Grape (Vitis vinifera)

Grapes are native to southern Europe and western Asia but are cultivated in warm temperate regions throughout the world. They grow in bunches (from 6 to 300) on woody, climbing vines. These fruits come in a variety of colours, including black, blue, golden, green, red, white, and purple.

Parts used :

Seed, fruit peel

Botany

Grapes are native to southern Europe and western Asia but are cultivated in warm temperate regions throughout the world. They grow in bunches (from 6 to 300) on woody, climbing vines. These fruits come in a variety of colours, including black, blue, golden, green, red, white, and purple.

Constituents

Particularly rich in tannins (notably procyanidolic oligomers[OPC]), flavonoids (kaempferol), and stilbenes (resveratrol and viniferins) have been reported as well as certain acids including tartaric, malic and citric acids.

Possible Interactions

Herbs - None documented. Drugs - Possibly phenacetin and warfarin.

Comments

Although grape seed has been suggested for many conditions, the best evidence supports its use for its antioxidant effects, for improving cardiovascular health, for retinopathy and for swelling that occurs after surgery or after an injury. Preliminary evidence suggests OPCs may provide greater protection against reactive oxygen species than vitamin E, vitamin C or beta-carotene. OPCs are also thought to limit the proteolytic enzymes collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase and beta glucuronidase involved in cartilage and vasculature degeneration.

➥ Pharmacopoeia and Other Monographs

ESCOP 2003, German Commission

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