Are Vine Leaves Anti-Inflammatory? A Deep Dive into Their Benefits

November 20, 2025 •

5 min read

For centuries, grape leaves have been a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, and modern science is confirming what traditional medicine has long suggested: vine leaves are anti-inflammatory due to their rich antioxidant profile. A wealth of research supports their anti-inflammatory potential, highlighting their use in treating various conditions.

Quick Summary

Scientific studies show that the flavonoids and polyphenols within vine leaves, including quercetin and resveratrol, offer significant anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing key inflammatory pathways and reducing cellular damage.

Key Points

Rich in Polyphenols: Vine leaves contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including potent anti-inflammatory flavonoids like quercetin, kaempferol, and resveratrol.
Inhibits Inflammatory Pathways: Extracts from vine leaves have been shown in studies to suppress the NF-κB pathway and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-8.
Powerful Antioxidant Effects: The polyphenols in vine leaves function as antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals that contribute to oxidative stress and exacerbate inflammation.
Supports Circulatory Health: Red vine leaf extract is clinically used to reduce swelling and improve circulation in individuals with chronic venous insufficiency.
Culinary and Medicinal History: Vine leaves have been used for centuries in Mediterranean cooking (e.g., dolma) and folk medicine to treat inflammation and digestive issues.
Versatile Consumption Methods: Benefits can be obtained from eating fresh or brined leaves, drinking tea made from the leaves, or using concentrated extracts in supplement form.

The Traditional Use of Vine Leaves

Long before modern research, vine leaves were prized in traditional medicine across different cultures for their therapeutic properties. In regions like the Mediterranean and Middle East, they were used to treat a variety of ailments, including circulatory problems, inflammatory conditions, and gastrointestinal issues. These traditional applications, passed down through generations, often involved using the leaves as teas, poultices, or incorporating them into staple foods like dolma (stuffed vine leaves). Today, scientists are identifying the precise mechanisms that explain these long-held beliefs, focusing on the powerful bioactive compounds found within the leaves.

The Anti-Inflammatory Compounds in Vine Leaves

Research has identified several key phytochemicals in Vitis vinifera leaves that are responsible for their anti-inflammatory activity. These compounds work synergistically to provide a potent therapeutic effect.

Polyphenols and Flavonoids

The most significant contributors are the polyphenolic compounds, a broad class of antioxidants that includes various flavonoids. Notable examples found in grape leaves include:

Quercetin: A well-known flavonoid with powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects. It works by inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes and signaling pathways.
Resveratrol: Famous for its presence in red wine, this potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound is also found in grape leaves. Resveratrol helps suppress inflammatory markers like TNF-α and IL-6.
Kaempferol: This flavonoid has demonstrated its ability to inhibit inflammation by modulating signaling pathways such as NF-κB and MAPK, and suppressing the production of inflammatory mediators.
Gallic Acid: A phenolic acid with established anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Tannins: These compounds act as potent antioxidants and have been shown to reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative damage.

How These Compounds Target Inflammation

The anti-inflammatory power of vine leaves comes from their ability to intervene in the complex biological pathways that cause inflammation. Key mechanisms include:

NF-κB Pathway Inhibition: Inflammation often starts with the activation of the NF-κB pathway, which regulates the expression of numerous pro-inflammatory genes. Vine leaf extracts can inhibit this pathway, preventing the transcription and release of inflammatory cytokines.
Cytokine Suppression: Studies show that vine leaf extracts can significantly reduce the production of cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), which are central mediators of the inflammatory response.
Antioxidant Activity: Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants, can trigger and exacerbate inflammation. The polyphenols in vine leaves are potent scavengers of free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and, consequently, dampening the inflammatory cascade.
Enzyme Modulation: Some flavonoids in vine leaves are known to inhibit enzymes like cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which are involved in the production of pain and inflammatory mediators.

Practical Applications Supported by Science

Beyond their culinary use, vine leaf extracts have been studied for specific therapeutic applications, particularly for conditions involving chronic inflammation.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)

Red vine leaf extract is a registered over-the-counter medication in some European countries for treating symptoms of CVI, a condition where poor blood flow in the leg veins causes pain, swelling, and a sensation of heaviness. Studies show that the extract improves leg microcirculation, strengthens blood vessel walls, and reduces edema (swelling), all of which are linked to reducing localized inflammation.

Gastrointestinal Health

In traditional medicine, vine leaves were used for ailments like diarrhea and stomachaches, and recent in vitro studies support their use for gastric inflammation. Research has shown that extracts can inhibit the NF-κB pathway in human gastric epithelial cells, suggesting a protective effect on the gastrointestinal lining.

Bioactive Compounds and Their Role in Fighting Inflammation


Compound	Primary Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism	Additional Health Benefits
Quercetin	Inhibits pro-inflammatory enzymes (e.g., COX, LOX) and pathways (e.g., NF-κB); stabilizes mast cells.	Cardioprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-allergic.
Resveratrol	Suppresses inflammatory cytokine expression (TNF-α, IL-6); potent antioxidant activity.	Cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti-obesity.
Kaempferol	Modulates NF-κB and MAPK pathways; suppresses iNOS and COX-2.	Antioxidant, neuroprotective, cardioprotective.
Gallic Acid	Acts as a powerful antioxidant, scavenging free radicals involved in inflammatory processes.	Hepatoprotective, antimicrobial.
Proanthocyanidins	Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation; supports skin health and collagen synthesis.	Cardioprotective, anti-aging.

How to Incorporate Vine Leaves into Your Diet

There are several ways to enjoy the anti-inflammatory benefits of vine leaves, from traditional dishes to modern supplements. Here are a few ideas:

Fresh or Brined: Use fresh leaves (harvested when young and tender) or commercially brined ones for stuffing. Rinse brined leaves thoroughly to reduce sodium content.
Stuffed Vine Leaves (Dolma): A classic preparation, dolma involves stuffing the leaves with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat, then simmering them in a flavorful broth.
Teas and Infusions: Steep dried vine leaves in hot water to create a soothing herbal tea. This method can help extract the water-soluble compounds.
Supplements: Standardized red vine leaf extract (AS 195) is available in capsule form and has been clinically studied for its efficacy in treating CVI and related inflammation.
Salads: Tender, fresh leaves can be blanched and added to salads for a slightly tangy flavor.

Precautions and Considerations

While vine leaves are generally safe, some precautions are necessary. Commercially processed, brined leaves can contain high levels of sodium, which individuals with hypertension should limit. Additionally, excessive consumption of any fibrous food can cause bloating or gas. As with any herbal remedy, pregnant women or individuals with pre-existing health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before using vine leaf products, especially concentrated extracts. It is important to remember that most studies on anti-inflammatory effects have used concentrated extracts, not typical dietary amounts, so outcomes may vary.

Conclusion

Based on a growing body of scientific evidence, vine leaves are anti-inflammatory, thanks to their high concentration of bioactive compounds like quercetin, kaempferol, and resveratrol. These polyphenols work by inhibiting key inflammatory pathways, suppressing inflammatory cytokines, and reducing oxidative stress. From their long history of use in traditional medicine to modern clinical studies supporting their use for conditions like chronic venous insufficiency, the anti-inflammatory potential of vine leaves is well-established. Incorporating them into a balanced diet is a delicious and nutritious way to potentially benefit from their health-promoting properties.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vine leaves contain active compounds, primarily flavonoids and polyphenols such as quercetin and resveratrol. These compounds inhibit pro-inflammatory pathways (like NF-κB), suppress the release of inflammatory cytokines, and provide strong antioxidant effects that combat cellular damage from oxidative stress.

Yes, incorporating stuffed vine leaves into your diet can provide anti-inflammatory benefits. They are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, though the amount of active compounds can vary. For a healthier version, opt for homemade dolma to control the sodium content often found in brined leaves.

Some studies focus specifically on red vine leaf extract, noting its high concentration of anthocyanins, which contributes to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly for circulatory health. However, green grape leaves also contain many of the same beneficial polyphenols, though their concentration may vary by variety and growing conditions.

Yes, red vine leaf extract is a recognized remedy in several European countries for symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). It works by strengthening blood vessel walls, improving microcirculation, and reducing edema and other signs of inflammation in the legs.

Key antioxidants include flavonoids like quercetin, resveratrol, and kaempferol, along with phenolic acids such as caffeic acid and gallic acid. These compounds work together to protect against oxidative damage.

When consumed as part of a typical diet, vine leaves are generally safe. However, commercially preserved (brined) leaves can be high in sodium, and excessive fiber intake can cause bloating. Concentrated supplements should be used with caution, especially by pregnant women or those with specific medical conditions.

Vine leaf extract, by acting as both an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant, can help reduce inflammation at the cutaneous level. In vitro studies have shown it can inhibit inflammation induced by UV radiation and other pro-inflammatory agents, suggesting potential benefits for inflammatory skin conditions.