# Draksha (Vitis vinifera)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/draksha
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 8 / 10
**Category:** Ayurveda
**Also Known As:** Vitis vinifera, Grape, Common Grape Vine, European Grape, Wine Grape, Angur, Munakka, Kishmish

## Overview

Draksha (Vitis vinifera) contains resveratrol and proanthocyanidins that support [cardiovascular health](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) by reducing LDL cholesterol oxidation. These polyphenolic compounds also help regulate blood sugar levels through alpha-glucosidase enzyme inhibition.

## Health Benefits

• [Cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) support through reduced LDL oxidation and improved HDL levels (preliminary human trials) • Blood sugar management via reduced postprandial glucose spikes from fiber and organic acids (small uncontrolled trials) • [Immune system](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) enhancement showing modest salivary IgA boost (small Mumbai hospital pilot) • [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects reducing TNF-α and IL-6 by 30% (animal liver models only) • [Antioxidant protection](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) from polyphenols including resveratrol and OPCs (primarily in-vitro data)

## Mechanism of Action

Draksha's resveratrol activates SIRT1 enzymes and inhibits NF-κB pathways, reducing [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation). Proanthocyanidins block alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase enzymes in the small intestine, slowing carbohydrate absorption. The organic acids and fiber content further delay gastric emptying and glucose release.

## Clinical Summary

Preliminary human trials show draksha supplementation reduces LDL oxidation by 15-20% and increases HDL levels by 8-12% over 8-12 weeks. Small uncontrolled studies (n=20-40) demonstrate 25-30% reductions in postprandial glucose spikes when consumed with meals. One pilot study found modest increases in salivary IgA levels, suggesting [immune support](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), though larger controlled trials are needed to confirm these effects.

## Nutritional Profile

Per 100 g fresh Draksha (Vitis vinifera) fruit: **Macronutrients:** Calories ~67–70 kcal; Carbohydrates 17–18 g (primarily glucose 7–8 g and fructose 7–8 g, with trace sucrose); Dietary fiber 0.9–1.0 g (soluble pectin ~0.3 g, insoluble cellulose/hemicellulose ~0.6 g); Protein 0.6–0.7 g; Fat 0.3–0.4 g (seed oil rich in linoleic acid ~60–70% of fatty acid content when seeds are consumed). **Vitamins:** Vitamin C 10–11 mg (bioavailability ~70–90%, degrades with heat/storage); Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) 14–15 µg; Thiamine (B1) 0.07 mg; Riboflavin (B2) 0.07 mg; Pyridoxine (B6) 0.09 mg; Folate 2–4 µg; Vitamin A as β-carotene 60–70 µg (limited conversion, ~12:1 ratio to retinol). **Minerals:** Potassium 190–210 mg; Copper 0.04–0.13 mg; Manganese 0.07 mg; Iron 0.36 mg (non-heme, bioavailability ~2–5%, enhanced by co-present vitamin C); Magnesium 7 mg; Phosphorus 20 mg; Calcium 10–14 mg; Zinc 0.07 mg. **Key Bioactive Compounds (particularly in dark/black varieties prized in Ayurveda as Kali Draksha):** Resveratrol (trans-resveratrol) 0.2–1.5 mg/100 g fresh fruit (concentrated in skin; oral bioavailability very low ~1–5% due to rapid hepatic glucuronidation and sulfation, though microbial metabolites may retain activity); Quercetin 1–3 mg/100 g (bioavailability ~2–5% as aglycone, improved with fat co-ingestion); Catechins (epicatechin, epigallocatechin) 5–15 mg/100 g (mainly in seeds and skin; bioavailability ~5–10%); Proanthocyanidins (oligomeric proanthocyanidins/OPCs) 20–80 mg/100 g in whole fruit with seeds (higher in seeds ~60–70 mg/g seed extract; absorption of dimers/trimers ~10%, larger polymers poorly absorbed but undergo colonic microbial [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) to bioactive phenylvalaric acids); Anthocyanins (malvidin-3-glucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside) 30–750 mg/100 g in dark-skinned varieties (bioavailability ~1–2% as intact glycosides, but colonic metabolites such as protocatechuic acid and gallic acid are well absorbed); Tartaric acid 300–700 mg/100 g (unique to grapes, acts as natural [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and enhances mineral solubility); Malic acid 100–300 mg/100 g; Citric acid 30–50 mg/100 g. **Organic acids** collectively contribute to the Amla (sour) rasa noted in Ayurvedic texts and modulate postprandial glycemic response. **Ayurveda-relevant bioavailability notes:** Traditional Ayurvedic preparations such as Draksha consumed with honey (Madhu) or as Draksharishta (self-generated fermented tonic, ~5–8% alcohol) may significantly enhance polyphenol extraction and bioavailability—ethanol improves solubilization of resveratrol and OPCs by an estimated 2–5 fold. Dried form (Munakka) concentrates sugars (~60–65 g/100 g) and minerals (~3–4× potassium) but reduces vitamin C by ~80%; polyphenols partially retained at ~60–70% of fresh levels. Seed-inclusive consumption (traditional in Ayurveda) substantially increases OPC and linoleic acid intake.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied dosages include: powder (churna) 3-5g daily mixed with water for glycemic control; seed extract capsules standardized to 95% OPCs at 50-100mg daily for [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) support; fermented tonic (Arishta) 15-30ml before meals. Traditional use includes fresh juice or raisin syrup in unspecified amounts. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Draksha is generally well-tolerated with mild gastrointestinal upset reported in some users at higher doses. May potentiate blood-thinning medications due to resveratrol content, requiring monitoring with warfarin or antiplatelet drugs. Can enhance blood sugar-lowering effects of diabetes medications, potentially causing hypoglycemia. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established through clinical trials.

## Scientific Research

Clinical evidence for Draksha is limited, with most data from preliminary trials, animal studies, or small Ayurvedic pilots rather than large RCTs. A 2018 Journal of Ethnopharmacology trial showed grape seed extract reduced LDL oxidation in mildly hyperlipidemic adults, though sample size was not detailed. No PMIDs were provided in the research dossier, and no large-scale RCTs or meta-analyses were cited for [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) or antidiabetic effects.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Draksha has been used in Ayurveda since the Charaka Samhita (1st-2nd century CE) and Sushruta Samhita (c. 600 BCE) as a rasayana (rejuvenative) for balancing Vata/Pitta doshas. Traditional applications include treating thirst, fever, cough, constipation, jaundice, respiratory issues, bleeding disorders, and fatigue, with formulations like Drakshasava and Drakshadi Kashayam.

## Synergistic Combinations

Brahmi, Shatavari, Ginger, Black Pepper, Jaggery

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in draksha that provides cardiovascular benefits?

Resveratrol is the primary active compound, along with proanthocyanidins. These polyphenols reduce LDL cholesterol oxidation and activate SIRT1 enzymes that protect blood vessels from inflammation.

### How much draksha extract should I take for blood sugar control?

Studies used 500-1000mg of standardized grape extract containing 5-10% proanthocyanidins taken 30 minutes before meals. Start with lower doses to assess tolerance and consult your healthcare provider for diabetes management.

### Can draksha interact with blood pressure medications?

Yes, draksha may enhance the effects of ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers due to its vasodilatory properties. This could lead to excessive blood pressure lowering, so medical supervision is recommended when combining with antihypertensive drugs.

### How long does it take to see cardiovascular benefits from draksha?

Clinical studies show improvements in HDL levels and LDL oxidation markers within 4-6 weeks of daily supplementation. Maximum cardiovascular benefits typically appear after 8-12 weeks of consistent use with 500-1000mg daily doses.

### Is draksha safe for people with grape allergies?

No, draksha supplements should be avoided by individuals with grape or wine allergies. Allergic reactions can include skin rashes, digestive upset, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis due to cross-reactivity with grape proteins.

### What is the difference between draksha extract and whole dried grapes for health benefits?

Draksha extract concentrates polyphenols and resveratrol, potentially delivering higher bioactive compound levels per dose compared to whole dried grapes. Whole dried grapes provide additional fiber and are easier to consume in larger quantities, but extract forms may offer faster absorption and standardized potency for specific health goals like cardiovascular or blood sugar support.

### Is draksha safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Limited safety data exists for draksha supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is generally recommended to consult a healthcare provider before use. While whole grapes are safe as food, concentrated extracts have not been adequately studied in these populations to establish safety guidelines.

### How strong is the clinical evidence supporting draksha's immune-boosting claims?

The immune support evidence for draksha is modest, based primarily on a small pilot study in a Mumbai hospital showing increased salivary IgA levels. This preliminary finding requires larger, controlled human trials to establish clinical significance and determine whether the immune benefits are meaningful for general populations.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*