However, this doesn’t mean vine leaves aren’t healthy. There is ample research on the properties and health benefits of red vine leaves and several uses have been identified: Kiesewetter et al’s (2000) randomised double-blind placebo-controlled parallel group multicentre study aimed to assess the efficacy of AS 195 in treating symptoms of CVI. Success was measured in terms of limb volume and ankle and calf circumference reduction, as well as by subjective questioning of the trial subjects about their symptoms. Patients were recruited into one of three study arms: 360mg red vine leaf extract AS 195 per day; 720mg red vine leaf extract AS 195 per day; or placebo.

Recent studies have investigated the action of flavonoids in preventing atherosclerotic plaques (Hollman and Katan, 1997). Bioflavonoids or flavonoids are a class of water-soluble substances found in a number of plants or plant-derived products. It is believed that flavonoids have a wide range of beneficial effects when taken in the diet, including anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic and antiviral action. Formica and Regelson (1995) concluded that flavonoids are important in the maintenance of capillary wall integrity and resistance. The results were even better for those who took a higher dose. This was in contrast to those who took the placebo. The patients that used the placebo treatment recorded no decrease in either volume or circumference of the legs. Some, in fact, recorded an increase instead. Researchers next assessed the best dose in a 12-week study involving 257 men and women with mild to moderate chronic venous insufficiency. One group took 360mg red vine leaf extracts per day, one took 720mg daily, while another took placebo. The usual dose is 360 mg to 720 mg daily, but follow manufacturer’s instructions as the concentration of red vine leaf extracts vary. Only select supplements made to a pharmaceutical standard known as GMP, as low quality red vine leaf products (on sale in health food shops in Japan) were found to contain low levels of active polyphenols, and inconsistent levels per tablet. In contrast, in France, Germany and Italy these natural extracts have been widely researched and used for decades, either as nutritional supplements or even actual medicines and are very popular with women suffering from CVI, water retention and cellulite.Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is mainly caused by venous and capillary hypertension and this leads to a persistent, chronic, venous stasis in the skin of the lower leg. Typical CVI complaints, such as tired, heavy and swollen legs, and tension and pain in the legs, are the warning signs of a progressive, chronic condition. Leach, M.J. (2004) Making sense of the venous leg ulcer debate: a literature review. Journal of Wound Care; 13: 4, 52-56.

While eating grape leaves on a regular basis does not produce any side effects, taking pure extracts made from red leaves can engender moderate side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort. However, stomach problems have been shown to resolve themselves and are only encountered when recommended doses are exceeded. Overall, the naturally-occurring constituents in red grape leaves are an excellent natural remedy for varicose veins, wonderful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cancer-preventive agent as well as strong natural antimicrobial. Prices and special offers: Subject to change without prior notice. Special offers can not be combined. Red Vine Leaf Extract (AS 195) Can Improve Some Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency, a Systematic Review Out of the 56 studies assessed in the trial, 5 clinical trials were selected according to the strictest inclusion criteria. According to those studies, oral intake of red vine leaf extract significantly improved all the above clinical outcomes, namely lower leg volume, calf and ankle circumference, tired/heavy legs, tingling sensation, pain, tension sensation in the legs.Kiesewetter, H. et al (2000) Efficacy of orally administered extract of red vine leaf AS 195 (folia vitis viniferae) in chronic venous insufficiency (stages I-II). Arzneimittelforschung; 50: 2, 109-117. Although the red vine leaf extract studies were small in number, the available evidence suggests that AS 195 has properties that may help to maintain healthy leg-vein function. As such, its role in the prevention of CVI and in ameliorating established venous disease could be further explored. Such investigations may include evaluation of the correction of early vein changes to prevent venous ulceration and the role of red vine leaf extract in maintaining leg-vein integrity, thus leading to enhanced treatment options and a recurrence-prevention strategy. Several natural supplements are used for CVI which can help relieve symptoms of the condition, including centella asiatica/gotu kola extract, hesperidin, diosmin, butcher’s broom extract, escin/horse chestnut extract and red vine leaf extract among others. One of the first studies to assess the effectiveness of red vine leaf extracts (Antistax) asked 71 people with leg swelling (due to chronic venous insufficiency) to take 360mg red vine leaf extracts, or placebo during two separate periods of 6 weeks. This meant that each person tried both treatments and acted as their own controls.