How does raspberry leaf extract affect guinea-pig ileum. What are the active compounds in raspberry leaves. How is the relaxant activity of raspberry leaf extract measured. What are the potential medicinal applications of raspberry leaf extract. How does the extraction method impact the relaxant properties of raspberry leaves.

The Traditional Uses of Raspberry Leaves in Folk Medicine

Raspberry leaves have been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries. Their versatility and perceived efficacy have made them a popular choice for treating various ailments. But what exactly are these traditional uses?

• Wound healing
• Diarrhea treatment
• Colic pain relief
• Uterine relaxation

These long-standing applications have piqued the interest of modern researchers, prompting scientific investigations into the potential medicinal properties of raspberry leaves. The focus of recent studies has been on understanding the mechanisms behind these traditional uses, particularly the relaxant effects on smooth muscle tissues.

Extraction Methods and Their Impact on Relaxant Activity

The method of extraction plays a crucial role in determining the efficacy of raspberry leaf extracts. Researchers have employed various solvents to extract potentially active compounds from dried raspberry leaves. These include:

• n-hexane
• Ethyl acetate
• Chloroform
• Methanol

Among these, the methanol extract exhibited the most significant relaxant activity in guinea-pig ileum preparations. This finding suggests that the active compounds responsible for the relaxant effects are relatively polar in nature. But how does this information guide further research?

The discovery of methanol’s effectiveness led researchers to focus on this solvent for bulk extraction of raspberry leaves. The resulting extract was then fractionated using silica gel column chromatography, employing a gradient elution system with chloroform and methanol mixtures. This process allowed for the separation and isolation of different components based on their polarity.

Analyzing the Relaxant Activity of Different Fractions

The fractionation process yielded several distinct samples, each with varying degrees of relaxant activity. How did researchers assess the efficacy of these fractions?

Each fraction was tested using an in vitro transmurally stimulated guinea-pig ileum preparation. This method allows for the measurement of smooth muscle relaxation in response to the applied extracts. The results revealed intriguing patterns:

• Chloroform fractions showed no relaxant activity
• Fractions eluted with CHCl₃/MeOH (95:5) exhibited moderate relaxant activity
• A distinctive peak of strong, dose-dependent relaxant activity was observed in fractions eluted with CHCl₃/MeOH (50:50)

These findings suggest the presence of at least two components in raspberry leaf extract that contribute to its relaxant properties. But what implications do these results have for potential medicinal applications?

Unraveling the Active Compounds in Raspberry Leaves

The identification of multiple active components in raspberry leaf extract opens up new avenues for research and potential drug development. While the specific compounds have not been fully characterized in this study, the results provide valuable insights into their nature:

1. The active compounds are likely to be polar, given their preferential extraction with methanol and elution with more polar solvent mixtures.
2. There are at least two distinct components responsible for the relaxant activity, as evidenced by the two peaks of activity observed during fractionation.
3. The dose-dependent response of certain fractions suggests a direct relationship between the concentration of these compounds and their physiological effects.

These findings lay the groundwork for future studies aimed at isolating and identifying the specific compounds responsible for the relaxant activity. But how might this knowledge be applied in a clinical setting?

Potential Therapeutic Applications of Raspberry Leaf Extract

The demonstrated relaxant activity of raspberry leaf extract on guinea-pig ileum has several potential therapeutic implications. These align with some of the traditional uses of raspberry leaves and may provide scientific backing for their efficacy. Some possible applications include:

• Treatment of gastrointestinal disorders: The relaxant effect on smooth muscle tissue could be beneficial in managing conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or intestinal spasms.
• Uterine relaxation: This property could be valuable in obstetrics and gynecology, potentially aiding in the management of menstrual cramps or labor pains.
• Management of respiratory conditions: If the relaxant effect extends to other smooth muscle tissues, it could have applications in treating asthma or other respiratory disorders characterized by bronchial constriction.

However, it’s important to note that while these potential applications are promising, further research is needed to establish the safety and efficacy of raspberry leaf extract in human subjects. What steps are necessary to bridge the gap between these in vitro findings and clinical applications?

From Laboratory to Clinic: Challenges and Future Directions

Translating the findings of this study into clinical applications presents several challenges and opportunities for future research:

1. Compound isolation and characterization: Identifying the specific compounds responsible for the relaxant activity is crucial for understanding their mechanisms of action and potential side effects.
2. Pharmacokinetic studies: Investigating how these compounds are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body is essential for determining appropriate dosages and administration methods.
3. Safety assessments: Comprehensive toxicology studies are necessary to ensure the safety of raspberry leaf extract for human consumption, particularly for long-term use or in sensitive populations such as pregnant women.
4. Clinical trials: Rigorous human studies are required to confirm the efficacy of raspberry leaf extract in treating specific conditions and to establish optimal treatment protocols.
5. Standardization of extracts: Developing standardized extraction and preparation methods is crucial for ensuring consistent potency and reproducible results in both research and clinical settings.

Addressing these challenges will pave the way for the potential development of new therapeutic agents derived from raspberry leaves. But what ethical considerations should be taken into account as this research progresses?

Ethical Considerations in Herbal Medicine Research

As research into the medicinal properties of raspberry leaves advances, it’s important to consider the ethical implications of this work:

• Sustainability: Ensuring that increased demand for raspberry leaves doesn’t lead to overexploitation of natural resources or habitat destruction.
• Intellectual property rights: Addressing questions of ownership and fair compensation, particularly when traditional knowledge informs scientific discoveries.
• Access and benefit-sharing: Ensuring that any benefits derived from raspberry leaf research are shared equitably with the communities that have preserved this traditional knowledge.
• Integration with conventional medicine: Considering how herbal remedies like raspberry leaf extract can be safely and effectively integrated into existing healthcare systems.

These ethical considerations underscore the complexity of herbal medicine research and the need for a holistic approach that respects both scientific rigor and traditional wisdom. How can researchers and policymakers work together to address these challenges?

The Role of Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Advancing Herbal Medicine Research

The study of raspberry leaf extract and its potential medicinal applications highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing herbal medicine research. This approach brings together expertise from various fields, including:

• Botany and ethnobotany
• Pharmacology and medicinal chemistry
• Biochemistry and molecular biology
• Clinical medicine and public health
• Ethics and policy

By fostering collaboration between these disciplines, researchers can develop a more comprehensive understanding of herbal remedies like raspberry leaf extract. This holistic approach can lead to more robust scientific findings, more effective clinical applications, and more ethical and sustainable practices in herbal medicine research and development.

For example, ethnobotanists can provide valuable insights into the traditional uses and preparation methods of raspberry leaves, while pharmacologists can investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying their relaxant effects. Clinical researchers can design and conduct trials to assess safety and efficacy in human subjects, while ethicists and policy experts can address issues of intellectual property rights and equitable access to any resulting treatments.

This collaborative approach not only enhances the quality and relevance of research but also helps bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific practices. It promotes a more nuanced understanding of herbal medicines, acknowledging their complex nature and the cultural contexts in which they have been used for centuries.

As research into the medicinal properties of raspberry leaves continues, maintaining this interdisciplinary perspective will be crucial for realizing the full potential of this and other herbal remedies. It will enable the development of safe, effective, and ethically sound treatments that can complement existing medical practices and potentially improve health outcomes for diverse populations worldwide.

The journey from traditional folk remedy to scientifically validated treatment is long and complex, but studies like this one on raspberry leaf extract pave the way for exciting developments in the field of herbal medicine. By combining rigorous scientific methods with respect for traditional knowledge and ethical considerations, researchers can unlock the potential of natural remedies while ensuring their sustainable and equitable use in modern healthcare systems.

Relaxant activity of raspberry (Rubus idaeus) leaf extract in guinea-pig ileum in vitro

. 2002 Nov;16(7):665-8.

doi: 10.1002/ptr.1040.

Janne Rojas-Vera 
¹
, Asmita V Patel, Christopher G Dacke

Affiliations

Affiliation

• ¹ School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO1 2DT, UK.

• PMID:

  12410549

• DOI:

  10.1002/ptr.1040

Janne Rojas-Vera et al.

Phytother Res.

2002 Nov.

. 2002 Nov;16(7):665-8.

doi: 10.1002/ptr.1040.

Authors

Janne Rojas-Vera 
¹
, Asmita V Patel, Christopher G Dacke

Affiliation

• ¹ School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO1 2DT, UK.

• PMID:

  12410549

• DOI:

  10.1002/ptr.1040

Abstract

Tea made from the leaves of Rubus idaeus L. (raspberry) has been used for centuries as a folk medicine to treat wounds, diarrhoea, colic pain and as a uterine relaxant. Extracts of dried raspberry leaves prepared with different solvents, (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform and methanol) were tested in vitro for relaxant activity on transmurally stimulated guinea-pig ileum. The methanol (MeOH) extract exhibited the largest response and also indicated that the active compounds are of a relatively polar nature. Hence the bulk of the leaves were extracted with methanol and the dried extract fractionated on a silica gel column, eluting with chloroform, mixtures of chloroform and methanol and finally methanol. Each fraction was examined by thin layer chromatography and tested for relaxant activity in an in vitro transmurally stimulated guinea-pig ileum preparation. The fractions eluted with chloroform (CHCl(3)) lacked relaxant activity. Samples eluted with CHCl(3)/MeOH (95:5) had moderate relaxant activity, while a second distinctive peak of activity eluted with a more polar solvent mixture (CHCl(3)/MeOH 50:50) provided strong dose dependent responses. Evidence was obtained that there are at least two components of raspberry leaf extract which exhibit relaxant activity in an in vitro gastrointestinal preparation.

Copyright 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Similar articles

• Antispasmodic activity of extracts and compounds of Acalypha phleoides Cav.

  Astudillo A, Hong E, Bye R, Navarrete A.

  Astudillo A, et al.
  Phytother Res. 2004 Feb;18(2):102-6. doi: 10.1002/ptr.1414.
  Phytother Res. 2004.

  PMID: 15022158

• Hystological and pharmacological study of Thymus piperella (L.).

  Martí D, Villagrasa V, Martinez-Solís I, Blanquer A, Castillo E, Royo LM.

  Martí D, et al.
  Phytother Res. 2005 Apr;19(4):298-302. doi: 10.1002/ptr.1569.
  Phytother Res. 2005.

  PMID: 16041771

• In vitro spasmolytic effect of aqueous extract of Calotropis procera on Guinea-pig trachea smooth muscle chain.

  Iwalewa EO, Elujoba AA, Bankole OA.

  Iwalewa EO, et al.
  Fitoterapia. 2005 Mar;76(2):250-3. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2004.12.011.
  Fitoterapia. 2005.

  PMID: 15752643

• Raspberry leaf–should it be recommended to pregnant women?

  Holst L, Haavik S, Nordeng H.

  Holst L, et al.
  Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2009 Nov;15(4):204-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.05.003. Epub 2009 Jun 13.
  Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2009.

  PMID: 19880082

  Review.

• Therapeutic constituents and actions of Rubus species.

  Patel AV, Rojas-Vera J, Dacke CG.

  Patel AV, et al.
  Curr Med Chem. 2004 Jun;11(11):1501-12. doi: 10.2174/0929867043365143.
  Curr Med Chem. 2004.

  PMID: 15180580

  Review.

See all similar articles

Cited by

• Protection of Erythrocytes and Microvascular Endothelial Cells against Oxidative Damage by Fragaria vesca L. and Rubus idaeus L. Leaves Extracts-The Mechanism of Action.

  Cyboran-Mikołajczyk S, Męczarska K, Solarska-Ściuk K, Ratajczak-Wielgomas K, Oszmiański J, Jencova V, Bonarska-Kujawa D.

  Cyboran-Mikołajczyk S, et al.
  Molecules. 2022 Sep 10;27(18):5865. doi: 10.3390/molecules27185865.
  Molecules. 2022.

  PMID: 36144602
  Free PMC article.

• Biologically Active Preparations from the Leaves of Wild Plant Species of the Genus Rubus.

  Kucharski Ł, Cybulska K, Kucharska E, Nowak A, Pełech R, Klimowicz A.

  Kucharski Ł, et al.
  Molecules. 2022 Aug 26;27(17):5486. doi: 10.3390/molecules27175486.
  Molecules. 2022.

  PMID: 36080251
  Free PMC article.

• In Vitro Antioxidant and Prooxidant Activities of Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L. ) Stem Extracts.

  Garjonyte R, Budiene J, Labanauskas L, Judzentiene A.

  Garjonyte R, et al.
  Molecules. 2022 Jun 24;27(13):4073. doi: 10.3390/molecules27134073.
  Molecules. 2022.

  PMID: 35807315
  Free PMC article.

• Effect of Rubus idaeus L. Consumption During Pregnancy on Maternal Mice and Their Offspring.

  Hastings-Tolsma M, Stoffel RT, Quintana AS, Kane RR, Turner J, Wang X.

  Hastings-Tolsma M, et al.
  J Med Food. 2022 Feb;25(2):183-191. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2021.0078. Epub 2021 Oct 29.
  J Med Food. 2022.

  PMID: 34714139
  Free PMC article.

  Clinical Trial.

• Biophysical effects, safety and efficacy of raspberry leaf use in pregnancy: a systematic integrative review.

  Bowman R, Taylor J, Muggleton S, Davis D.

  Bowman R, et al.
  BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021 Feb 9;21(1):56. doi: 10.1186/s12906-021-03230-4.
  BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021.

  PMID: 33563275
  Free PMC article.

See all “Cited by” articles

Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances

Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) plant produces the widely eaten, sweet fruit. Red raspberry fruit and leaf have been used as medicine for centuries.

The chemicals in red raspberry might have antioxidant effects and help relax blood vessels. They might also cause muscles to contract or relax, depending on the dose and the muscle involved. This is the theory behind red raspberry’s use in easing labor and delivery.

People use red raspberry for labor, diarrhea, diabetes, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don’t confuse red raspberry with black raspberry, blackberry, or raspberry ketone.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Ineffective for

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Red raspberry fruit is commonly consumed as a food. It is possibly safe when taken in larger amounts as medicine. Red raspberry fruit is usually well-tolerated. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if red raspberry leaf is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Red raspberry fruit is commonly consumed as a food. It is possibly safe when taken in larger amounts as medicine. Red raspberry fruit is usually well-tolerated. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if red raspberry leaf is safe or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy: Red raspberry fruit is commonly consumed as a food. Red raspberry leaf is possibly safe when taken by mouth as medicine during LATE pregnancy under the direct supervision of a healthcare provider. But don’t take it on your own. It is likely unsafe to take red raspberry leaf as a medicine earlier in pregnancy. It might act like the hormone estrogen. This might harm the pregnancy.

Breast-feeding: Red raspberry fruit is commonly consumed as a food. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if it is safe to take red raspberry leaf when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Red raspberry leaf might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be sensitive to estrogen, don’t use red raspberry leaf.

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

• Insulin decreases blood sugar levels in the body. Red raspberry leaf might also decrease blood sugar levels in the body. Taking raspberry leaf along with insulin might cause blood sugar levels in the body to be too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your insulin might need to be changed.

• Red raspberry leaf might slow blood clotting. Taking red raspberry leaf along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Dosing

Red raspberry fruit is commonly eaten on its own and processed into jams and other foods.

As medicine, there isn’t enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of red raspberry fruit or leaf might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

You Might Also Like

View More

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

Encyclopedia of plants

Plants alphabetically:

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E

9000 7 E

• W
• W
• I
• R
• L
• M
• H
• O
• P
• R
• S
• T
• U
• F
• X
• C 900 08
• W
• W
• W
• E
• S
• I

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y 9000 8
• Z

 [Bitrix\Main\IO\FileNotFoundException]
path was not found.  (120)
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/lib/io/file.php:90
#0: Bitrix\Main\IO\File->getSize()
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/modules/seo/lib/sitemapfile.php:263
#1: Bitrix\Seo\SitemapFile->appendEntry(array)
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/modules/seo/lib/sitemapruntime.php:220
#2: Bitrix\Seo\SitemapRuntime->appendIBlockEntry(string, integer)
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/modules/seo/lib/sitemapiblock.php:440
#3: Bitrix\Seo\SitemapIblock::actionUpdate(array, boolean)
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/modules/seo/lib/sitemapiblock.php:346
#4: Bitrix\Seo\SitemapIblock::__callStatic(string, array)
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/classes/general/module.php:480
#5: ExecuteModuleEventEx(array, array)
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/modules/iblock/classes/mysql/iblockelement.php:1796
#6: CIBlockElement->Update(integer, array, boolean, boolean)
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/modules/indi/classes/general/util. php:860
#7: indiUtil::incCounterPlant(string)
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/templates/main/components/bitrix/news/encyclopedia/bitrix/news.detail/.default/result_modifier.php:3
#8: include(string)
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/classes/general/component_template.php:947
#9: CBitrixComponentTemplate->__IncludeMutatorFile(array, array)
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/classes/general/component_template.php:854
#10: CBitrixComponentTemplate->IncludeTemplate(array)
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/classes/general/component.php:776
#11: CBitrixComponent->showComponentTemplate()
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/classes/general/component.php:716
#12: CBitrixComponent->includeComponentTemplate()
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/components/bitrix/news.detail/component.php:439#13: include(string)
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/classes/general/component. php:607
#14: CBitrixComponent->__includeComponent()
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/classes/general/component.php:684
#15: CBitrixComponent->includeComponent(string, array, object, boolean)
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/classes/general/main.php:1068
#16: CAllMain->IncludeComponent(string, string, array, object)
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/templates/main/components/bitrix/news/encyclopedia/detail.php:151
#17: include(string)
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/classes/general/component_template.php:790
#18: CBitrixComponentTemplate->__IncludePHPTemplate(array, array, string)
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/classes/general/component_template.php:885
#19: CBitrixComponentTemplate->IncludeTemplate(array)
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/classes/general/component.php:776
#20: CBitrixComponent->showComponentTemplate()
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/classes/general/component. php:716
#21: CBitrixComponent->includeComponentTemplate(string)
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/components/bitrix/news/component.php:216
#22: include(string)
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/classes/general/component.php:607
#23: CBitrixComponent->__includeComponent()
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/classes/general/component.php:684
#24: CBitrixComponent->includeComponent(string, array, boolean, boolean)
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/classes/general/main.php:1068
#25: CAllMain->IncludeComponent(string, string, array, boolean)
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/encyclopedia/index.php:135
#26: include_once(string)
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/include/urlrewrite.php:184
#27: include_once(string)
/home/c/ce63106/Lektrava/public_html/bitrix/urlrewrite.php:2
----------
 

Common raspberry (Rubus idaeus) – description, useful properties