Red vine: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Grape seeds, grapes
Scientific name(s)
Vitis vinifera, Vitis labrusca
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Oligo-Proanthocyanidins
Quercetin
Polysaccharides
Vitamin B3
Vitamin C
Vitamin K
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Venous insufficiency ✪✪✪✪✪
Oral administration of grape seed extract or its proanthocyanidin constituents appears to reduce the subjective symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and improve venous tone. In some clinical trials, a red vine leaf extract was administered orally to patients with CVI. Leg edema decreased significantly after 6 weeks of treatment compared with placebo. Patients also reported a significant reduction in subjective complaints such as tired or heavy legs, tightness, tingling, and pain after 2 to 12 weeks of treatment. A large study of 4,729 subjects with peripheral venous insufficiency due to hormone replacement therapy showed that grape seed extract reduced the sensation of leg heaviness in a little more than half of subjects by day 45, while 89.4% of subjects experienced improvement by day 90. According to an open multicenter study of women aged 18 to 50 years suffering from edema due to premenstrual syndrome, grape seed extract given from day 14 to 28 improved various water-retention symptoms, such as abdominal bloating, weight gain and pelvic pain, as well as venous insufficiency. The EMA recommends Vitis vinifera leaves for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency, which is characterized by swollen legs, varicose veins, a feeling of heaviness, pain, fatigue, itching, tightness and calf cramps.
Posologie
Oral: leaf, seeds, seed
150 - 720 mg
standardized extract, dry extract
Efficacy of Orally Administered Extract of Red Vine Leaf AS 195 (Folia Vitis Viniferae) in Chronic Venous Insufficiency (Stages I-II). A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Efficacy and Tolerability of a Red-Vine-Leaf Extract in Patients Suffering From Chronic Venous Insufficiency--Results of a Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study
Delacroix P. [Double-blind study of Endotelon in chronic venous insufficiency] [translated from French]. La Revue de Medecine 1981;31(27-28):1793-1802.
Oedema Protective Properties of the Red Vine Leaf Extract AS 195 (Folia Vitis Viniferae) in the Treatment of Chronic Venous Insufficiency. A 6-week Observational Clinical Trial
[Veno-lymphatic insufficiency. 4,729 patients undergoing hormonal and procyanidol oligomer therapy]
European Union herbal monograph on Vitis vinifera L., folium
[Efficacy of the Red Vine Leaf Extract AS 195 in Chronic Venous Insufficiency]
Bombardelli E, Morazzoni P. Vitis vinifera L. Fitoterapia 1995;LXVI:291-317.
Improvement of Cutaneous Microcirculation and Oxygen Supply in Patients With Chronic Venous Insufficiency by Orally Administered Extract of Red Vine Leaves AS 195: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study
Oxidative stress ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical studies show a decrease in oxidation in smokers and people with diabetes.
Posologie
Oral administration: seeds, seed
300 mg
standardized extract, dry extract
Effects of Grape Seed Extract in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects at High Cardiovascular Risk: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial Examining Metabolic Markers, Vascular Tone, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Insulin Sensitivity
An Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of a Standardized Grape Seed Extract, Leucoselect
Diabetic retinopathy ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research indicates that daily intake of a grape seed extract containing 100-120 mg of the constituent proanthocyanidin for a period of up to 3 months may stabilize and slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy. nnAdditional preliminary clinical research in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy shows that taking a grape seed extract at 50 mg three times daily for 12 months significantly reduces the severity of hard exudates compared with placebo. nnTreatment success was defined as a decrease in the severity of hard exudate. A hard exudate refers to yellow or white deposits on the retina, often associated with retinal disorders such as diabetic retinopathy.nnIt is important to note that although a reduction in hard exudates was observed, no significant improvement in retinopathy grade or visual acuity has been reported with use of the extract.nn
Posologie
Oral: seeds, seed
100 - 150 mg
standardized extract, dry extract
Arne JL. [Contribution to the study of procyanidolic oligomers: Endotelon in diabetic retinopathy (based on 30 cases).]. Gaz Med France 1982;89(30):3610-3614.
Fromantin M. [OPC in the treatment of capillary weakness and retinopathy in diabetics. About 26 cases]. Med Int 1982;16(11):432-434.
Arne JL. Contribution to the study of procyanidolic oligomers: endotelon in diabetic retinopathy. Gaz Med France 89 (1982): 3610–36114.
Eye health ✪✪✪✪✪
A double-blind study involving 75 patients suffering from eye strain caused by viewing a computer screen showed that a dose of 300 mg of grape seed extract per day significantly improved objective and subjective measures. It has also been shown that grape seed extract significantly improves visual adaptation to bright light and recovery from it in a double-blind study involving 100 volunteers.nnA dose of 200 mg per day for 5 weeks was used. It has been proposed that grape seed extract increases the rhodopsin content (also called visual purple: a photosensitive protein pigment) of the retina or accelerates its regeneration after exposure to bright light.nnPreliminary clinical research shows that grape seed extract containing proanthocyanidins may also improve night vision.nn
Posologie
Oral: seeds, seed
200 - 300 mg
standardized extract, dry extract
High blood pressure ✪✪✪✪✪
The impact of grape seed extract and grape polyphenols on blood pressure shows mixed results. Some studies have observed a slight improvement in people with prehypertension, mild hypertension, or metabolic syndrome, but the data are not consistent. nnAn analysis of nine clinical studies involving 390 participants showed a modest reduction in systolic blood pressure with no effect on diastolic pressure. Another meta-analysis of sixteen trials including 810 patients found a more significant reduction in blood pressure, especially among obese patients or those with metabolic syndrome. nn
Posologie
Oral: seeds, seed
150 - 2000 mg
8 weeks
standardized extract, dry extract
Effects of Grape Seed Extract Beverage on Blood Pressure and Metabolic Indices in Individuals With Pre-Hypertension: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Two-Arm, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Effect of Polyphenol-Rich Grape Seed Extract on Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Subjects With Pre- And Stage I Hypertension
Grape Polyphenols Reduce Blood Pressure and Increase Flow-Mediated Vasodilation in Men With Metabolic Syndrome
Effects of Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Polyphenols on the Rate of Blood Pressure Variation: Results of Two Randomized Controlled Trials
The Effect of Grape Seed Extract on Cardiovascular Risk Markers: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Effect of Grape Seed Extract on Blood Pressure in Subjects With the Metabolic Syndrome
Cardiovascular diseases ✪✪✪✪✪
There is preliminary evidence that taking grape-based products, such as concentrated grape juice or grape seed extracts, may improve endothelial vasodilation, prevent oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), reduce markers of inflammation, and inhibit platelet-mediated thrombosis. Chronic ingestion of these products may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in various patient populations, including adults with type 2 diabetes or hypercholesterolemia, people undergoing hemodialysis, and children with metabolic syndrome.nn
Posologie
Oral: seeds, seed
150 - 2000 mg
standardized extract, dry extract, juice
Grape Polyphenols Reduce Blood Pressure and Increase Flow-Mediated Vasodilation in Men With Metabolic Syndrome
Effect of Grape Seed Extract on Blood Pressure in Subjects With the Metabolic Syndrome
Effects of Grape Seed Extract in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects at High Cardiovascular Risk: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial Examining Metabolic Markers, Vascular Tone, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Insulin Sensitivity
The Effect of Grape Seed Extract on Cardiovascular Risk Markers: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
A 6-Week Supplementation With Grape Pomace in Subjects at Cardiometabolic Risk Ameliorates Insulin Sensitivity, Without Affecting Other Metabolic Syndrome Markers
Metabolic syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research shows that whole grapes may improve some of the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome in humans. nnThe consumption of natural grape juice or grape pomace has been shown to improve endothelial function and fasting insulin levels. Other clinical studies have shown that taking a grape seed extract at 150-300 mg per day for 4 weeks reduces systolic blood pressure by 11 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 6-7 mmHg compared with baseline in patients with metabolic syndrome; compared with placebo, these reductions were significant. nnHowever, there is no effect on blood lipids or fasting glucose. It is not known whether these changes reduce the risk of diabetes and/or vascular events associated with metabolic syndrome.nn
Posologie
Oral: seeds, kernel
150 - 300 mg
standardized extract, dry extract, juice
Grape Polyphenols Reduce Blood Pressure and Increase Flow-Mediated Vasodilation in Men With Metabolic Syndrome
Effect of Grape Seed Extract on Blood Pressure in Subjects With the Metabolic Syndrome
A 6-week Supplementation With Grape Pomace to Subjects at Cardiometabolic Risk Ameliorates Insulin Sensitivity, Without Affecting Other Metabolic Syndrome Markers
Wrinkles ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a complex containing 10 mg grape skin extract, 570 mg marine collagen peptides, 10 mg coenzyme Q10, 10 mg luteolin, and 0.05 mg selenium may improve skin elasticity and sebum production in adults showing signs of skin aging. Taking this combined product also appears to improve dermal thickness.nn
Posologie
Oral: seeds, seed
10 mg
standardized extract, dry extract
Synergies
Hypercholesterolemia ✪✪✪✪✪
The effects of grape seed extract in patients with hypercholesterolemia are inconsistent. A clinical study in patients with mild hypercholesterolemia shows that taking a red grape seed extract at 100 mg twice daily for 8 weeks reduces total cholesterol levels and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by about 5% and 9%, respectively, compared with baseline. Compared with the placebo group, these changes are statistically significant. However, there were no significant differences between groups with respect to LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol after 8 weeks.
Posologie
Oral: seeds, seed
200 mg
standardized extract, dry extract
Skin healing ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research indicates that applying a 2% grape seed extract cream twice daily after removal of a skin lesion reduces the time to complete healing by about 6 days compared with a placebo cream. Preliminary clinical research in women recovering from cesarean section also shows that applying a 5% grape seed extract ointment twice daily to cesarean wounds for 14 days improves healing, as measured by a scoring system assessing redness, edema, bruising, discharge, and wound closure, compared with a placebo ointment.
Posologie
Topical: seeds, seed
cream
Cognitive performance ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research conducted in patients aged 55 to 75 years with no baseline cognitive decline shows that taking a grape extract at 250 mg per day for 12 weeks modestly improves cognitive function and mood. Cognitive function improved by 4.5%, and overall neuropsychological status, including attention, language, and memory, improved by 6.2% compared with the placebo group, which experienced no change. In addition, a preliminary clinical study in middle-aged women under moderate stress shows that daily consumption of 355 ml of grape juice for 12 weeks improves immediate spatial memory and may improve executive function and verbal recall compared with placebo.
Posologie
Oral: seeds, seed
250 mg
standardized extract, dry extract, juice
A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Clinical Trial on Effects of a Vitis vinifera Extract on Cognitive Function in Healthy Older Adults
Concord Grape Juice, Cognitive Function, and Driving Performance: A 12-wk, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Crossover Trial in Mothers of Preteen Children
Concord Grape Juice Supplementation Improves Memory Function in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Varicose veins ✪✪✪✪✪
The EMA recommends Vitis vinifera leaves for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency, which is characterized by swollen legs, varicose veins, a feeling of heaviness, pain, fatigue, itching, tightness, and calf cramps.nn
Posologie
Oral use: leaf, buds, seed
360 - 720 mg
gemmotherapy, dry extract
Hemorrhoids ✪✪✪✪✪
The EMA recommends Vitis vinifera leaves for the symptomatic relief of itching and burning associated with hemorrhoids.nn
Posologie
Oral use: leaf, buds, seed
810 - 1750 mg
powder, gemmotherapy
Varicosities ✪✪✪✪✪
Vitis vinifera leaves are used for the symptomatic treatment of skin capillary fragility, according to the EMA.nn
Posologie
Oral use: leaf, buds, seed
810 - 1750 mg
powder, gemmotherapy
Rheumatism ✪✪✪✪✪
In the treatment of deforming rheumatism, vine buds are used to prevent the development of osteoarthritis. The vine, in combination with blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) and pine (Pinus montana), is frequently used in gemmotherapy to combat osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
Posologie
Oral route: buds
50 drops
gemmotherapy
Properties
Antioxidant
It appears there is a strong relationship between the total amount of phenols and proanthocyanidins in grape-derived products and their ability to act as antioxidants. Proanthocyanidins, particularly those extracted from grape seeds, have proven effective at neutralizing free radicals, even surpassing vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene. These compounds may offer protection against oxidative damage caused by free radicals, including lipid peroxidation and DNA alterations, according to clinical research findings. Furthermore, one study found that a daily dose of 400 mg of catechin-rich grape seed extract for one month had a positive effect on oxidative markers in obese adults, proving more effective than resveratrol alone and comparable to resveratrol triphosphate, a more stable form of resveratrol.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
The grape leaf is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. These properties appear to be most pronounced in red leaves. In various animal models and in one human study, grape seed extract has been shown to attenuate inflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Usages associés
Vascular effect
In vivo studies have shown that proanthocyanidins stabilize the capillary wall and prevent increases in capillary permeability. The components of grape seed extract are able to cross-link collagen fibers, thereby strengthening the collagen matrix. Clinical studies confirm that grape seed extract improves capillary strength when used at a dose of 150 mg per day. In addition, anthocyanosides and procyanidins extracted from the leaves (red vine) inhibit in vitro the activity of proteolytic enzymes (collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, glycosidase, β-glucuronidase) that are involved in the degradation of the major structural components of connective tissue, elastic fibers, and the extravascular matrix (collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid).
Usages associés
Cardiovascular
Polyphenols found in grapes, notably flavonoids, have several health benefits, such as protection against heart disease. They act by neutralizing harmful substances in our body, helping to relax blood vessels, protecting against oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and preventing blood platelets from forming dangerous clots. Studies have shown that grape consumption can reduce the risk of heart problems, lower blood pressure, improve blood circulation, and reduce inflammation of blood vessels. In addition, specific grape compounds, such as proanthocyanidins from grape seeds, may help reduce the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias that sometimes occur during cardiac reperfusion injury. They may also slow the development of atherosclerosis, characterized by a fatty buildup in the arteries, by preventing LDL oxidation.
Usages associés
Venotonic
Clinical studies have shown that a red vine extract containing flavonoids (quercetin) was effective in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. A reduction in symptoms (volume, circumference, fatigue, tightness, pain, and tingling in the legs) is observed after administration of a red vine-based treatment.
Usages associés
Wound healing
Preliminary clinical research shows that application of a grape seed extract, which contains proanthocyanidins, may reduce the time required for complete wound healing. Animal and in vitro studies show that grape seed proanthocyanidin extract can enhance wound healing by increasing vascular endothelial growth factor and tenascin expression.
Usages associés
Anticancer
The grape seed extract and its proanthocyanidins reduce the growth of several types of cancers, such as gastric adenocarcinoma, breast, colorectal, lung and prostate cancer, leukemia, and glioblastoma. They act by slowing the proliferation of cancer cells and promoting their destruction. These compounds appear particularly effective at blocking angiogenesis, a process crucial for tumor growth, by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor. nnIn addition, they may prevent the spread of lung, prostate and breast cancers by inhibiting metastasis.nn
Neurological
An extract of grape seed proanthocyanidins has demonstrated neuroprotective activity in vivo. Some in vivo studies have shown that grape seed extract reduces age-related oxidative DNA damage and improves cognitive performance, most likely due to its antioxidant action. The ability of grape seed extract to protect the brain proteins that are most affected in Alzheimer's disease suggests a potential clinical application.nn
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adults 18 years and older: 150 mg - 720 mg
Crushed plant material in the form of an herbal infusion. - Herbal infusion: 5 to 10 g of dried leaves in 250 ml of boiling water, infuse, twice a day. - Powdered plant material: 270–350 mg, 3–5 times per day - Dry extract (4–6:1): 360–720 mg per day. In clinical research, extracts are standardized to provide 150 to 300 mg of OPCs per day.
Interactions
Médicaments
Cyclosporine: moderate interaction
Preliminary clinical research shows that consuming grape juice at the same time as cyclosporine can reduce cyclosporine absorption by up to 30%. Grape juice and cyclosporine doses should be separated by at least 2 hours to avoid this interaction.
CYTOCHROME P450 1A2: moderate interaction
Grape juice is thought to induce the metabolism of cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) and may decrease plasma levels of CYP1A2 substrates. Drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 include amitriptyline, caffeine, chlordiazepoxide, clomipramine...
Precautions
Pregnant women: avoid
Avoid due to lack of data
Breastfeeding women: avoid
Avoid due to lack of data
Children up to 18 years: avoid
Avoid due to lack of data
Surgical intervention: avoid
Stop 3 days before a surgical procedure.
