Plant Families & their TherapeuticsPreview
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Grape leaf

Be sure to read the main heading for Grapevine for more info on grape leaf

Properties: Anti inflammatory, antioxidant.

Total phenols from grape leaves counteract cell proliferation and modulate apoptosis-related gene expression in MCF-7 and HepG2 human cancer cell lines.

Overview:     

Knowledge of the medicinal properties of grape vine (Vitis vinifera) can be traced far back in history. In Europe, the leaves of Vitis vinifera are documented in the literature of traditional medicine for their astringent and homeostatic properties where they are utilized in the treatment of diarrhea, bleeding, haemorrhoids, varicose veins and other circulatory diseases.

Native North American indigenous peoples used the leaf tea of related fox grape (Vitis labrusca L.) for treating diarrhea, as well as for hepatitis, stomachaches and thrush and externally poulticed the wilted leaves for sore breasts, rheumatism, headaches and fevers. Other closely related Vitis species have been used similarly.

Active Ingredients:     

Grape leaves contain a wide range of polyphenol flavonoids including flavon(ol)-glycosides and glucuronides, quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucuronide (main flavonoid), isoquercitrin, anthocyanins, oligomeric proanthocyanidins, catechin, epicatechin monomers and dimers, gallic acid and astilbine. The phytoalexin trans-resveratrol, another polyphenolic substance belonging to the stilbene group, can also be found in grape vine. In grape vine leaves, also organic acids appear, mainly malic and oxalic acid but also tartaric acid; citric, fumaric and succinic acid can be detected in the leaves only in traces. Compared to the grape berries, grape leaves are richer in the content of carotenoids and vitamin C. According to the French Pharmacopeia, the dried leaves of red vine should contain at least 4% of total polyphenols and 0.2% of anthocyanins. Lardos and Kreuter 2000, explain the differences between the different flavonoids as follows: All flavonoids are characterized as having a carbon frame, which is made up of three acetate units (C6) and one phenylpropane unit (C6-C3). Quercetin and kaempferol belong to the flavons, while catechins, proanthocyanidins and anthocyanidins belong to the flavans, both sub-groups of flavonoids. Grape Leaves contain stilbene synthase which is a enzyme that helps create resveratrol in the body. And Grape Leaves also contain some resveratrol too! Red grapevine leaves, Vitis vinifera L. [Fam. Vitaceae], are rich in flavonoids including anthocyanins, oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), quercetin and isoquercitrin

Grape Leaf Extract is standardized to polyphenols and/or quercetin content    

Uses:

Circulatory System Benefits

Venous insufficiency:

Clinical trials have proven the efficacy of preparations made from Vitis vinifera leaf in the treatment of venous insufficiency. Once-daily doses of 360 and 720 mg of leaf extract were confirmed to be safe and effective in the treatment of mild chronic venous insufficiency, reducing significantly lower leg edema and circumference whilst improving other chronic symptoms to a clinically relevant extent. The edema reduction is at least equivalent to that reported for compression stockings and/or other edema-reducing agents. The higher dose was as well tolerated as the lower dose but resulted in a slightly greater and more sustained improvement. All subjective symptoms (tired, heavy legs, sensation of tension, tingling and pain in the legs) were statistically significantly improved. It has been suggested that grape vine leaf extracts and teas, being similar to red wine in flavonoid content, may be effective in decreasing the risk of atherosclerosis and ultimately coronary heart disease mortality. Quercetin, found abundantly within the leaves, is known to possess anti-cancer, anti-tumor, and other important therapeutic activities of significant potency and low systemic toxicity.     

Grape Leaves are wonderful for anyone suffering from chronic venous insufficiency, with lots of edema and swelling of the legs because their blood is not returning back to the heart correctly. And Grape Leaves help get rid of the swelling of edema and also the pain associated with this condition

Orally, grape is used for preventing cardiovascular disease .The grape leaves are also effective against disorders such as circulatory blockages - including hemorrhoids and varicose veins, especially when used in sitz baths as well as a wash for legs and hands. Used for atherosclerosis, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, edema associated with injury or surgery, and myocardial or cerebral infarction.

* Varicose Veins

* Vascular Disorders

* Venous Insufficiency

* capillary fragility

Bruises

Female Disorders

Bleeding: heavy menstrual bleeding, uterine hemorrhage

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS):

Douche for treating excess vaginal discharge in women.

Obesity

Leaf extract from Vitis vinifera L. reduces high fat diet-induced obesity.

Skin Care

The grape leaves are a special treatment for skin care. The grape leaves were used in cosmetology since at least the seventeenth century, applied to the face to give the complexion shine, and lightening. These days, they are considered as natural products for the beauty of the skin, they also, are anti-wrinkle. They provide moisture, revitalize, soften, and exfoliate the skin. The leaves contain polyphenols, molecules, rich in vitamin E, which have the power to enhance the natural protection of the skin and to fight effectively against the effects of aging.

For rough skin

Crush the grape leaves in honey.

Spread the paste on the body and face for 20 minutes.

Then rinse, pat the face with a towel without rubbing, and then apply a lotion made from grapes.

For a glowing skin

For glowing skin, mash some grapes in honey.

Put on the skin and leave on 20 minutes.

Rinse thoroughly and then apply a day cream or night. The grape leaves are used in spas in New York.

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