Angūr (Vitis vinifera L.): An extensive review with special reference to Unani medicine and recent studies

Abstract

Angūr or Zabīb is a fruit used in Unani Medicine for the treatment of various ailments and also for nutritional purposes. It is commonly known as Grape in English. It is obtained from the woody climber Vitis vinifera and belongs to the Vitaceae family. Grapes are mostly used as fresh fruit, dried fruit, and in the form of wine and juice, but due to their medicinal properties, it is used in Unani Medicine to treat many diseases such as piles, chronic bronchitis, hepatopathy, anaemia, dyspepsia, epilepsy etc. Grapes contain bioflavonoids (Vitamin P), thiamine, niacin, procyanidins B1 and B2 etc. Recent studies on Vitis vinifera show that it has antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. This review attempts to provide a comprehensive account of the Unani description, historical background, potential therapeutic uses, and pharmacological activities of Vitis vinifera.