Vitis Vinifera (Common Grape Vine)

Also Known As:

• Grape

• Drakhya (Sanskrit)

• Angur (Hindi)

• Angura (Odia)

Where It Grows:

This plant is native to the Mediterranean region, Central Europe, and parts of Asia — from Morocco and Portugal to Germany and Iran.

Parts Used:

• Whole plant

• Bark

• Twigs

• Leaves

• Fruits (grapes)

• Seeds

Description:

• It’s a type of climbing plant (liana) that can grow up to 35 meters tall.

• The plant has flaky bark and large, palm-shaped leaves.

• It produces grapes as fruits, which can be:

  • Small and dark purple in wild varieties

  • Or large and green, red, or purple in cultivated varieties.

• Wild grape plants have separate male and female flowers, while cultivated ones have flowers with both male and female parts.

What It Contains:

Main beneficial substance:

• Resveratrol — known for helping with various health problems.

Other Nutrients:

• Fruits: Natural acids like tartaric and malic acid, proteins, vitamins (like Vitamin C, B1, B2, niacin), and antioxidants.

• Leaves: Contain helpful plant chemicals like flavonoids and tannins.

• Seeds: Rich in healthy oils and antioxidants.

Medicinal Uses:

Whole Plant & Fruits:

• Works as a tonic to improve overall health.

• Helps in conditions like:

  • Coughs and breathing problems

  • Swelling (dropsy)

  • Weakness and loss of appetite

  • Anemia (low blood count)

  • Sleeplessness

  • Some mental health issues

Leaves:

• Strengthen blood vessels

• Protect blood circulation

• Act as a mild diuretic (helps remove excess water)

• Help stop bleeding

Fruits (Grapes):

• Rich in vitamins

• Strengthen the body

• Help in preventing some cancers

• Protect the liver

• Promote hair growth

• Improve blood flow

Seed Oil:

• Lowers harmful fats (cholesterol) in the body

• Protects blood vessels by reducing harmful changes in blood fats

Note:

Grapes and their parts offer many health benefits but should be used carefully and preferably with advice from a health expert when used medicinally.