# Venaflux (Red Vine Leaf Extract)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/venaflux
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-28
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Vitis vinifera leaf extract, AS 195 extract, Red vine leaf extract, Grape vine leaf extract, Standardized red vine extract, Pharmaceutical grape leaf extract, Vitis vinifera AS 195

## Overview

Venaflux is a standardized red vine leaf extract (Vitis vinifera) whose primary bioactives—flavonoids including quercetin, kaempferol, and oligomeric proanthocyanidins—reduce capillary permeability and strengthen venous wall tone. It is clinically used to relieve symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) by inhibiting [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) mediators and restoring endothelial barrier function.

## Health Benefits

• Reduces lower leg volume by up to 99.9g after 12 weeks (Strong evidence - RCT, PMID: 10719612)
• Decreases ankle circumference in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (Strong evidence - RCT, PMID: 10719612)
• Significantly improves subjective CVI symptoms including tired/heavy legs, tension, tingling, and pain (Strong evidence - RCT with 260 patients)
• Provides edema reduction comparable to compression stockings (Strong evidence - RCT clinical comparison)
• Enhances nitric oxide bioavailability through NOS activation and [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) reduction (Moderate evidence - mechanistic studies)

## Mechanism of Action

The flavonoids in red vine leaf extract, particularly quercetin and oligomeric proanthocyanidins, inhibit hyaluronidase and collagenase enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix of venous walls, thereby reducing capillary hyperpermeability and fluid leakage into surrounding tissue. These compounds also downregulate NF-κB-mediated [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) signaling, reducing expression of adhesion molecules like ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 on venous endothelium, which limits leukocyte extravasation and associated tissue edema. Additionally, proanthocyanidins scavenge [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and protect nitric oxide bioavailability, supporting vasodilatory tone and healthy microcirculation.

## Clinical Summary

The most robust evidence comes from a double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT (PMID: 10719612) in which patients with chronic venous insufficiency receiving standardized red vine leaf extract AS 195 showed a statistically significant reduction in lower leg volume of up to 99.9g and measurable decreases in ankle circumference after 12 weeks compared to placebo. Subjective CVI symptoms including tired and heavy legs, tension, and tingling were also significantly improved in the treatment group. The extract has been evaluated in doses of 360–720 mg/day in multiple European trials, with consistent findings across endpoints related to edema and symptom relief. Evidence is strong for mild-to-moderate CVI but is limited for severe venous disease or conditions requiring surgical intervention.

## Nutritional Profile

Venaflux is a standardized red vine leaf extract (Vitis vinifera L.) concentrate, not a conventional food ingredient. Key bioactive compounds include: flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, isorhamnetin) standardized to approximately 6% total flavonoids by dry weight; anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-glucoside, delphinidin-3-glucoside, petunidin-3-glucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, malvidin-3-glucoside) contributing to red pigmentation; polyphenols including resveratrol (trans-resveratrol typically 0.1–0.5% dry weight) and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs); organic acids including tartaric acid and malic acid. The extract is typically dosed at 360–720 mg/day in clinical studies, supplying approximately 20–45 mg total flavonoids per dose. Tannins are present at approximately 2–4% dry weight, contributing astringent properties. Mineral content is negligible at therapeutic doses. Macronutrient contribution is clinically insignificant given the low dose. Bioavailability: flavonoids undergo intestinal and hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management); quercetin glycosides show approximately 24–53% absorption; anthocyanins have relatively low oral bioavailability (typically <1–5%) but demonstrate tissue accumulation in vascular endothelium. The standardized extract AS 195 (used in PMID: 10719612 trials) is concentrated to ensure consistent polyphenol delivery, enhancing batch-to-batch reproducibility compared to crude leaf preparations.

## Dosage & Preparation

Standardized Extract (AS 195): 360 mg once daily for mild CVI (clinically proven effective dose); 720 mg once daily for enhanced symptom improvement. Typically formulated as film-coated tablets or hard gelatin capsules. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Red vine leaf extract is generally well tolerated; reported side effects are mild and infrequent, including gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea or stomach upset in a small percentage of users. Due to its mild antiplatelet properties attributed to quercetin, caution is advised when combining with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs such as warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel, as additive bleeding risk cannot be excluded. Safety data in pregnancy and lactation are insufficient, and use is not recommended during these periods without physician supervision. Individuals with known hypersensitivity to grape-derived products or Vitis vinifera constituents should avoid use.

## Scientific Research

A 12-week randomized controlled trial (PMID: 10719612) with 260 patients demonstrated significant reductions in lower leg volume and CVI symptoms at both 360mg and 720mg daily doses. A 6-week observational study (PMID: 12785119) with 65 patients confirmed symptom improvement and good tolerability of the standardized AS 195 extract.

## Historical & Cultural Context

The research dossier does not provide specific information regarding traditional use of red vine leaves in historical medicine systems. The available evidence focuses on the modern pharmaceutical development of the standardized AS 195 extract.

## Synergistic Combinations

Horse chestnut extract, Diosmin, Hesperidin, Vitamin C, Pycnogenol

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How long does red vine leaf extract take to reduce leg swelling?

Clinical trial data (PMID: 10719612) show statistically significant reductions in lower leg volume—up to 99.9g—and decreased ankle circumference after 12 weeks of continuous use at therapeutic doses of 360–720 mg/day. Some subjective symptom relief such as reduced heaviness and tension may be noticed earlier, but measurable edema reduction requires at least 6–12 weeks of consistent supplementation.

### What is the recommended dosage of Venaflux red vine leaf extract?

Clinical studies supporting Venaflux's efficacy for chronic venous insufficiency have used standardized AS 195 extract at doses ranging from 360 mg to 720 mg per day, typically divided into two doses taken with meals. The standardization is critical—products should specify their flavonoid content (particularly proanthocyanidins and quercetin) to ensure therapeutic equivalence with studied formulations.

### Can red vine leaf extract be taken with blood thinners like warfarin?

Caution is warranted because quercetin, a primary flavonoid in red vine leaf extract, has demonstrated in vitro antiplatelet activity and may inhibit CYP2C9, the enzyme responsible for metabolizing warfarin, potentially increasing warfarin's anticoagulant effect. Patients on warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, or other anticoagulants should consult their physician before use and monitor INR levels closely if co-administration is necessary.

### What symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency does red vine leaf extract improve?

In the pivotal RCT (PMID: 10719612), red vine leaf extract AS 195 significantly improved a range of subjective CVI symptoms including tired and heavy legs, feelings of tension in the lower limbs, tingling sensations, and pain associated with prolonged standing. These improvements were observed alongside objective reductions in leg volume and ankle circumference, suggesting both symptomatic and physiological benefit.

### Is red vine leaf extract the same as grape seed extract?

No—red vine leaf extract is derived from the leaves of Vitis vinifera, while grape seed extract is sourced from the seeds of the same plant and has a distinct phytochemical profile dominated by monomeric and oligomeric proanthocyanidins. Red vine leaf extract contains a broader mixture of flavonoids including quercetin glycosides, kaempferol, and isoquercitrin alongside proanthocyanidins, and its clinical evidence base is specifically built around venous insufficiency and lower limb edema rather than antioxidant or cardiovascular endpoints studied in grape seed research.

### What is the clinical evidence quality for Venaflux red vine leaf extract's effectiveness?

Venaflux has strong clinical support from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), including a major study with 260 patients demonstrating significant improvements in chronic venous insufficiency symptoms. Research shows it reduces lower leg volume by up to 99.9g over 12 weeks and decreases ankle circumference with measurable results. The evidence base is considered robust for edema reduction and subjective symptom relief in CVI patients.

### Is Venaflux red vine leaf extract safe for pregnant women or nursing mothers?

Safety data for Venaflux during pregnancy and lactation is limited, and it is generally not recommended without medical supervision during these periods. While red vine leaf extract has a long history of use in European medicine, pregnant and nursing women should consult their healthcare provider before supplementing. The lack of adequate clinical trials in these populations means potential risks cannot be fully ruled out.

### Who benefits most from taking Venaflux red vine leaf extract?

Venaflux is most beneficial for individuals with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) experiencing symptoms like tired or heavy legs, ankle swelling, tension, tingling, or pain. People with documented leg edema and lower limb fluid retention see the most significant results, particularly those seeking non-pharmaceutical symptom management. Those with mild to moderate CVI symptoms typically experience noticeable improvement within 4–12 weeks of consistent use.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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