Grape Consumption for Muscle Strength and Cognitive Function

Overseen By Michael V Salemi

Age: 65+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Western New England University

Must not be taking: Corticosteroids, Antihistamines, Antibiotics, Antidepressants

Disqualifiers: Cancer, Diabetes, Hepatitis, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

Duration: 4 weeks

35 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether eating grapes can boost muscle strength and brain function in generally healthy women aged 65 and older. Participants will consume grape powder (a form of grape supplement) mixed with water daily and attend four sessions for muscle and cognitive tests, along with blood draws. Ideal participants are non-smoking women who can walk unaided and have a dominant hand grip strength weaker than average for their age.

As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to scientific understanding and potentially improve personal health.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, you may need to stop taking certain medications. The trial excludes participants using specific drugs like corticosteroids, antihistamines, antifungal drugs, and some others. It's best to discuss your current medications with the trial team to see if they affect your eligibility.

What prior data suggests that grape powder is safe for consumption?

Research has shown that grapes are safe to eat. One study found that natural compounds in grapes, called polyphenols, do not cause side effects, especially when used for brain health. Another study found that long-term grape consumption can improve muscle health and is safe.

These findings suggest that the grape powder used in this trial is likely safe and well-tolerated. Prospective participants can feel confident about the safety of consuming grapes. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Grape powder is unique because it's a natural option that might boost both muscle strength and cognitive function. Unlike most treatments for these conditions, which often include synthetic supplements or medications, grape powder offers a plant-based alternative packed with antioxidants. Researchers are excited because it could provide a simple, natural way to enhance these aspects of health without the side effects common to traditional treatments. Plus, the use of an easily consumable powder mixed with water adds convenience and accessibility.

What evidence suggests that grape powder might be an effective treatment for improving muscle strength and cognition in women over 65?

Studies have shown that eating grapes can improve certain thinking skills. Research suggests that consuming grapes for both short and long periods can enhance mental abilities. Additionally, grape powder, which participants in this trial will consume, has been linked to stronger muscles. Specifically, women who used it showed better hand grip strength. These findings suggest that grape powder might improve both brain and muscle function in older adults. The possible benefits likely stem from polyphenols in grapes, compounds that may support overall brain and muscle health. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Brittany C Adams

Principal Investigator

Western New England University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for generally healthy women over the age of 65 who are interested in finding out if grape consumption can enhance their muscle strength and cognitive function. Specific eligibility details are not provided, but typically participants should meet certain health standards to be included.

Inclusion Criteria

Agreed not to participate in any clinical or patch test studies at Day 1 through study completion

Completed a medical intake

Non-smoker

Exclusion Criteria

Nut allergies

Any condition that might have compromised study results

I can avoid taking certain pain relievers before and during study visits.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Run-in Diet

Participants follow a dietary restriction for two weeks before starting grape powder consumption

2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants ingest two 36g pouches of grape powder daily for 30 days, with functional strength and cognitive testing, and blood draws on Day 14, Day 28, and Day 42

4 weeks

3 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Grape Powder

Trial Overview The study is testing whether consuming grape powder can have beneficial effects on muscle strength and brain function in older women. Participants will undergo functional muscle tests, cognitive assessments, and blood draws across four sessions at a campus facility.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Grape Powder Arm Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

All subjects will consume two 36g packets of grape powder (mixed with water) daily for two, 2-week periods during the study.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Western New England University

Lead Sponsor

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07208916

Evaluation of the Potential of Grape Consumption to ... The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if eating grapes can improve muscle strength and thinking in generally healthy women over 65.

2. trial.medpath.com trial.medpath.com/clinical-trial/9202fd314a22cab2/nct07208916-grape-consumption-muscle-strength-cognitive-function

Evaluation of the Potential of Grape Consumption to Improve ... The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if eating grapes can improve muscle strength and thinking in generally healthy women over 65.

3. academic.oup.com academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/80/3/367/6285577

The effect of grape interventions on cognitive and mental ... The results across studies show that grapes can enhance some aspects of cognition, after both acute and chronic interventions.

4. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-sarcopenia-8-2025-a4b6e

Grape Consumption for Muscle Strength and Cognitive ... Trial Overview The study is testing whether consuming grape powder can have beneficial effects on muscle strength and brain function in older women.

5. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40407719/

Daily consumption of polyphenol-rich grape powder ... We observed that women consuming grape powder had significantly increased hand grip scores, a measurement of muscle strength, from baseline to ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6836211/

Cognitive Function and Consumption of Fruit and Vegetable ... Polyphenols are safe treatment molecules for neurodegenerative diseases, presenting an alternative to drugs without any side effects of their therapeutic ...

7. news-medical.net news-medical.net/news/20250220/Long-term-grape-consumption-shown-to-improve-muscle-health-in-both-men-and-women.aspx

Long-term grape consumption shown to improve muscle ... This study provides compelling evidence that grapes have the potential to enhance muscle health at the genetic level. Given their safety profile ...