Grape Vine


Grape Vine

This genus of some 65 species of sprawling, deciduous vines and shrubs occurs throughout northern temperate regions. The most widely grown species is the grape vine, Vitis vinefera, which originated in NW Asia. It has hundreds of cultivars, adapted to various climatic and pruning regimes, and is grown specifically for use as dessert grapes, currants, raisins, golden raisins, and red or white wines. Some are suited to greenhouse culture in colder areas and make an attractive feature in conservatories. The grape vine is central to Jewish and Christian rituals, and is an integral part of most European cultures and cuisines, especially those of Mediterranean regions, where it has contributed to agriculture and trade since the Early Bronze Age. Grape vines were cultivated in Egypt over 4000 years ago; they were introduced to present-day wine-growing regions, such as Burgundy and the Rhineland, by the Romans. In the 19th century the aphid Phylloxera vastatrix devestated European vineyards. American species proved resistant, enabling European varieties to be grafted onto American rootstocks, and vineyards to be replanted. Various parts of the grape vine have long-established medicinal uses, mainly to relieve conditions associated with chronic congestion and excess heat. Grape fasts have long been a feature of therapeutic regimes, aimed at improved liver function and detoxification. Research in the 1990s showed that drinking one or two glasses of red wine a day improves cardiovascular health. Resveratrol, a flavonoid found in grape skins, has anti-cancer properties and is extracted for use in dietary supplements. Grape seeds contain polyphenols that are potent antioxidants. Extracts are take to counteract damage from free radicals, thus retarding the aging process.

Grape seed extract is high in compounds called procyanidolic oligomers (PCOs), which are powerful antioxidants, perhaps even stronger than vitamins C and E. It is thought to be able to reduce free radicle damage, strengthen and repair connective tissue, and help moderate allergic and inflammatory responses by reducing histamine production. Grape seed extract is currently marketed as a preventive for heart disease, a treatment for allergic conditions, and a revitalizing agent for aging skin.

Deciduous tendril climber with fibrous bark, a twisted trunk, and palmately lobed leaves, 15cm (6in) long. Small, pale green flowers are borne in summer, followed by ovoid to rounded, green to purple-black fruits.


Common Name:
Grape Vine
Botanical Name:
Vitis vinifera
Genus:
Vitis
Family:
Vitaceae
Native Location:
S and C Europe and NW Asia
Cultivation:
Deep, moist, rich, neutral to alkaline soil in sun. Prune young plants to within 23-30cm (9-12in) of ground in winter. In older vines, thin out old growths and shorten young growths in late summer. Plants may be damaged by powdery mildew, scale insects, mealybugs, aphids, weevils, and caterpillars. Cultivars grown for fruits are prone to magnesium deficiency, gray mold, shanking, and various physiological disorders in unfavorable conditions.
Propagation:
By seed sown in autumn or spring; (species only); by hardwood cuttings in late winter; by "vine eye" cuttings, with a single bud, in early spring.
Harvest:
Leaves and stems are collected in early summer and used fresh, preserved, or dried for decoctions, liquid extracts, and tinctures. Stems yield drops of liquid tht are used directly as an eyewash and diuretic. Ripe fruits are used fresh for medicinal purposes, or processed to extract constituents.
Variations:
Ciotat
Syn. 'Apiifolia', 'Laciniosa'
(Parsley-leafed Grape)
Has finely cut leaves and small, sweet, pale green fruits.
Height: 6m (20ft)
Incana
(Dusty Miller Grape)
Has gray-green, unlobed or 3-lobed leaves that have a white, cobweb-like covering on the upper surface, and black fruits.
Height: 4-5m (12-15ft)
Müller Thurgau
Is vigorous and late-flowering but early ripening, yielding medium-sized, aromatic green fruits that produce Moselle-type wine. Suitable for regions with cool summers.
Purpurea
(Tenturier Grape)
Has purple leaves, with a gray bloom when young, and small, unpalatable, shiny, black fruits.
Height: 7m (22ft)
Schiava Grossa
Syn. Black Hamburgh
Produces large bunches of medium to large, purple-black, heavily bloomed dessert grapes, ripening in mid-season. Does well in pots.
Height:
35m (120ft), pruned to 1-3m (3-9ft) in cultivation
Width:
Indefinite
Hardiness:
Z6-10
Parts Used:
Leaves, stems, fruits
Properties:
A sour, astringent, cooling, diuretic herb, reduces inflammation, controls bleeding, improves circulation, and clears toxins. Extracts have anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for varicose veins, heavy menstruation, menopausal syndrome, hemorrhage, urinary complaints, hypertension, high cholesterol, and skin rashes. Internally and externally for inflammations of the mouth, gums, throat, or eyes. Fruits are the basis of a cure for poor liver function.
To treat arhterosclerosis, varicose veins, fragile capillaries, elevated blood pressure, hemorrhoids, macular degeneration, and premenstrual syndrome; as an antioxidant.
Typical Dose:
A typical daily dose of grape seed extract may range from 75 to 300 mg.
Possible Side Effects:
Grape seed's side effects include headache and sore throat.
Drug Interactions:
Taking grape seed extract with these drugs may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising:
Abciximab, (ReoPro)
Aspirin, (Bufferin, Ecotrin)
Enoxaparin, (Lovenox)
Fondaparinux, (Arixtra)
Heparin, (Hepalean, Hep-Lock)
Ticlopidine, (Alti-Ticlopidine, Ticlid)
Urokinase, (Abbokinase)
Warfarin, (Coumadin, Jantoven)
Culinary Uses:
Blanched fresh leaves, or leaves preserved in brine, are used to parcel fillings, such as minced meat, fish and rice (dolmades). Fruits are eaten raw, juiced, or made into jellies, sauces, wines, and vinegars. Seeds are used to coat cheeses, and are pressed for oil.
Economic Uses:
Fruits are used fresh to make juices, wines, fortified and sparkling wines, sherry, liqueurs, spirits, and vinegars, and dried furits as currants and raisins, according to the variety. Seeds yield a polyunsaturated oil, suitable for mayonaise and cooking, especially frying. Cream of tartar or potassium bitartrate, a crystalline salt, is extracted from the residue or "marc" of pressed grapes and the sediment of wine barrels; it is used in baking powders, laxatives, and soldering fluxes. Grape skin extracts are used as colorants in the drinks industry,; also in food supplements.
Bibliography:
The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 406
The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD. Pg. 260