The leaves of the grape vine (Vitis vinifera) are an increasingly popular culinary vegetable, used in a variety of recipes from cuisines around the world. But more important, vine leaves are an excellent source of powerful antioxidant compounds with impressive health effects. The red vine leaf, in particular, has been found to help improve conditions related to poor blood circulation, notably varicose veins and associated symptoms. Red vine leaves are also photoprotective. They function to protect the skin from harmful radiation.

Russian physicians recently added red vine leaf extracts to the immediate medical treatment of patients presenting with acute deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in a large vein in the lower leg).Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is common in women, especially in older and/or overweight women. It has been observed that French wine farmers don’t get chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), mainly because they take a red vine leaf extract that contains large amounts of bioflavonoids like quercetin, quercitrin and kaempherol. In fact, a commercial extract (AS 195) of red vine leaf has been available for some time. Several natural supplements are used for CVI which can help relieve symptoms of the condition, including centella asiatica/gotu kola extract, hesperidin, diosmin, butcher’s broom extract, escin/horse chestnut extract and red vine leaf extract among others. More studies have been published with time and all revealed red vine leaf extract as a promising treatment for varicose veins. In a 2004 study, the extract was shown to improve blood flow in the smaller blood vessels of the body (capillaries, for example) and oxygen circulation, as well as reduce leg width as a result of better circulation. Because it improves blood flow to various areas of the body, red grape leaf extract is used for the treatment of hemorrhoids.

Leach, M.J. (2004) Making sense of the venous leg ulcer debate: a literature review. Journal of Wound Care; 13: 4, 52-56. Nees et al (2003) undertook an in vitro study to increase understanding of the effects of endothelial inhibitors and to explore the possible role of venular endothelial cells in the development of connective tissue failure characteristically seen in CVI. It was discovered that a standardised extract of red vine leaves (AS 195) not only protected venular endothelial cells but also, when applied to previously damaged cells, could prompt cellular repair. Schaefer, E. et al (2003) 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. Arzneimittelforschung; 53: 4, 243-246. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is mainly caused by venous and capillary hypertension and this leads to a persistent, chronic, venous stasis in the skin of the lower leg. Typical CVI complaints, such as tired, heavy and swollen legs, and tension and pain in the legs, are the warning signs of a progressive, chronic condition. Antioxidants in red vine leaves help protect cells and DNA from damage buildup caused by free radicals and prevent them from altering normal cell activity that could turn regular cells into cancerous ones. Free radical damage buildup, known as oxidative stress, causes extensive inflammation which is a risk factor for chronic disease. A 2012 Japanese study revealed that red vine leaves extract holds anti-inflammatory effects and may contribute to reducing liver damage.Other studies found similar reductions in calf swelling, sensations of heaviness and pain from taking red vine leaf extracts. Red vine leaf and venous thrombosis Both the red vine leaves, as well as the skin and the seeds of the grape, contain antioxidant polyphenols. These phytonutrients are capable of counteracting the accumulation of hyper-reactive oxidant species, also known as oxidative stress and responsible for many cellular damages. It is recognized that oxidative stress promotes premature aging of the body. Thus, thanks to their antioxidant power, the polyphenols of the red vine can have many protective effects. Although the red vine leaf extract studies were small in number, the available evidence suggests that AS 195 has properties that may help to maintain healthy leg-vein function. As such, its role in the prevention of CVI and in ameliorating established venous disease could be further explored. Such investigations may include evaluation of the correction of early vein changes to prevent venous ulceration and the role of red vine leaf extract in maintaining leg-vein integrity, thus leading to enhanced treatment options and a recurrence-prevention strategy. The phytonutrients present in its leaves act as natural venotonics, angioprotectors and anti-edematous. In other words, they contribute to the tonicity and protection of blood vessels and capillaries. They are particularly capable of reducing the permeability of blood vessels and improving their resistance. Therefore, a red vine treatment may be of interest to combat venous insufficiency, to alleviate the sensation of heavy and / or swollen legs, among other benefits.

Of course, the aesthetics industry is already full of myths, inaccuracies, platitudes and hallucinations anyway, so the advent of AI does not make much of a difference. The beauty industry has always been full of BS, AI or no AI. Grapes are incredibly succulent and flavorful fruits. However, grape leaves have a sort of bland, leafy green, almost dry flavor with a slight, barely noticeable bitter aftertaste when cooked. How to use grape vine leaves in the kitchen

Red Vine Leaf Extract Benefits

Food Supplements are intended to supplement the diet and should not be substituted for a varied diet or healthy lifestyle. Not suitable for children under 12. Before taking this product please consult your doctor of pharmacist if you are taking any medication or are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to become pregnant.