Red vine: what are the dangers and contraindications?

Reminder of the benefits of red vine (Vitis vinifera)

Definition of red vine

A shrub native to Asia Minor, red vine (Vitis vinifera) has been widely used since Antiquity.

It was particularly valued and cultivated by the Egyptians and Greeks.

In addition to its use as a food, the red vine soon became renowned for its medicinal properties, in particular its antioxidant effects and its benefits for blood circulation (1).

Benefits of Vitis vinifera: antioxidant and excellent for circulation

To describe its health benefits more precisely, red vine:

• is packed with polyphenols that help protect cells and tissues against oxidative stress (2).
• contains bioflavonoids, which help return blood from the lower part of the body to the heart, and thus help to combat venous insufficiency. They act by strengthening blood vessel walls (by stabilising structural proteins such as collagen) and reducing their permeability, which limits fluid leakage. Red vine treatments are therefore valued in cases of heavy legs, varicose veins, haemorrhoidal attacks, calf cramps, oedema, itching and other symptoms associated with venous insufficiency (3-4).
• helps blood vessels to dilate, thereby contributing to the maintenance of healthy blood pressure and good cardiovascular health.

Red grapevine is therefore commonly used in antioxidant food supplements that are good for blood circulation (such as the synergistic Triple Vino Circulation formula, which combines 3 parts of the grapevine rich in polyphenols: red grapevine leaves, grape seeds and grape marc).

Dangers, contraindications and precautions for red vine

A healthy remedy with a few contraindications

The astonishing thing about red vine is that, according to current research, it presents no danger to people in good health (excluding pregnant or breastfeeding women).

However, you should be aware that the oligoanthocyanidins present in red vine extracts may interact with anticoagulant and blood-thinning medicines, supplements, plants and herbal teas.

You should therefore seek the advice of a healthcare professional if you are taking any of these before taking a course of red vine.

Some people may also be allergic to red vine (although this is rare).

What are the side effects of taking red vine?

A few rare, mild, undesirable side effects have been noted during red vine cures, such as:

• nausea;
• digestive problems;
• headaches;
• and dizziness.

If you experience any of these symptoms during a course of treatment, take a break.

If the symptoms disappear, they may have been due to your Vitis vinifera food supplement.

When can I expect to see results from red vine?

The recommended course of treatment is 12 weeks.

It may take up to 4 weeks to feel the benefits.

Can I take a red vine supplement every day?

If there are no contraindications, it is generally possible to take a red vine supplement on a daily basis, with breaks for a few weeks during the year, for example.

Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the product label.