Concord Grape |
Br J Nutr. 2010 Mar;103(5):730-4. Epub 2009 Dec 23.
Concord grape juice supplementation improves memory function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
Krikorian R, Nash TA, Shidler MD, Shukitt-Hale B, Joseph JA.
Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA. [email protected]
Concord grape juice contains polyphenol compounds, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and influence neuronal signalling. Concord grape juice supplementation has been shown to reduce inflammation, blood pressure and vascular pathology in individuals with CVD, and consumption of such flavonoid-containing foods is associated with a reduced risk for dementia. In addition, preliminary animal data have indicated improvement in memory and motor function with grape juice supplementation, suggesting potential for cognitive benefit in ageing humans. In this initial investigation of neurocognitive effects, we enrolled twelve older adults with memory decline but not dementia in a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial with Concord grape juice supplementation for 12 weeks. We observed significant improvement in a measure of verbal learning and non-significant enhancement of verbal and spatial recall. There was no appreciable effect of the intervention on depressive symptoms and no effect on weight or waist circumference. A small increase in fasting insulin was observed for those consuming grape juice. These preliminary findings suggest that supplementation with Concord grape juice may enhance cognitive function for older adults with early memory decline and establish a basis for more comprehensive investigations to evaluate potential benefit and assess mechanisms of action.
Source: PubMed
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20028599
Oncol Nurs Forum. 2010 Mar;37(2):213-21.
Effect of concord grape juice on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: results of a pilot study.
Ingersoll GL, Wasilewski A, Haller M, Pandya K, Bennett J, He H, Hoffmire C, Berry C.
University of Rochester Medical Center, New York, USA. [email protected]
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To determine the feasibility of administering a flavonoid-rich adjunctive treatment (Concord grape juice) for the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV); to evaluate the usefulness of existing measures for assessing CINV frequency and severity, quality of life, control over life events, and psychological state; to identify any actual or potential adverse events associated with frequent grape juice intake; and to provide preliminary data concerning the effect of Concord grape juice on CINV, quality of life, perceived control over life events, and psychological state. DESIGN: Double-blind, randomized clinical trial. SETTING: A cancer center in an academic health science center in the northeastern United States. SAMPLE: 77 adult patients with cancer receiving moderately or highly emetogenic chemotherapy agents. METHODS: Participants drank 4 oz. of grape juice or placebo prior to meals for one week following each of four chemotherapy treatment cycles. They recorded frequency, duration, and distress of nausea, vomiting, and retching daily, beginning the evening of chemotherapy administration and continuing for seven days. Data were analyzed with generalized estimating equations methodology to model differences between groups over time. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Nausea and vomiting frequency, duration, and distress; quality of life; control over decision making; and psychological state. FINDINGS: Nausea and vomiting frequency, duration, and distress were lower for experimental group members, although a high attrition rate (50%) resulted in insufficient power to detect statistically significant differences over time. Greater levels of anxiety, depression, and hostility at baseline were related to nausea and vomiting, quality of life, and perceived control over decision making.
Source: PubMed