Vitis vinifera(Vitaceae) - Grapes

(Grape Vine)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Vitis vinifera

Family: Vitaceae

Genus: Vitis

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Cissus quadrangularis (Hadjod, Asthisamharaka) - A quintessential Ayurvedic herb of South Indian origin, famous for its bone-healing properties.

• Leea indica (Bandicoot Berry) - A plant found in the Indian subcontinent whose leaves and roots are used in traditional medicine for skin diseases and diarrhea.The Vitaceae family is characterized by climbing vines, many of which have medicinal value, particularly for musculoskeletal health.

2. Common Names:Scientific Name: Vitis vinifera | English: Grape Vine, European Grape | Sanskrit: Draksha, Mridvika, Gostani | Hindi: Angur, Draksh | Tamil: Kottai Drakshai, Tiratchai | Telugu: Draksha, Gostani | Kannada: Drakshi, Draakshi Balli | Malayalam: Munthiringa, Muntiri | Bengali: Angur, Dadra | Nepali: Angur | Urdu: Angoor | French: Vigne | Spanish: Vid, Parra | Italian: Vite | German: Weinrebe | Chinese: Pútao | Russian: Vinograd | Japanese: Budō | Afrikaans: Druif |

3. Medicinal UsesCardioprotective, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Demulcent (soothes membranes), Mild Laxative, Expectorant, Hepatoprotective (liver-protecting), Diuretic, Rejuvenative (Rasayana).

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Polyphenols (in Grapes & Seeds):

• Resveratrol: A famous stilbenoid with potent Antioxidant, Cardioprotective, and Anti-inflammatory properties. It is known to support heart health and longevity.

• Proanthocyanidins: Especially concentrated in seeds, these are powerful Antioxidants that protect blood vessels and support Cardioprotective and Anti-inflammatory actions.

• Anthocyanins: Pigments in red/purple grapes that are strong Antioxidants.

Flavonoids: Such as quercetin and kaempferol, which enhance the overall Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory profile.

Tartaric Acid and Malic Acid: Provide the characteristic tart taste and may aid digestion.

Sugars (Glucose, Fructose): Provide quick energy, contributing to the Rejuvenative (Rasayana) and nutritive quality.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Rasayana (Rejuvenative Tonic for Health & Longevity)

Formulation: Drakshasava (fermented Ayurvedic preparation) or fresh fruit.

Preparation & Use: Fresh ripe grapes or Drakshasava are consumed regularly to improve vitality, strength, and overall health. It is considered a tonic for the heart, blood, and digestive system.

Reasoning: The high antioxidant content (Resveratrol, etc.) protects cells from oxidative damage, a key factor in aging and disease. The simple sugars provide easily accessible energy.

Cardioprotective & Blood Tonic (for Heart Health and Anemia)

Formulation: Fresh grape juice or raisins.

Preparation & Use: A glass of fresh grape juice is consumed daily to strengthen the heart muscle, improve blood quality, and help with mild anemia.

Reasoning: The polyphenols improve endothelial function, reduce LDL cholesterol oxidation, and have mild blood-thinning effects. The iron and copper content in raisins supports red blood cell formation.

Demulcent & Expectorant (for Dry Cough and Constipation)

Formulation: Soaked raisins or decoction.

Preparation & Use: A handful of raisins are soaked overnight in water and consumed the next morning along with the water to relieve dry constipation and soothe a dry, irritated throat and cough.

Reasoning: The moist, fleshy fruit pulp has a Demulcent property, coating and soothing the mucous membranes. The fiber in raisins adds bulk to the stool, aiding its passage.

6. Culinary uses- Decoction, teas, juices and Healing recipes.

Grapes and raisins are versatile and used widely in both sweet and savory dishes, as well as in medicinal preparations.

Soothing Raisin Decoction for Cough and Constipation (Draksha Panak)

Purpose: To relieve dry cough and constipation by moisturizing the respiratory and digestive tracts.

Preparation & Use:

1. Take 15-20 seedless raisins (Draksha).

2. Soak them in a cup of water for 4-6 hours or overnight.

3. Mash the raisins well in the same water and strain.

4. Drink this soothing liquid on an empty stomach in the morning.

Rejuvenative Grape Juice (For General Health and Energy)

Purpose: A refreshing and antioxidant-rich tonic.

Preparation & Use:

1. Wash a cup of fresh, ripe grapes (preferably dark-colored).

2. Blend and strain, or juice them.

3. Drink a glass daily as a part of your breakfast or as an evening refreshment.

4. Do not add sugar.

Nutritive Raisin Paste (For Strength and Weight Gain)

Purpose: A nutritive supplement for children, the elderly, or those recovering from illness.

Preparation & Use:

1. Grind a cup of seedless raisins with a few almonds and cardamom pods into a fine paste.

2. This paste can be consumed as is, 1-2 teaspoons daily, or mixed with warm milk.

7. Disclaimer:Grapes are generally safe for consumption as food. However, due to their high sugar content, individuals with diabetes should consume them in moderation. Raisins are calorie-dense. The medicinal preparation Drakshasava contains a small amount of natural alcohol and should be taken as per an Ayurvedic practitioner's advice. Drug interactions with high doses of resveratrol supplements are possible; consult a doctor if on medication.

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8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Bhava Prakasha Nighantu by Bhava Mishra

• Dravyaguna Vijnana by Dr. J.L.N. Sastry

• The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

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9. Further study:Heart-Leaved Moonseed (Tinospora cordifolia): Scientific name: Tinospora cordifolia. Family: Menispermaceae. Known as Giloy or Guduchi in Sanskrit, it is another premier Rasayana (rejuvenative) in Ayurveda, sharing immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties with grapes.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba): Scientific name: Ginkgo biloba. Family: Ginkgoaceae. While from a different family and continent, it shares a strong focus on flavonoid and terpene antioxidants (ginkgolides) that support cardiovascular health and cognitive function, similar to the cardioprotective and antioxidant profile of grape seed extract.