# Grape Leaves (Vitis vinifera)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/grape-leaves
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-24
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Vegetable
**Also Known As:** Vitis vinifera, Vine leaves, Grapevine foliage, Dolma leaves, Mediterranean vine leaves, Stuffing leaves, Vitaceae leaves

## Overview

Grape leaves (Vitis vinifera) contain phenolic compounds that provide antioxidant activity measured at 1.52-2.55 μmol Trolox equivalents per mg. These compounds work through [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing mechanisms, though clinical evidence remains limited to in vitro studies.

## Health Benefits

• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) with ORAC values of 1.52-2.55 μmol Trolox equivalents/mg (in vitro evidence only)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) potential attributed to phenolic compounds (traditional use, no clinical validation)
• May help reduce phlegm based on traditional medicine applications (no clinical studies)
• Contains beneficial flavonoids including quercetin derivatives and kaempferol (16.75 mg/g total flavonoids in some varieties)
• Source of phenolic acids like caffeic acid derivatives (6.39 mg/g in some varieties)

## Mechanism of Action

Grape leaves contain phenolic compounds including flavonoids and tannins that neutralize free radicals through electron donation. These antioxidants may modulate inflammatory pathways by inhibiting [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production. The phenolic compounds also demonstrate chelating properties that may reduce [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) markers.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for grape leaves is limited to in vitro [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) studies showing ORAC values of 1.52-2.55 μmol Trolox equivalents per mg. No randomized controlled trials have been conducted in humans to validate the traditional [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) or respiratory benefits. Traditional medicine applications include reducing phlegm and inflammation, but these uses lack clinical validation. More human studies are needed to establish therapeutic efficacy and optimal dosing protocols.

## Nutritional Profile

Grape leaves (Vitis vinifera) per 100g fresh weight: Calories ~93 kcal (dried) / ~37 kcal (fresh/canned); Protein 5.6g (fresh) to 17-21g (dried); Total Carbohydrates 17.3g (fresh); Dietary Fiber 11g (fresh), contributing significantly to daily fiber intake; Total Fat 2.1g (fresh), predominantly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Key Vitamins: Vitamin A (as beta-carotene) ~1205 IU; Vitamin C ~11.1 mg (fresh, degrades with cooking/brining); Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) ~1.69 mg; Vitamin K1 ~108 mcg (notably high, relevant for anticoagulant drug interactions); Riboflavin (B2) ~0.18 mg; Folate ~83 mcg. Key Minerals: Calcium ~363 mg (fresh, though bioavailability reduced by oxalates); Iron ~2.9 mg (non-heme, bioavailability 5-12%, enhanced by co-consumption with vitamin C); Magnesium ~80 mg; Potassium ~272 mg; Zinc ~0.71 mg; Manganese ~2.35 mg (notably high). Bioactive Compounds: Total phenolics 28-85 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight; Total flavonoids 16.75 mg/g including quercetin-3-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, myricetin derivatives; Resveratrol present in trace amounts (higher in skins/seeds); Catechins including (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin; Chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid as predominant hydroxycinnamic acids; Anthocyanins present primarily in red/purple varieties. Carotenoids: lutein + zeaxanthin ~16.4 mcg. Sodium: naturally low (~9 mg fresh) but commercially brined/canned leaves contain 700-2400 mg Na/100g — a critical bioavailability and dietary consideration. Oxalate content (moderate, ~60-100 mg/100g) limits calcium and iron bioavailability. Tannin content contributes to astringency and may reduce mineral absorption in the gut.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges have been established for grape leaves, as human trials are absent. Commercial preparations show variable phenolic content without standardization guidelines. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Grape leaves are generally recognized as safe when consumed as food, with a long history of culinary use in Mediterranean cuisine. No specific drug interactions have been documented, though theoretical interactions may occur with anticoagulant medications due to potential effects on platelet function. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit intake to culinary amounts due to insufficient safety data for therapeutic doses. Individuals with grape allergies should avoid grape leaf products entirely.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses on grape leaves were identified in the research. Available data is limited to in vitro [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity measurements and phytochemical profiling studies without clinical endpoints or human subjects.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Grape leaves have historical use in traditional medicine for treating phlegm and [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), as noted in phytochemical reviews. Parts of the grapevine including leaves have been used variably for nutritional and pharmacological properties in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern folk medicine.

## Synergistic Combinations

Quercetin, Resveratrol, Green Tea Extract, Vitamin C, Grape Seed Extract

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What antioxidants are in grape leaves?

Grape leaves contain phenolic compounds including flavonoids and tannins with measured ORAC values of 1.52-2.55 μmol Trolox equivalents per mg. These compounds provide free radical scavenging activity in laboratory studies.

### Are grape leaves safe to eat daily?

Grape leaves are safe for daily consumption in culinary amounts, as they have been used traditionally in Mediterranean cooking. However, therapeutic doses lack safety data, so pregnant women should limit intake to food quantities.

### Do grape leaves help with inflammation?

Traditional medicine attributes anti-inflammatory properties to grape leaves due to their phenolic compounds. However, no clinical trials have validated these effects in humans, with evidence limited to in vitro studies.

### Can grape leaves interact with blood thinners?

No documented interactions exist between grape leaves and anticoagulants. However, theoretical interactions may occur due to potential effects on platelet function, so individuals on blood thinners should consult healthcare providers.

### How much grape leaves should I take for health benefits?

No established therapeutic dosage exists for grape leaves due to lack of clinical trials. Current evidence comes only from laboratory studies, so optimal human dosing remains undetermined and requires further research.

### What is the difference between grape leaves and grape seed extract in terms of nutrient content?

Grape leaves contain whole-leaf polyphenols including flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol (approximately 16.75 mg/g total flavonoids), while grape seed extract is a concentrated form that isolates proanthocyanidins specifically. Grape leaves also contain additional compounds from the leaf matrix that may have synergistic effects, whereas grape seed extract offers higher potency of single-compound classes per dose. The choice depends on whether you prefer a broader spectrum of leaf-based compounds or a more concentrated extract targeting specific proanthocyanidins.

### Are grape leaves safe for pregnant women or nursing mothers?

There is limited safety data specifically addressing grape leaf supplementation in pregnant or nursing women, so it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before use in these populations. While grape leaves are traditionally consumed as food in Mediterranean cuisine, the concentrated supplement forms differ from culinary amounts and warrant individual risk assessment. Traditional food use does not automatically establish safety in pregnancy or lactation, making professional medical guidance essential.

### What affects how well grape leaf compounds are absorbed in the body?

The bioavailability of grape leaf flavonoids such as quercetin derivatives is influenced by stomach pH, gut microbiota composition, and the presence of dietary fats or proteins that may enhance absorption. Whole leaf forms deliver compounds within their natural plant matrix, which can affect absorption differently than isolated extracts or powders. Individual digestive health, including enzyme activity and intestinal permeability, also plays a significant role in how effectively your body processes these polyphenolic compounds.

---

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