# BioVin (Vitis vinifera)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/biovin
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-05
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Vitis vinifera extract, Grape pomace extract, Grape seed and skin extract, Wine grape extract, Grape byproduct extract, Vitis vinifera pomace, Grape waste extract

## Overview

BioVin is a standardized Vitis vinifera grape extract concentrated in oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) and resveratrol, which neutralize [free radical](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s by donating hydrogen atoms and chelating transition metals. These polyphenols also modulate [NF-κB](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) signaling and inhibit pro-oxidant enzymes, underpinning both antioxidant and potential anti-proliferative effects.

## Health Benefits

• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant): General V. vinifera seed extracts show high antioxidant capacity (312 µg ascorbic acid equivalents) - evidence quality: preliminary (in vitro only)
• Cancer cell inhibition: Ethyl acetate stem extracts demonstrated 97.9% inhibition (IC50 = 12.5 µg/mL) on HCT-116 colon cancer cells - evidence quality: preliminary (in vitro only)
• Oxidative stress reduction: V. vinifera polyphenols normalize nitric oxide, [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox), and glutathione peroxidase levels - evidence quality: preliminary (preclinical)
• Liver protection: Extract compounds bolster antioxidant defenses, particularly protecting liver from oxidative damage - evidence quality: preliminary (preclinical)
• Note: No human clinical trials on BioVin have been identified; all benefits are based on preclinical research

## Mechanism of Action

BioVin's oligomeric proanthocyanidins directly scavenge [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (ROS) and chelate redox-active iron and copper ions, suppressing lipid peroxidation chain reactions measurable at 312 µg ascorbic acid equivalents per assay. Resveratrol and catechin monomers within the extract inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and downregulate NF-κB transcription factor activity, reducing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) expression. Ethyl acetate fractions additionally induce apoptosis in cancer cell lines by activating caspase-3 and disrupting [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) membrane potential, as indicated by an IC50 of 12.5 µg/mL against HCT-116 colon cancer cells.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for BioVin is largely preliminary, resting on in vitro assays rather than randomized controlled trials in humans. The antioxidant capacity figure of 312 µg ascorbic acid equivalents was established through cell-[free radical](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)-scavenging assays (e.g., DPPH or FRAP), which do not directly predict bioavailability or in vivo efficacy. The 97.9% cancer cell inhibition at 12.5 µg/mL was demonstrated in HCT-116 colon cancer cell cultures, a model that cannot confirm clinical anti-cancer activity without corroborating animal and human trial data. No large-scale, placebo-controlled human trials specific to the BioVin branded extract have been published as of the available data, so efficacy claims must be interpreted cautiously.

## Nutritional Profile

BioVin (Vitis vinifera) is a standardized grape-derived ingredient primarily valued for its concentrated bioactive polyphenolic compounds rather than macronutrient content. Key bioactive constituents include: oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) typically standardized to 95% polyphenols in commercial grape seed extracts; resveratrol (trans-resveratrol, a stilbene polyphenol) found predominantly in grape skin at approximately 50–100 µg/g dry weight; anthocyanins (cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin glycosides) concentrated in skin fractions; catechins and epicatechins (monomeric flavan-3-ols) at approximately 2–12 mg/g in seed extracts; and quercetin glycosides typically at 0.3–0.5 mg/g. Macronutrient contribution is negligible at typical supplemental doses (100–300 mg/day). Mineral content includes trace amounts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Fiber content is minimal in extract form. Bioavailability notes: OPC bioavailability is moderate and dose-dependent; monomeric catechins are more readily absorbed than larger polymeric proanthocyanidins; resveratrol undergoes rapid first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) with oral bioavailability estimated at less than 1% of intact form, though sulfate and glucuronide metabolites remain bioactive; co-administration with lipids or piperine may enhance absorption of polyphenolic fractions.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for BioVin have been established as human trials are absent. Preclinical extractions used 30–100 g plant material per batch without standardization specifics for BioVin. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Grape seed and skin extracts like BioVin are generally well tolerated at typical supplemental doses (100–300 mg/day), with the most commonly reported side effects being mild gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, and dizziness. Because OPCs and resveratrol can inhibit platelet aggregation and modestly affect CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 enzyme activity, concurrent use with anticoagulants (warfarin, clopidogrel) or antiplatelet drugs warrants medical supervision due to additive bleeding risk. Resveratrol's mild estrogenic activity at the ERα and ERβ receptors means individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions (e.g., estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer) should consult a healthcare provider before use. Safety data during pregnancy and lactation are insufficient to establish a safe dose, and use is generally not recommended in these populations without physician guidance.

## Scientific Research

No specific human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses on BioVin itself were identified in the available research. The evidence base consists entirely of in vitro and preclinical studies on general V. vinifera extracts, with no PubMed PMIDs for human studies on BioVin provided.

## Historical & Cultural Context

No historical or traditional medicine context for BioVin (a modern branded ingredient) was found in the research. V. vinifera byproducts like stems, leaves, and pomace have been valorized recently for their bioactive compounds rather than having roots in traditional medicine systems.

## Synergistic Combinations

Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Green Tea Extract, Quercetin, Alpha Lipoic Acid

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is BioVin grape extract and how does it differ from regular grape seed extract?

BioVin is a proprietary, standardized whole-grape extract derived from Vitis vinifera that combines compounds from the seed, skin, and pulp, providing a broader polyphenol profile including OPCs, resveratrol, and anthocyanins. Standard grape seed extracts are typically isolated to proanthocyanidins from seeds alone, potentially missing skin-derived stilbenes like resveratrol. The whole-grape standardization of BioVin aims to deliver synergistic polyphenol activity beyond what seed-only products provide.

### What antioxidant capacity does BioVin have compared to vitamin C?

In vitro antioxidant assays found general Vitis vinifera seed extracts to exhibit a capacity equivalent to 312 µg of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) per tested unit, indicating high radical-scavenging potency relative to a standard antioxidant benchmark. This measurement is generated by chemical assays such as DPPH or FRAP and reflects electron- or hydrogen-donating capacity under controlled lab conditions. It is important to note that in vitro antioxidant scores do not directly translate to equivalent protection in the human body due to absorption, metabolism, and tissue distribution variables.

### Can BioVin grape extract help with cancer prevention?

An ethyl acetate fraction of Vitis vinifera stem extract demonstrated 97.9% inhibition of HCT-116 human colon cancer cells with an IC50 of 12.5 µg/mL in a cell culture study, suggesting meaningful anti-proliferative activity. However, this is in vitro data only—cancer cells in a dish respond very differently than tumors in a living human body with an immune system and complex pharmacokinetics. No clinical trials in cancer patients using BioVin specifically have established efficacy or safety for cancer treatment or prevention, and it should not replace standard oncological care.

### What is the recommended dosage for BioVin grape extract supplements?

No dosage has been specifically validated in clinical trials for the BioVin branded extract; however, standardized grape seed and whole-grape polyphenol extracts are commonly studied and used in the range of 100–300 mg per day of a standardized OPC extract. Doses in this range have been used in cardiovascular and antioxidant studies on related grape polyphenol products without significant adverse events in otherwise healthy adults. Always follow the manufacturer's labeled dose and consult a healthcare provider, particularly if using medications that interact with polyphenols such as blood thinners.

### Does BioVin interact with blood thinners or other medications?

Yes, BioVin's OPC and resveratrol content can inhibit platelet aggregation via suppression of thromboxane A2 synthesis and may potentiate the effects of anticoagulants like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs like clopidogrel, increasing bleeding risk. Resveratrol also modestly inhibits cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2C9, which are responsible for metabolizing numerous pharmaceuticals including certain statins, calcium channel blockers, and NSAIDs, potentially altering their plasma concentrations. Anyone taking prescription medications should discuss BioVin supplementation with a pharmacist or physician before starting use.

### Is BioVin safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

There is limited clinical safety data on BioVin grape extract use during pregnancy and lactation. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult with their healthcare provider before supplementing with BioVin, as grape seed extracts may have systemic effects that warrant individual assessment during these sensitive periods.

### What is the quality of clinical evidence supporting BioVin's health claims?

Most evidence for BioVin and Vitis vinifera extracts comes from in vitro studies and preliminary research, which shows promise but does not yet constitute strong clinical proof. While antioxidant capacity and cancer cell inhibition have been demonstrated in laboratory settings, robust human clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits in real-world supplementation.

### Can I get the same benefits from eating grapes or drinking red wine instead of taking BioVin supplements?

While whole grapes and red wine contain polyphenols and antioxidants, BioVin is a concentrated extract designed to deliver standardized levels of bioactive compounds in a single dose. Food sources provide beneficial compounds but typically in lower concentrations than a formulated supplement, making supplementation a more efficient way to achieve the doses used in research studies.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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