Red grapevine

See also: Red grape seed oil in cosmetics - Extract of red vine leaves in cosmetics

What's this

The red vine ( Vitis vinifera ) is, along with the blueberry ( Vaccinium myrtillus ), one of the most known and used drugs when an antioxidant, anti-edema and protective action on the microcirculation is needed.

Active principles

The most important components are found in the leaves, which are harvested at the end of the harvest, when they have assumed the characteristic reddish shades (from which the term "red vine" originates). The chemical substances in question, belonging to the category of polyphenols (resveratrol) and in particular of bioflavonoids (anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins), are also found in the peel of fruits and seeds, from which the beneficial properties ascribed to a moderate consumption of red wine derive and grapeseed oil.

Property

The red vine bioflavonoids have an intense antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Their most important action is, however, carried out at a capillary level, where they positively influence the vasal permeability, preventing this oversize increase and carrying edema and swelling with it. Procyanidins are in fact able to stabilize collagen fibers and inhibit the catabolic activity of elastase, an enzyme that leads to the degradation of this key connective tissue protein.

Side effects

No major side effects associated with the consumption of red vine leaves are still known. As a precautionary measure, however, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Loans

In the market there are standardized extracts in proanthocyanidins, indicated for capillary fragility, edema, hemorrhoids, cellulite, water retention and for tired, aching and heavy legs.

The red vine is a typical ingredient of many products for topical use (creams, gels, etc.), indicated in the treatment of the same ailments and to be applied on the legs, exercising, with the fingers, rotary movements that go from the bottom upwards . Its therapeutic activity is such as to make it also a common active ingredient of numerous vasoprotective drugs.