Atherosclerosis is characterized by the formation of artery-clogging plaque on the inner walls of blood vessels. Eventually, the plaque can rupture and obstruct blood flow, leading to heart attack and stroke. In humans, a chromium-nicotinic acid complex (ChromeMate®) has been reported to lower elevated cholesterol—a risk factor for atherosclerosis. This study examined the effects of ChromeMate® plus antioxidant-rich grape seed extract in a hamster model of atherosclerosis. Hamsters, which have a similar lipid profile to that of humans, were fed a high cholesterol and saturated fat diet (0.2% cholesterol and 10% coconut oil). After 10 weeks on this diet the animals developed foam cells, a sign of early atherosclerosis. Grape seed extract added to the diet at concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight reduced by 50% and 63%, respectively, the amount of foam cells within the aorta– the main conduit for carrying blood from the heart to other tissues in the body. A reduction of 32% in foam cells resulted when the diet was supplemented with both chromium (40 mg/kg body weight) and the lower grape seed concentration. Chromium and grape seed combined was more effective than grape seed alone in lowering total cholesterol and triglycerides, which were reduced by 42% and 77%, respectively. The combination also decreased TBARS, a marker of oxidative stress, by 77%. No reduction in TBARS was observed with grape seed alone. These results demonstrate that ChromeMate® plus grape seed extract can decrease objective signs of early atherosclerosis, as well as important risk factors for this disease in hamsters.

Source: Vinson JA, Mandarano MA, Shutta DL, Bagchi M, Bagchi D, Beneficial Effect of a Novel IH636 Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract and a Niacin-Bound Chromium in a Hamster Atherosclerosis Model, Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, 240:99-102, 2002.