Herbs (Global Traditional) · Native American
Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) (Rubus idaeus)
Moderate Evidencebotanical1 PubMed Study
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) contains tannins, flavonoids, and anthocyanins that provide antioxidant activity with DPPH radical scavenging capacity of 6746 ± 555 μmol TE/100g. The leaf extracts demonstrate selective cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines through polyphenolic compounds that modulate cellular oxidative stress pathways.
Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) is a perennial shrub native to Europe and parts of Asia, belonging to the Rosaceae family, with both fruits and leaves traditionally used in herbal medicine. The fruits are extracted using gradient reverse-phase HPLC to isolate phenolic compounds, while leaves undergo steam-distillation to obtain volatile oils rich in bioactive compounds.
No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses were found in the research dossier. All available evidence comes from in vitro (laboratory) studies examining antioxidant capacity, cytotoxicity, and antibacterial effects of leaf and fruit extracts.
No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as human trials have not been conducted. In vitro studies used steam-distilled leaf extracts and fruit phenolic profiles quantified at 187-391 mg GAE/100g fresh weight, but therapeutic dosages have not been established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Per 100g fresh red raspberries: Macronutrients — Carbohydrates 11.9g (of which sugars 4.4g), Dietary fiber 6.5g (one of the highest fiber contents among common berries), Protein 1.2g, Fat 0.6g (including omega-3 ALA ~0.13g), Water ~85.8g, Energy 52 kcal. Key Micronutrients — Vitamin C 26.2mg (29% DV), Vitamin K 7.8μg, Vitamin E 0.87mg, Folate 21μg, Manganese 0.67mg (29% DV), Magnesium 22mg, Potassium 151mg, Copper 0.09mg, Iron 0.69mg. Bioactive Compounds — Ellagitannins (primarily sanguiin H-6 and lambertianin C): 1500–4000mg/100g dry weight, representing the dominant polyphenol class and primary contributors to the reported DPPH radical scavenging value of 6746 ± 555 μmol TE/100g; Anthocyanins: 20–60mg/100g fresh weight, predominantly cyanidin-3-sophoroside and cyanidin-3-glucosylrutinoside; Ellagic acid (free form): 8–25mg/100g fresh weight, with urolithin A produced post-gut metabolism as a bioavailable derivative; Flavonols: quercetin glycosides 3–8mg/100g; Catechins/proanthocyanidins: 50–100mg/100g; Raspberry ketone (rheosmin): trace amounts ~1–4mg/100g fresh; Tiliroside (kaempferol glycoside): present in leaves at higher concentrations than fruit. Bioavailability Notes — Ellagitannins are poorly absorbed intact but are hydrolyzed to ellagic acid and further converted by gut microbiota to urolithins (urolithin A, B), which are bioavailable and considered the primary active metabolites; conversion efficiency is highly individual and dependent on microbiome composition. Anthocyanins show low-to-moderate bioavailability (~1–5% absorption), with peak plasma levels ~1–2 hours post-consumption. Vitamin C bioavailability is high (~80–90%). Leaf preparations (used in Native American contexts) contain higher concentrations of tannins and flavonoids compared to fruit, particularly fragarine alkaloid-like compounds and polypeptides not present in significant quantities in the fresh berry.
Red raspberry leaf's bioactive compounds including ellagitannins, quercetin, and cyanidin-3-glucoside neutralize reactive oxygen species through electron donation and chelation of metal ions. The tannins interact with cellular membranes and proteins, potentially disrupting cancer cell proliferation pathways while sparing healthy cells. Flavonoids modulate antioxidant enzyme systems including superoxide dismutase and catalase.
Current evidence is limited to preliminary in vitro studies demonstrating strong antioxidant capacity and selective cytotoxicity against Caco-2 tumor cell lines. No completed human clinical trials have validated these effects in vivo. The antioxidant activity shows promising DPPH radical scavenging values comparable to other potent botanical antioxidants. More research including animal studies and human trials is needed to establish clinical efficacy and optimal dosing protocols.
Red raspberry leaf is generally recognized as safe when consumed as a food or tea, with mild gastrointestinal upset being the most common side effect. May interact with anticoagulant medications due to potential blood-thinning properties from salicylates. Pregnant women should consult healthcare providers before use, as traditional claims about uterine effects lack sufficient safety data. No established drug interactions or serious adverse effects have been documented in available literature.
