Red vine: 4 health benefits you need to know

What is red vine?

Red vine (Vitis vinifera) is a climbing plant belonging to the Vitaceae family; it has been cultivated for thousands of years for its grapes and has also long been used in traditional phytotherapy.

In ancient civilisations – particularly among the Greeks and Romans – its leaves, fruit and sometimes the pomace were consumed in the form of infusions, macerations or extracts, primarily to support the circulatory system and maintain leg comfort.

Even today, this plant is of particular interest for its traditional action on venous tone and microcirculation.

The 4 recognised benefits of red vine

Red vine is naturally rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins and proanthocyanidin oligomers (OPCs), plant compounds renowned for their antioxidant activity. It has 4 recognised health benefits.

Improving venous health

Red vine leaves are naturally rich in bioflavonoids (including anthocyanins and flavonic derivatives), which help to maintain good blood circulation.

They are recognised for their role in supporting venous tone and capillary resistance, promoting better venous return, particularly in the lower limbs.

This action contributes to leg comfort and a feeling of lightness.

At a biological level, certain in vitro studies have shown that red vine leaf extracts modulate the expression of cellular mediators involved in local inflammatory responses, notably IL-8, a factor associated with vascular permeability (1).

Anti-oedema and draining effects

Red vine leaf is traditionally used for its beneficial effect on venous circulation, which may help to limit the sensation of swelling in the legs and ankles associated with poor redistribution of body fluids.

In a randomised controlled clinical trial, participants with venous circulation problems observed a significant reduction in calf volume after 12 weeks of supplementation, accompanied by an improvement in leg comfort (2).

Depending on the dose used (360 or 720 mg per day), the average reduction observed was between 75 and 100 grams, reflecting a measurable modulation of tissue volumes.

These results suggest that red vine leaf may contribute to a better distribution of fluids in the tissues, making the lower limbs feel lighter and more comfortable.

Protective antioxidant action

Red vine leaf is naturally rich in flavonoids and proanthocyanidins (OPCs), a family of polyphenols renowned for their strong antioxidant activity.

These compounds help to protect cells against oxidative stress, a phenomenon implicated in cell ageing and tissue fragility, particularly in the lining of blood vessels.

Scientific studies indicate that OPCs from grapes may help to reduce certain markers of oxidative stress on DNA, and other research suggests an increase in the overall antioxidant capacity of plasma in subjects who have consumed procyanidin-rich extracts (4).

These data support the hypothesis that red vine may help to strengthen the body's natural defences against oxidative damage, thereby helping to maintain vascular health.

Support for microcirculation

The polyphenols contained in red vine, in particular flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, have been studied for their role in maintaining the integrity of small blood vessels and vascular flexibility.

Some research suggests that these compounds may have a positive influence on microcirculation, promoting better tissue perfusion and a more efficient supply of oxygen at the cellular level.

This action would partly explain the traditional interest in red vine for sensations of heavy legs or circulatory discomfort.

In a study carried out on people with venous disorders, an extract of Vitis vinifera showed an improvement in certain circulatory parameters, in particular a reduction in venous reflux time and a decrease in the volume of the lower limbs (4).

These data support the idea that red vine could help preserve functional microcirculation, a key element in daily vascular comfort.

Taking red vine as a dietary supplement

Supplementation is a valuable option for benefiting from red grapevine's active compounds in a standardised and practical way, particularly when diet alone is not enough to achieve a regular intake of polyphenols.

Some formulas combine different parts of the vine – the leaves, seeds and pomace – which are naturally rich in flavonoids, tannins and proanthocyanidins.

Discover Triple Vino Circulation, a complete formula combining red vine leaves, grape seeds and grape marc for overall support of circulatory balance.

Resveratrol is one of the most studied polyphenols derived from grapes and certain plants (in particular Vitis vinifera and Polygonum cuspidatum).

It is the subject of growing scientific interest due to its antioxidant properties and possible interactions with cellular systems involved in protecting tissues from oxidative ageing (5).

Some research suggests a potential role for resveratrol in modulating antioxidant and inflammatory mechanisms, as well as in metabolic pathways associated with cellular longevity.

Discover Resveratrol, a concentrated extract from Vitis vinifera and Polygonum cuspidatum, formulated to provide a targeted supply of polyphenols.

As with all dietary supplements, red vine and resveratrol should be used in recommended doses. Medical advice is advised in the event of ongoing treatment, a particular condition (pregnancy, breastfeeding) or circulatory sensitivity.