Raspberry (Red Raspberry)

Other names: Red Raspberry

Scientific name: Rubus Ideas

Common names: Raspberry 2.Raspberry Leaf 3.Red Rasberry

Ayurvedic names:

Chinese names: Fu pen zi

Bangladesh names: Rusbhary

Arabic names:    توت العليق الأوروبي (toot al a’lleeq al europi)

Rain Forest names:

Family: Rosaceae

Approximate number of species known:

Common parts used: Leaf, fruit

Collection: Late summer

Annual/perennial:  Perenial Shrub

Height: 8- 30 feet tall

Action: alterative, anti-emetic, Astrigent, febrifuge, tonic, refrigerant, parturient, purgative, stomachic emmenagogue    fruit: antacid, exculent, parturient

Known Constituents: Pectin, citric acid, malic acid

Constituents Explained:

Description: Raspberry is a low perennial, deciduous plant. During the first year, stem grows unbranched to its full height, and during the second year it produces several side shoots with smaller leaves. Leaves are alternately arranged, large and pinnate, with five to seven leaflets on the main stem, and three to seven on the side shoots. Flowers are five-petaled, produced in late spring, white to pale pink in color. Fruits are produced in summer or early autumn. What appears to be a red berry is in fact an aggregate of drupelets, usually ruby red when fully mature. 

Traditional Use:

A wonderful herb, the leaf is used particularly to assist with female problems, particulary around birthing.  It is commonly used throughout pregnancy with the thought that it will reduce labour time, and to tone the tissue of the womb.  Historically it has been taken during pregnancy and during labour.

Its sometimes used to relieve heavy menstrual bleeding, relieve premenstrual (PMS) symptoms and period pain.

It acts to strengthen the mucous membranes pariculary in the bowels.  It has been used as a gargle for the throat, and a bath for the eyes.

The fruit is sweet and red and has been used to reduce fever.

Clinical Studies:

The bioactive potential of red raspberry leaves, a by-product of this widely spread plant, mostly valued for its antioxidant-rich fruits, was determined. 

The polyphenolic profile and antioxidative properties of red raspberry leaf extract were determined and examined for potential biological activity. Cytotoxic effect, antioxidative/prooxidative effect, and effect on total glutathione concentration were determined in human laryngeal carcinoma (HEp2) and colon adenocarcinoma (SW 480) cell lines. 

SW 480 cells are more susceptible to raspberry leaf extract in comparison with HEp2 cells. The antioxidative nature of raspberry leaf extract was detected in HEp2 cells treated with hydrogen peroxide, as opposed to SW 480 cells, where raspberry leaf extract induced reactive oxygen species formation. 

Raspberry leaf extract increased total glutathione level in HEp2 cells. This effect was reinforced after 24 hours of recovery, indicating that induction was caused by products formed during cellular metabolism of compounds present in the extract. 

Comparison of the results obtained on these two cell lines indicates that cellular response to raspberry extract will depend on the type of the cells that are exposed to it.

The results obtained confirmed the biological activity of red raspberry leaf polyphenols and showed that this traditional plant can supplement the daily intake of valuable natural antioxidants, which exhibit beneficial health effects.

Reference:

Durgo K, Belscak-Ccitanovic A, Stancic A, Franekic J, Komes D. “The Bioactive Potential Of Red Raspberry (Rubus Idaeus L.) Leaves In Exhibiting Cytotoxic And Cytoprotective Activity On Human Laryngeal Carcinoma And Colon Adenocarcinoma.” 2012 March http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22082102

Source:

Raspberry

Herb Name: Raspberry

Other names: 

Raspbis, 

Hindberry,

Bramble of Mount Ida,
Hindebar,
Braamboss,
Hindbur
Hindbeer

Latin name: Rubus idaeus

Family: Rosaceae

Common part used: 

Leaves, fruit

Raspberry is also known as Rubus idaeus, and has certain therapeutic properties and the reported benefits of using it internally, in the form of a herbal tea (infusion) are listed below.

The fruit of Raspberry (the berries) can be eaten fresh or juiced. Also used in jams, jellies, pies and other foods. Raspberry bushes are native to North America but are cultivated in other countries including Canada. Although it is best known for its delicious red berries, raspberry leaves have a number of medical applications. They have been used in connection with the common cold, sore throats, diarrhea, pregnancy, and postpartum support. In pregnancy it was traditionally used to help with nausea, ease labor and delivery, and post- partum recovery. It is also helpful for regulating menstrual period and controlling diarrhea.

Raspberry leaf tea also acts as an astringent on irritated skin by tightening the top layers of skin or mucous membranes effectively reducing secretions, relieving irritation, and improving tissue firmness. As a mouth wash it is used to soothe mouth and throat irritations.

Medicinal Uses:

• diarrhea 
• easing childbirth 
• eye problems 
• ulcers in the mouth 
• detoxifier 
• tonic for prostate gland 
• tones the uterine muscles in pregnancy,

Although it is useful to tone the uterine muscles, it should NOT be used in early pregnancy, but only during the last three months.

Astringent and stimulant: Raspberry Leaf Tea, made by the infusion of 1 OZ. of the dried leaves in a pint of boiling water, is employed as a gargle for sore mouths; canker of the throat, and as a wash for wounds and ulcers. The leaves, combined with the powdered bark of Slippery Elm, make a good poultice for cleansing wounds, burns and scalds, removing proud flesh and promoting healing. 

An infusion of Raspberry leaves, taken cold, is a reliable remedy for extreme laxity of the bowels. The infusion alone or as a component part of injections never fails to give immediate relief. It is useful in stomach complaints of children.