Grape (Vitis vinifera)

Other names
Synopsis
Uses: Health Conditions
Uses: Body Systems
Products

Other names

Grape Skin Extract
Grape Seed Extract
Whole Grape Powder

Synopsis

Vitis vinifera, commonly known as grape, is a fruit-bearing vine native to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia and cultivated worldwide. Both the fruit, seeds, and skin of grapes—especially red and purple varieties—contain potent phytonutrients, including resveratrol, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and tartaric acid, along with vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. These compounds are associated with cardiovascular protection, antioxidant activity, and cellular health.

In modern herbal and nutritional science, grapes are primarily valued for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which help protect against oxidative stress, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and age-related cognitive decline. Grape seed extract (GSE), in particular, is a concentrated source of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) and is used in supplements to support capillary integrity, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy circulation. Resveratrol, found in grape skins (and famously in red wine), is studied for its role in longevity, metabolic regulation, and neuroprotection.

Grapes and grape extracts are often included in products for heart health, skin rejuvenation, vision support (due to their effect on retinal blood vessels), and immune modulation. Both fresh grapes and their extracts are used in functional foods, juices, supplements, and skincare products.

Historical Use
Grapes have been cultivated for over 6,000 years, with early use recorded in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome, not only as food but also as medicine and sacred offerings. The Greeks and Romans used grapes for their digestive and diuretic properties, and fermented grapes (wine) were considered both a stimulant and a medicinal agent, often used in tinctures and medicinal wines to extract the healing properties of herbs.

In Ayurveda, dried grapes (raisins) are considered cooling, sweet, and rejuvenating, used to pacify Pitta, nourish the blood, and treat fevers, constipation, and lung conditions. They are also used in tonics to build stamina and calm inflammation. Grapes are included in classical formulas like Draksharishta, a fermented grape tonic for digestive and respiratory support.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), grapes are used to tonify Qi and blood, moisten dryness, and support the Liver and Kidney systems, often for symptoms like fatigue, dry cough, and weakness.

Today, grapes remain a symbol of health and longevity, and their derivatives—particularly grape seed extract and resveratrol—are widely used in evidence-based wellness strategies focused on vascular health, cellular defense, and graceful aging.

Uses: Health Conditions

Cataracts (Traditional)
Cellulite (Traditional)
Cervical Dysplasia (Traditional)
Chemical Poisoning (Traditional)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Chest Pain (Traditional)
Chicken Pox (Traditional)
Chills (Traditional)
Cholesterol (high) (Traditional)
Cholesterol (low) (Traditional)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Circulation (to the brain) (Traditional)
Cold Hands and Feet (Traditional)
Colds (antiviral) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Colds (with fever) (Traditional)
Concentration (poor) (Traditional)
Concussions (Traditional)
Confusion (Traditional)
Congestion (Traditional)
Congestion (bronchial) (Traditional)
Congestion (lungs) (Traditional)
Congestion (lymphatic) (Traditional)
Congestion (sinus) (Traditional)
Congestive Heart Failure (Traditional)
Conjunctivitis (Traditional)
Constipation (children) (Traditional)
Contagious Diseases (Traditional)
Convalescence (Traditional)
Copper Toxicity (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cough (spastic) (Traditional)
Cradle Cap (Traditional)
Cramps (leg) (Traditional)
Cramps (menstrual) (Traditional)
Cramps and Spasms (Traditional)
Cushing's Disease (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Cystic Fibrosis (Traditional)
Cysts (Traditional)
Cytomealovirus (Traditional)
Deafness (Traditional)
Debility (Traditional)
Defensiveness (Traditional)
Dementia (Traditional)
Depression (Traditional)
Dermatitis (Traditional)
Diabetes (Traditional)
Diabetic Retinopathy (Traditional)
Nose Bleeds (Traditional)
Phlebitis (Traditional)

Body Systems

Arteries (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Science)
Immune System (Science)
Mitochondria (Science)
Skin (Science)

Products containing this ingredient

Health Concerns

Brands