study examining MegaNatural-BP’s effects in Division I collegiate basketball players. The research protocol includes 14 days of supplementation (300mg MegaNatural-BP or placebo), followed by performance testing at multiple exercise intensities (50%, 80%, 120% VO₂peak). The comprehensive assessment measured crucial athletic parameters including oxygen consumption, time to exhaustion, and flow-mediated dilation – providing strong evidence for this grape seed extract’s potential in sports nutrition applications beyond its established cardiovascular benefits.[5]
The study protocol had subjects consume either 300 mg of MegaNatural-BP or placebo daily for 14 days, with a one-week washout period between treatments. The researchers measured several key performance metrics:
- Oxygen consumption during cycling at various intensities (50%, 80%, and 120% of VO2peak)
- Time to exhaustion during supramaximal cycling
- Endothelial function via flow-mediated dilation (FMD)
The results were phenomenal: MegaNatural-BP supplementation decreased oxygen consumption at both 80% and 120% of VO2peak compared to placebo, indicating improved exercise efficiency. Even more importantly for athletes, the grape seed extract increased time to exhaustion during high-intensity cycling.[5]
This graph reveals MegaNatural-BP’s performance-enhancing effects in Division I collegiate basketball players. The purple bar shows statistically significant increases in flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the brachial artery compared to placebo, indicating improved endothelial function and blood vessel responsiveness. This enhanced vasodilation translates to practical athletic benefits including decreased oxygen consumption during high-intensity exercise and extended time to exhaustion – demonstrating why this specialized grape seed extract deserves consideration in sports nutrition formulations beyond its cardiovascular applications.
The mechanism behind these performance improvements appears to be enhanced blood flow – MegaNatural-BP supplementation significantly improved flow-mediated dilation by 22% compared to placebo, suggesting better endothelial function and vasodilation.[5]
This study demonstrated that MegaNatural-BP can improve both endurance performance and vascular function in elite athletes. The enhanced exercise efficiency (lower oxygen consumption at the same workload) and increased time to exhaustion suggest that athletes supplementing with MegaNatural-BP may be able to train or compete at higher intensities for longer periods before fatigue sets in.
What’s most impressive is that these benefits were seen in highly-trained Division I collegiate athletes[5] – a population that typically shows smaller improvements from supplementation due to their already-optimized training status. The fact that MegaNatural-BP still provided measurable benefits in this demographic speaks to its potency as an ergogenic aid.
This bar graph reveals one of MegaNatural-BP’s key performance-enhancing mechanisms – improved vascular function as measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Athletes supplementing with grape seed extract experienced significantly greater arterial dilation (17.8% vs 14.5% in placebo), indicating enhanced endothelial function and blood vessel responsiveness. This statistically significant improvement (p<0.05) explains how MegaNatural-BP delivers better oxygen and nutrient delivery to working muscles during exercise, translating to the documented increases in exercise efficiency and endurance capacity observed in elite athletes.[5]
These findings align with previous research showing MegaNatural-BP’s effects on endothelial function and blood flow, but uniquely demonstrate how these vascular improvements can translate to real-world athletic performance benefits.
So why don’t we see this ingredient in more pre-workout supplements? That’s the question we’re currently asking ourselves…
- Clinical dose range: 150-300 mg per day
- Sports/pre-workout dose: 300 mg (shown to improve exercise efficiency)[5]
- General and cardiovascular health dose: 150-300 mg daily[4]
- Pre-workout powders and RTDs
- Standalone capsules/tablets
- Functional beverages (100% water-soluble)
- Multi-ingredient sports formulas
- Gummies and chews
- Powdered drink mixes
- Effervescent tablets
- Endurance athletes seeking improved oxygen efficiency
- Strength athletes looking to optimize training performance
- Active adults wanting enhanced exercise tolerance
- Fitness enthusiasts interested in improved blood flow
- Health-conscious individuals seeking cardiovascular support
- Athletes needing enhanced recovery between training sessions
- Complete vertical integration from grape to extract, ensuring control over the entire production process
- Specialized HPLC testing to verify consistency across every batch
- Testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbiological contaminants
- Full traceability back to vineyard source
- Chemical solvent-free hot water extraction process
- FDA GRAS status (No-Objection)[11]
- NSF International certified manufacturing
- Kosher certified
- Non-GMO verified
- Organic certified
- Halal certified
This image showcases fresh wine grapes alongside MegaNatural-BP’s six core quality attributes. The California-grown grapes undergo rigorous clinical testing and feature high pH stability for formulation versatility. The extract’s complete traceability, clean label extraction process, high ORAC values, and vegan-suitable status further demonstrate PLT Health’s commitment to providing premium, scientifically-validated ingredients for both cardiovascular and sports nutrition applications.
Target Applications & Uses
MegaNatural-BP demonstrates incredible versatility in both sports nutrition and cardiovascular health applications, with research showing benefits for athletes and everyday consumers alike.
Recommended Dosing
Clinical research consistently demonstrates efficacy at 150-300mg daily doses, with most studies using 300 mg/d for optimal results. Specifically:
Are you ready for a shake-up in the beverage space? PLT Health Solutions has worked hard to create several beverage-stable ingredients, so that we can avoid all of the me-too RTD formulas.
Timing Considerations
For athletic performance, consuming MegaNatural-BP up to 2 hours before exercise appears optimal, as research shows improvements in exercise efficiency and endurance at this timing.[7] For general health benefits, the extract can be taken daily with meals, with studies showing consistent benefits when taken in the morning.[2]
Product Formulation Opportunities
MegaNatural-BP’s unique properties make it suitable for various delivery formats, as it’s part of PLT Health’s Beverage-Stable Platform:
The ingredient’s high solubility and stability make it ideal for beverage applications, while its standardized potency ensures consistent dosing across all formats.
Target Demographics
While MegaNatural-BP offers benefits for various populations, key target demographics include:
Research shows specific benefits for athletes, with improvements in time to exhaustion and reduced oxygen consumption during high-intensity exercise.[5] These benefits, combined with its cardiovascular support properties, make MegaNatural-BP an attractive ingredient for both performance-focused formulations and general wellness products.
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Safety & Quality
PLT Health Solutions’ MegaNatural-BP sets a high standard for both safety and quality in the grape seed extract market. Through rigorous testing and documentation, the ingredient has achieved an impressive safety profile backed by numerous regulatory certifications.
Safety Profile
MegaNatural-BP has undergone extensive safety testing and shows an excellent safety record in both research settings and real-world use. The ingredient received FDA No-Objection GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status, permitting its use in dietary supplements, functional foods, and beverages.[11]
Clinical trials consistently report no adverse events related to MegaNatural-BP supplementation, even at doses of 300mg per day.[1-9]
In addition, two preclinical toxicology studies on MegaNatural-BP have added to its safety profile.[16,17]
Quality Control Measures
The manufacturing process for MegaNatural-BP involves several key quality control checkpoints:
Regulatory Status and Certifications
MegaNatural-BP holds several important certifications and regulatory approvals:
This certification display illustrates MegaNatural-BP’s comprehensive regulatory status, featuring seven key certifications: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Halal, Kosher, Organic, and GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe). These certifications underscore the extract’s broad applicability across diverse supplement categories and formulations, ensuring both formulators and consumers can trust this premium grape seed extract meets strict quality standards.
California-Grown Quality
Made in California’s wine country, MegaNatural-BP uses only unfermented domestic red and white varietal wine grape seeds. The company goes beyond federally mandated traceability requirements by documenting all aspects of growing, treating, and processing the grapes.
This image pairs rolling California vineyard landscapes with historical context about grape cultivation’s 8,000-year heritage. The caption explains how PLT Health Solutions has harnessed this ancient agricultural tradition, “delivering on the goodness of the grape(seed)” through their specialized extraction process. This connection to wine country heritage underscores the extract’s premium sourcing and natural origins.
Through relentless testing and record keeping, PLT Health Solutions maintains strict quality standards that help prevent adulteration – a significant issue with grape seed extracts in the supplement industry. Their patented hot water extraction process avoids chemical solvents while maximizing the bioactive phenolic compounds.
This image showcases MegaNatural-BP’s stringent quality control measures that ensure an adulterant-free product. The vineyard photograph represents PLT Health’s partnership with California Natural Colors, who employ “relentless testing and painstaking record keeping” to guarantee extract purity. This vigilant quality assurance is particularly valuable in the grape seed extract market, where standardization and authenticity verification are crucial differentiators.
This commitment to quality and safety has established MegaNatural-BP as one of the most trusted grape seed extracts available for sports nutrition formulations, if not the most trusted.
Conclusion: MegaNatural-BP Brings Blood Flow Benefits to Athletes and Beyond
MegaNatural-BP stands out as a premium grape seed extract backed by multiple clinical trials demonstrating its effects on blood flow, endurance, and athletic performance. Through enhanced blood flow and improved endothelial function, this California-made ingredient provides both acute and long-term cardiovascular support.
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Athletes can benefit from MegaNatural-BP’s ability to enhance oxygen delivery and exercise efficiency during high-intensity training. Recent research shows improvements in time to exhaustion and decreased oxygen consumption at challenging workloads – suggesting better muscular efficiency and endurance capacity.[5]
While many will use MegaNatural-BP for its pre-workout benefits, its clinically-validated effects on blood pressure and cardiovascular function make it a worthwhile supplement for anyone seeking to maintain healthy blood flow.
With its high standardization, water-solubility, and rigorous quality control standards, MegaNatural-BP represents the evolution of grape seed extract technology. Whether you’re an athlete looking to improve training performance or someone interested in cardiovascular health support, this extensively-researched ingredient deserves consideration in your supplement stack.
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