Red Vine: the plant for light legs

The red vine(Vitis vinifera L.), a member of the Vitaceae family, is a plant widely cultivated throughout the world, mainly for the production of wine and table grapes. However, in addition to its major economic role in the wine industry, the red vine has attracted growing interest for its therapeutic and medicinal properties. Red vine leaves concentrate phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids and anthocyanins, which are recognised for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and venotonic effects. Phytotherapy has long used these bioactive compounds to treat venous circulation disorders, in particular chronic venous insufficiency, characterised by poor blood circulation in the legs.

What is red vine?

Vitis vinifera, commonly known as the cultivated vine, belongs to the Vitaceae family and comes from temperate regions of the Old World, stretching from south-eastern Europe to central Asia. Today, it is grown on every continent except Antarctica. This climbing plant uses tendrils to cling to its supports, and its stems can grow up to six metres long. The vine is mainly grown for its fruit in bunches, the grape, which can be eaten fresh, dried or fermented to produce wine.

It is the main vine species in Europe and worldwide, with a wide variety of varieties such as Cabernet, Merlot and Sauvignon. The vine’s roots can penetrate to a depth of 15 metres. The morphology of the leaves and fruit varies considerably from one variety to another, which is why ampelography is used to identify varieties.

The deciduous leaves and greenish flowers of the vine lead to berries grouped in bunches, the colour of which varies according to the subspecies. In phytotherapy, red grapevine is used for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, mainly due to the presence of anthocyanins and flavonoids. These compounds improve venous tone and are used to treat circulatory disorders such as varicose veins, haemorrhoids and rosacea.

What does it contain?

Red vine is rich in tannins, flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), anthocyanosides, organic acids (malic, tartaric) and resveratrol, which give it interesting pharmacological properties. As vitamin P factors, anthocyanins protect and tone capillaries and veins, making them ideal for treating venous disorders such as varicose veins, rosacea and heavy legs.

Red vine leaves, rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, notably quercetol and kaempferol, have an astringent and protective effect on small blood vessels, reducing oedema. The seeds contain oligo-proanthocyanidins (OPCs), powerful antioxidants that play a key role in preventing cardiovascular disease and treating oedema.

The skin of red grapes is particularly rich in resveratrol, a compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It is involved in vascular protection and the fight against metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Resveratrol extracts, also present in red wine, have been shown to slow down the ageing process and reduce cardiovascular risk.

As a result, red grapevine and its bioactive components offer a wide range of therapeutic applications, particularly in phytotherapy, to strengthen the vascular system and improve blood circulation.

What are its properties?

Red vine has protective and stimulating effects on small blood vessels, effectively reducing oedema. The European Medicines Agency recognises the well-established use of its leaves in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency, characterised by symptoms such as varicose veins, the sensation of heavy legs, fatigue, cramps and itching. Red vine leaves are also traditionally used to relieve haemorrhoids and treat capillary fragility.

The leaves, rich in anthocyanosides and flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), have properties similar to those of vitamin P, strengthening blood vessel walls and reducing swelling. Animal studies have shown that red vine extracts strengthen the collagen fibres in capillaries, improving their resistance.

Red vine grape seeds contain oligo-proanthocyanidins (OPCs), which have antioxidant properties and protect cells against oxidation. These compounds are being studied in particular to prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce post-operative oedema.

The skin of red grapes is rich in resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. This compound is used to prevent metabolic diseases and age-related disorders. Red vine-based products, in various galenic forms, are effective in treating venous and capillary circulatory disorders.

How should it be used?

Red vine is used in a variety of forms in phytotherapy, including herbal teas, solid preparations for oral use, and semi-solid creams for use on the skin. The recommended dosage for adults is between 360 and 720 mg of dry extract taken orally, with a recommended duration of 12 weeks. It may be necessary to wait up to 4 weeks to see the first beneficial effects.

To treat venous insufficiency, several forms of administration are recommended:

• As an herbal tea, infuse 5 to 10 g of dried red vine leaves in 250 ml of water, twice a day.
• As a soft extract cream (282 mg for 10 g of cream), apply a thin layer to the affected area, one to three times a day.
• As a dry extract, take 270 to 350 mg orally, three to five times a day, for a treatment period of four weeks.

For the treatment of haemorrhoids or capillary fragility, the same herbal tea and dry extract are used, with a recommended treatment period of one week.

Red vine-based products are available as powders, capsules, dry or liquid extracts, or creams. Variations in composition mean that standardised products should be chosen to guarantee a constant concentration of active ingredients. Respecting the dosage recommended by the manufacturer ensures the effectiveness of the treatment.

What are the precautions for use?

Red vine leaves have one main contraindication:hypersensitivity to the active substance. Children under the age of 18, as well as pregnant or breast-feeding women, should not use it, in the absence of sufficient safety data. Side effects include nausea, gastrointestinal problems, headaches, dizziness and skin reactions such as itching, hives or erythema.

In high doses, the proanthocyanidins in red grapevine could interact with plants or medicines with anticoagulant effects, such as garlic, ginseng or warfarin. The resveratrol present in red grapevine has hormonal properties, which is why people with a history of hormone-dependent cancer are advised to avoid this plant.

As far as drug interactions are concerned, avoid combining red vine with anticoagulants, anti-inflammatories or dietary supplements rich in omega-3. In addition, it is essential to stop taking red vine 15 days before surgery to avoid any risk of bleeding.

Applying red vine to damaged skin is risky and requires medical consultation in the event of serious problems such as thrombophlebitis, intense pain or leg ulcers.