A Review on Vitis vinifera L.: The Grape

Vitis vinifera, the Grape being a common fruit with great nutritional values, has been known to mankind since ancient times. Vitis vinifera is a renowned species of grape with a number of varieties originated from western Asia and southern Europe. Vitis vinifera is the Latin name applied to grapevines. It is a vigorous, high-powered tendril climber with a large, lobed, bright green leaves. The tiny green summer flowers are followed by late summer bunches of small grapes. The fruit is used as food supplement and the seeds and leaves are employed in herbal therapy. The most significant application of grape is in wine production followed by raisin and juice. Thus, grape is also an economically important fruit crop in the world. Several varieties of Vitis vinifera are available in India. Phytochemistry, pharmacological, nutraceutical, traditional uses of Vitis vinifera are been presented in this review. The nutritional and phytochemical constituents present in the grape have resulted in its health beneficial effects however more studies are needed regarding the genotoxicity and toxicity of Vitis vinifera.