Raspberry

Related Terms

Alkalis, alpha-carotene, alpha-tocopherol, anthocyanin, aronia berry, ascorbic acid, berry phenolics, beta-carotene, calcium, casuarictin, copper, ellagic acid, ellagitannins, epicuticular wax, flavonoids, flavonol, framboise (French), furanones, hydroxycinnamate, iron, kaempferol, kaempferol 3-glucosides, linolenic acid, loratadine, lutein, magnesium, manganese, methyl gallate, miskominaga wunj (Ojibwe), omega 3, oo na joo kwa (Mohawk), omega 3, phosphorus, phytochemicals, phytonutrients, polyphenolic components, quercetin, quercetin glycosides, raspberry ketone, raspberry seeds oil, raspberry leaf, raspberry leaf tea, red raspberry, resveratrol, Rosaceae (family), Rubus, Rubus arcticus, Rubus arizonensis, Rubus deliciosus, Rubus discolor, Rubus idaeus, Rubus idaeus ssp. Strigosus, Rubus laciniatus, Rubus leucodermis, Rubus neomexicanus, Rubus occidentalis, Rubus parviflorus, Rubus spectabilis, Rubus strigosus, Rubus ursinus, salicylates, sanguin H6, tannins, vitamin B, vitamin B1, vitamin C, vitamin E, volatile compounds, western blackberry, xylitol, xyloside, zinc.

Background

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) is cultivated and grows wild throughout temperate climates, including North America and Europe. For several centuries, midwives have used raspberry leaf to stimulate and ease labor. Tea made from raspberry leaves has been used for centuries as a folk medicine to treat wounds, diarrhea, colic pain and as a uterine relaxant. In Bulgaria, the leaves were used for stomach bleeds, diarrhea, vomiting, menstrual problems, and respiratory diseases. In traditional Tibetan medical practices, the fruit and leaves of raspberry are made into an extract or decoction and used as a cure for emotional disturbances, exhaustion, irritability, and chronic infections.
The raspberry fruit is also commonly used as a flavoring, coloring, or food, either fresh or processed into cordials, jams, or preserves. The fruit is also commonly consumed for its antioxidants. Raspberry flowers have also been used for pimples, hemorrhoids, malaria, and as a poultice for eye inflammations.
Raspberry leaf is used during pregnancy and labor today, but there are few studies supporting this use. Raspberry may also be useful in cancer treatment or prevention, or as an antimicrobial. More research is needed to confirm these findings.
In the early 1990s, raspberries imported to the United States from Guatamala were infected with the Cyclospora parasite, which caused adverse effects such as fatigue, muscle aches, vomiting and diarrhea. Periodic outbreaks of the Cyclosporia parasite from imported raspberries continued throughout the next decade. In response to outbreaks, the Centers for Disease Control placed periodic bans on imported raspberries.

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 *


Raspberry contains antioxidants and has antioxidant activity. Raspberry juice may have beneficial effects on exercise recovery. Additional study is needed to make a firm recommendation.
 C


Raspberry contains antioxidants and has antioxidant activity. Raspberry juice may have beneficial effects on exercise recovery. Additional study is needed to make a firm recommendation.
 C


Raspberry leaf has been traditionally used during pregnancy and childbirth to improve labor. Early study shows that raspberry leaf may be safe for both mother and child. More studies are needed to make a firm recommendation.
 C


Raspberry leaf has been traditionally used during pregnancy and childbirth to improve labor. Early study shows that raspberry leaf may be safe for both mother and child. More studies are needed to make a firm recommendation.
 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)
Based on scientific evidence, raspberry leaf tablets (2 x 1.2 grams per day) from 32 weeks gestation until labor has been used, and appears safe for childbirth. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, before making decisions about dosing.
Traditionally, raspberry leaf tea (1 ounce of the dried leaves infused in a pint of boiling water) and gargled has been used for sore mouth, sore throat or wounds. Dehydrated raspberry fruit, crushed and made into a tea, has also been taken for viral infections. For diarrhea or dysentery, 1 cup of strong tea of raspberry leaves or root at body temperature ingested every hour until symptoms decrease has been used.

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
Raspberry may have antibiotic activity and interact additively with clarithromycin. Caution is advised. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, before combining therapies.
Raspberry contains antioxidants. Use with caution when taking other medications that also have antioxidant effects.
Raspberry roots and leaves may be a mild diuretic, and increase the flow of urine. Patients taking medications that increase the flow of urine, such as bumetanide (Bumex?) or chlorothiazide (Diuril?), should use raspberry with caution. Raspberry may also have laxative properties, and care should be taken when using with other laxatives.
Certain extracts of dried raspberry leaves may relax muscles. Use caution in patients taking medications that may have sedative, relaxing, or antispasmotic effects.
Raspberries may contain salicylates. Caution is advised when taking medications that contain high amounts of salicylates, such as aspirin.

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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