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← The ApothecaryVitaceaeleaves (of red-fleshed varieties), seeds (grape seed extract), fruitFact-checked 23 October 2026

Grape vine

Vitis vinifera

Also calledRed vine leaf, Vitis viniferae folium (pharmacy) · Grapevine

Leaves of red-fleshed grape varieties are a European medicine for chronic venous insufficiency, with an EMA well-established-use monograph: an extract reduced leg swelling slightly in a 12-week trial. Grape seed extract is sold for cholesterol and blood pressure with small, mixed results. The fruit itself is food.

Full natural-history sheet →

What it is used for

  • EMA well-established use: red vine leaf dry extract for chronic venous insufficiency (swollen legs, varicose veins, heavy, tired, painful or cramping calves). In a 12-week trial in 248 patients the extract AS 195 reduced lower-leg volume by about 20 ml more than placebo and eased leg pain slightly; a 2020 review of 5 trials found benefit on some signs and symptoms in only some trials.1,2,3

  • Leg-volume reduction in venous insufficiency is the measured outcome of the main trials; the EMA warns that swelling not improving within 2 weeks may have other causes and needs a doctor.1,2

  • Grape seed extract: a 2020 review of 11 small studies (536 people) found possible lowering of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, not total or HDL cholesterol (NCCIH).4

  • Grape seed extract: a 2022 review of 19 studies (1,080 people) found lower diastolic but not systolic blood pressure, with inconsistent results (NCCIH).4

  • Haemorrhoids
    Traditional

    EMA traditional use for itching and burning of haemorrhoids after a doctor has excluded serious conditions.1

How it is prepared

dry extract / capsule

Standardised aqueous dry extract (4–6:1) in tablets or capsules.

EMA monograph (well-established use): 360–720 mg daily, adults only, for 12 weeks; benefit may take 2–3 weeks to appear.

Circulation and varicose veins · Fluid retention

infusion

Dried red vine leaves steeped in boiling water.

EMA monograph (traditional use): 5–10 g dried leaves in 250 ml boiling water, twice daily, adults only.

Circulation and varicose veins · Haemorrhoids

ointment / salve

Cream containing red vine leaf soft extract, applied thinly to the legs 1–3 times daily; not on broken skin, around the eyes or on mucous membranes.

EMA monograph (traditional use): 10 g cream contains 282 mg soft extract.

Circulation and varicose veins

Amounts are as recorded by the named source, not a recommendation.

Safety

Pregnancy
Insufficient data
Breastfeeding
Insufficient data
Children
EMA: not recommended under 18 (insufficient safety data).

Do not use if

  • Known hypersensitivity
  • Leg swelling with skin inflammation, thrombophlebitis, hardening under the skin, ulcers, severe pain or sudden swelling of one or both legs, or heart or kidney failure — these need a doctor first

Side effects

  • Allergic skin reactions (itching, redness, hives)
  • Nausea, stomach complaints and headache

In the healing traditions

  • Western herbalism

    Red vine leaf

    Leaf tea and extracts for heavy, tired legs, minor vein problems and fragile skin capillaries.

  • Modern pharmacology

    AS 195 (red vine leaf dry extract)

    Standardised flavonoid-rich red vine leaf extract (marketed as Antistax) studied in randomised trials for chronic venous insufficiency.

Active compounds

flavonoids
the standardised constituents of red vine leaf extract

History

The EMA documents at least 30 years of traditional use of red vine leaf for heavy legs and minor vein complaints, including 15 in the EU. Randomised trials of the standardised extract AS 195 supported a well-established-use monograph for chronic venous insufficiency.

Sources

  1. 1.EMA/HMPC: European Union herbal monograph on Vitis vinifera L., folium, Rev. 1
  2. 2.Rabe E et al. Efficacy and tolerability of a red-vine-leaf extract in patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency – results of a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2011
  3. 3.Red vine leaf extract (AS 195) can improve some signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, a systematic review. Phytother Res 2020
  4. 4.NCCIH: Grape Seed Extract
  5. 5.EMA: Vitis viniferae folium – herbal medicinal product (summary)
  6. 6.Therapeutic approach to chronic venous insufficiency – clinical benefits of red-vine-leaf-extract AS 195 (Antistax). Pharmazie 2019

Reference, not prescription. Nothing here is medical advice. Herbs can interact with medicines and be dangerous in pregnancy; tell your doctor or pharmacist about anything you take.