Venaflux (Red Vine Leaf Extract)

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 mediators and restoring endothelial barrier function.

Origin & History

Venaflux (Red Vine Leaf Extract) is derived from the leaves of Vitis vinifera, the common grapevine plant. The extract undergoes standardized pharmaceutical processing to concentrate its bioactive flavonoid compounds, with the pharmaceutical extract code AS 195 representing a well-characterized formulation commonly marketed under the brand name Antistax.

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.

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 reduction (Moderate evidence - mechanistic studies)

How It Works

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 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 and protect nitric oxide bioavailability, supporting vasodilatory tone and healthy microcirculation.

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.

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; 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.

Preparation & Dosage

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.

Synergy & Pairings

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

Safety & 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.