Medicinal Plant Lexicon

Medicinal Plant Lexicon

Raspberry

Raspberry
Photo: Rosse

Botanical name

Rubus idaeus L.

Family

Rosaceae

Common name

Red raspberry, European red raspberry

Information about the plant

The raspberry is native to Europe, temperate Asia, and North America, where it grows in forests and thickets. In Germany, it is primarily cultivated and highly valued for its red berries. The berries are processed into jelly, jams, fruit juices, fruit compotes, and similar fruit preparations.

The genus name Rubus comes from Indo-European and is derived from “reub-” (= to tear), referring to a shrub that can tear one’s skin. This characteristic is due to the thorns and is shared by both the raspberry and the blackberry (Rubus fruticosus). The species epithet idaeus is interpreted as “originating from the Ida Mountains”. The origin of the German name “Himbeere” is unclear; the interpretation “berry eaten by does” is considered unsatisfactory.

The shrub, which grows to a height of 0.5 to 1.5 m, is biennial with a woody stem covered in weak thorns. The leaves are 3- to 7-pinnate, with serrated edges and a white, felt-like underside. The flowers are inconspicuous and white; after flowering, the sepals bend backwards. The fruits are red. Botanically, the raspberry is an aggregate fruit: many small drupes sit on a cone-shaped fruit axis and detach easily from it when harvested. The flowering time is from May to June.

Medicinally used parts of plants (herbal drug)

The dried and cut leaves (raspberry leaves – Rubi idaei folium), collected in spring or early summer, are used.

The commercially available drug comes from wild sources or crops in Central and Eastern Europe.

Constituents of the herbal drug

Raspberry leaves contain tannins (mostly gallotannins and ellagitannins) and flavonoids.

Quality of the drug

The quality of raspberry leaves (Rubi idaei folium) is specified in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.).

Medical applications

Recognised medical use

The HMPC has classified raspberry leaves as a traditional herbal medicinal product (see ‘Traditional use’).

ESCOP: Raspberry leaves have not been evaluated.

Traditional use

Raspberry leaves have been classified by the HMPC as a traditional herbal medicinal product (Article 16a of Directive 2001/83/EC). Based upon long-standing use, raspberry leaves can be taken internally to treat mild menstrual cramps and mild diarrhea. Externally, they can be used to treat mild inflammation of the mouth and throat.

Herbal drug preparations in finished dosage forms

Cut raspberry leaves for tea preparation.

Dosage

Finished medicinal product: see patient information leaflet.

Tea: Drink 1 cup of warm raspberry leaf tea between meals 3 to 4 times a day. Daily dose: 6 to 8 g of the drug. The tea can also be used as a mouthwash or gargle.

Preparation of a tea

Pour approximately 150 mL of boiling water over 2 to 4 g of finely chopped raspberry leaves and strain after 10 minutes. It is also possible to prepare the tea cold and bring it briefly to a boil.

Notes

In case of prolonged and recurring diarrhea, or bloody stools, medical advice must be sought.

No studies are available on the safety of raspberry leaves use during pregnancy and lactation. Use in children and adolescents under 18 years is not recommended due to a lack of evidence.

Side effects

None known.

Interactions

None known.

References

Herbal drug monographs

HMPC (2014, 2023)

Further literature

Commentary on the European Pharmacopoeia (Raspberry leaves, No. 2950)

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