Introduction
Vitis vinifera Linn., commonly known as Wine Grape or European Grape, is a woody and shrubby vine that is cultivated in various regions of India, including Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The vine is grown mainly for its edible fruits. In Chinese, it is referred to as P’u-t’ao.
In Ayurveda, this plant is known as Draakshaa, Go-stani, or Mrdvikaa. The dehydrated fruit is called Daakh, Munnakaa, or Kishmish. It is also recognized in Unani medicine as Angoor, with the dehydrated fruit known as Daakh, Maweez, Zabeeb, Munaqqaa, or Kishmish. In Siddha medicine, it is referred to as Draksha.
Potential Health Benefits
The dried fruit of Vitis vinifera is considered to be nourishing and invigorating. It is commonly used in prescriptions for cough, respiratory tract catarrh, subacute cases of enlarged liver and spleen, as well as in alcohol-based tonics (Aasavs).
According to The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, dried mature fruits (5-10 g) are recommended for various conditions such as anaemia, jaundice, dyspepsia, constipation, haemorrhagic diseases, gout, cough, dyspnoea, and alcoholism.
Components of Vitis vinifera
Vitis vinifera contains several compounds including flavonoids, tannins, tartrates, inositol, carotenes, choline, and sugars. The fruit itself contains tartaric and malic acids, sugars, pectin, tannin, flavone glycosides, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, and minerals. Red leaves and red grapes also contain anthocyanins, which are known to reduce capillary permeability.
Therauptic Potential
Infusions of red leaves are used as an astringent and anti-inflammatory remedy for conditions such as diarrhea, heavy menstrual bleeding, uterine hemorrhage, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids.
Additionally, the seed of Vitis vinifera is used in the form of an Oligomeric proanthocyanidin extract. This extract is known for its ability to scavenge free radicals and is typically used in the treatment of atherosclerosis, venous insufficiency, night vision problems, as well as edema due to injury or post-surgery. In experiments with mice, the proanthocyanidin extract was found to decrease hepatotoxicity caused by acetaminophen. Grape polyphenols, extracted from the skin and seeds, have been shown to decrease hepatic injury caused by alcohol in rats, although they have no effect on ethanol-induced lipid changes.
Dosage
The recommended dosage for the dried mature fruits of Vitis vinifera is 5-10 g.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vitis vinifera, also known as Wine Grape or European Grape, is a versatile plant with various medicinal properties. It has been used in traditional Indian medicine systems like Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha to treat a range of conditions. Its antioxidant-rich compounds make it beneficial for cardiovascular health and liver function. The vine’s fruits and their extracts have been found to possess anti-inflammatory, astringent, and capillary-strengthening properties. Incorporating Vitis vinifera into your diet or following the recommended dosage of its dried fruits can provide several health benefits. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies or supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vitis vinifera Linn. commonly known as?
Vitis vinifera Linn. is commonly known as Wine Grape or European Grape.
Where is Vitis vinifera cultivated in India?
Vitis vinifera is cultivated in various regions of India, including Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
What is Vitis vinifera known as in Chinese?
In Chinese, Vitis vinifera is referred to as P’u-t’ao.
What is Vitis vinifera known as in Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda, Vitis vinifera is known as Draakshaa, Go-stani, or Mrdvikaa.
What is the dried fruit of Vitis vinifera called in Ayurveda?
The dried fruit of Vitis vinifera is called Daakh, Munnakaa, or Kishmish in Ayurveda.
What is Vitis vinifera known as in Unani medicine?
In Unani medicine, Vitis vinifera is recognized as Angoor.
What is the dried fruit of Vitis vinifera called in Unani medicine?
The dried fruit of Vitis vinifera is known as Daakh, Maweez, Zabeeb, Munaqqaa, or Kishmish in Unani medicine.
What is Vitis vinifera called in Siddha medicine?
In Siddha medicine, Vitis vinifera is referred to as Draksha.
What are some of the conditions Vitis vinifera is used for in Ayurveda?
According to The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, dried mature fruits (5-10 g) of Vitis vinifera are recommended for conditions such as anaemia, jaundice, dyspepsia, constipation, haemorrhagic diseases, gout, cough, dyspnoea, and alcoholism.
What compounds are found in Vitis vinifera?
Vitis vinifera contains several compounds including flavonoids, tannins, tartrates, inositol, carotenes, choline, and sugars.
What are some of the nutrients found in the fruit of Vitis vinifera?
The fruit of Vitis vinifera contains tartaric and malic acids, sugars, pectin, tannin, flavone glycosides, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, and minerals.
What are the benefits of the anthocyanins found in red leaves and red grapes?
Anthocyanins, found in red leaves and red grapes, are known to reduce capillary permeability and are used as an astringent and anti-inflammatory remedy for conditions such as diarrhea, heavy menstrual bleeding, uterine hemorrhage, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids.
How is the seed of Vitis vinifera used?
The seed of Vitis vinifera is used in the form of an Oligomeric proanthocyanidin extract, which is known for its ability to scavenge free radicals and is used in the treatment of conditions such as atherosclerosis, venous insufficiency, night vision problems, as well as edema due to injury or post-surgery.
What are the effects of the proanthocyanidin extract from Vitis vinifera in mice?
In experiments with mice, the proanthocyanidin extract from Vitis vinifera was found to decrease hepatotoxicity caused by acetaminophen.
What are the potential hepatoprotective effects of grape polyphenols?
Grape polyphenols, extracted from the skin and seeds, have been shown to decrease hepatic injury caused by alcohol in rats, although they have no effect on ethanol-induced lipid changes.
What is the recommended dosage for dried mature fruits of Vitis vinifera?
The recommended dosage for dried mature fruits of Vitis vinifera is 5-10 g.
What are the medicinal properties of Vitis vinifera?
Vitis vinifera has several medicinal properties, including its antioxidant-rich compounds, which make it beneficial for cardiovascular health and liver function. It also possesses anti-inflammatory, astringent properties.
