Fragaria

Related Terms

Allstar, Annapolis, Earliglow, Evangeline, Fragaria chiloensis ssp. Chiloensis, Fragaria x ananassa Duch., Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne, garden strawberry, Jewel, Mesabi, Rosaceae (family), Sable, Sparkle, woodland strawberry.

Background

Strawberry (Fragaria spp.) is predominantly known for its bright red, edible fruit covered in small seeds. The fruit is fragrant, and high in fiber, vitamin C, folate, potassium, and antioxidants. Retrospective, epidemiological studies indicate that strawberry ingestion may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Preliminary research also indicates that strawberry may be useful as an anti-inflammatory and may help enhance iron absorption. Further research is needed to confirm these results.
Strawberry represents a valuable contrasting source of potentially healthy compounds and can represent an important component of a balanced diet if not allergic.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Laboratory studies suggest that strawberry has antioxidant properties. However, the effect in humans is unclear. Further study is needed to define strawberry's effectiveness in humans.

 B


Laboratory studies suggest that strawberry has antioxidant properties. However, the effect in humans is unclear. Further study is needed to define strawberry's effectiveness in humans.

 B


Strawberry and other fruits may reduce the risk of adenoma (noncancerous tumor) with mild dysplasia (abnormal growths) in women. However, additional studies are needed to determine strawberry's effects on cancer risk.

 C


Strawberry and other fruits may reduce the risk of adenoma (noncancerous tumor) with mild dysplasia (abnormal growths) in women. However, additional studies are needed to determine strawberry's effects on cancer risk.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older):
There is no proven effective dose for strawberry.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Individual compounds in strawberries have demonstrated anticancer activity in several different studies. Caution is advised when taking strawberry with anticancer agents.
Strawberry may have blood-thinning properties. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.
Strawberry may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Caution is advised when taking strawberry with agents with similar effects.
Although not well studied in humans, strawberry extract may interfere with gastrointestinal absorption of drugs taken by mouth. Strawberry (Fragaria spp.) may have a mild to moderate enhancing effect on iron absorption.
Based on tests performed in allergic patients, there may be a connection between acetylsalicylic acid intolerance and strawberry sensitivity.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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Wang SY, Feng R, Lu Y, et al. Inhibitory effect on activator protein-1, nuclear factor-kappaB, and cell transformation by extracts of strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.). J Agric Food Chem 5-18-2005;53(10):4187-4193.
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