Grapevine / Grape seed

Vitis vinifera

Other names: red vine leaf, grapevine, grape seed, vazi (Geo.), qurdzeni (Geo.)

Edible plant

European

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Safety information

Toxicity: low - occasional GI upset, headache. Fruit food-safe.

Contraindications: pregnancy/breastfeeding (extract data limited); CVI symptoms warrant medical evaluation (rule out DVT) before self-treatment.

Interactions: grape-seed/leaf may add to anticoagulant/antiplatelet effects (warfarin); caution with anticoagulants; possible additive with antihypertensives.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: extract data limited in pregnancy/breastfeeding

Evidence level

Clinical

Supported by clinical trials in humans.

Preparations

dry extract · red vine leaf

Part used: red vine leaf

Traditional use: chronic venous insufficiency, leg edema

Proposed mechanism: capillary stabilization (OPCs/flavonoids)

Evidence:Clinical

dry extract · seed

Part used: seed

Traditional use: antioxidant/vascular tonic

Proposed mechanism: OPC proanthocyanidins stabilize capillaries

Evidence:Preclinical

General preparation guide →

Associated conditions

chronic venous insufficiency Varicose veins / venous insufficiency capillary fragility leg edema

Edibility

Edible parts: grapes, raisins, grape juice are foods; seeds edible (bitter)

Toxic lookalike warning

no toxic lookalike for cultivated grape; do not confuse with unrelated toxic wild berries

Nutritional notes

grapes/raisins - sugars, potassium, vitamin C/K, resveratrol (skin), OPC antioxidants (seed/skin), fiber (raisins)

Healing traditions

European

Sources (3)

EMA final reference list Vitis vinifera folium (EMA/HMPC)
EMA: Vitis viniferae folium (EMA/HMPC)
Vitis vinifera leaf anti-inflammatory study (PMC6562865)

All sources →