Raspberry

Raspberry (or "red raspberry") is a fruit plant also known as Framboise, Framboisier Rouge, Framboisier Sauvage, Frambuesa Roja, Rubi Idaei Folium, Rubus, and other names.

Red raspberry is a fruit. When used as a food product, raspberry is not likely to produce health benefits or side effects. When used as a medicinal product, raspberry may produce both desired and unwanted effects on the body.

Raspberry has also been used during childbirth to reduce the need for pain medication or to shorten the length of labor. However, research has shown that raspberry may not be effective for these conditions.

Other uses not proven with research have included treating stomach problems, diabetes, heart disease, breathing disorders, vitamin deficiency, fluid retention, and other conditions.

It is not certain whether raspberry is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Raspberry should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Raspberry is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Raspberry may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

You should not use this product if you are allergic to raspberries, or if you have:

• past or present cancer of the breast, ovary, or uterus; or
• a history of endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

Before using raspberry, talk to your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use raspberry if you have certain medical conditions.

The use of raspberry as a food product is likely to be safe during pregnancy. The use of red raspberry leaf as a medicine is possibly safe during pregnancy. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether raspberry passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

The side effects of raspberry are not known.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to use raspberry, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Do not take topical (for the skin) raspberry by mouth. Topical forms of this product are for use only on the skin.

Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc) of raspberry at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with raspberry does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra raspberry to make up the missed dose.

Raspberry (or "red raspberry") is a fruit plant also known as Framboise, Framboisier Rouge, Framboisier Sauvage, Frambuesa Roja, Rubi Idaei Folium, Rubus, and other names.

Red raspberry is a fruit. When used as a food product, raspberry is not likely to produce health benefits or side effects. When used as a medicinal product, raspberry may produce both desired and unwanted effects on the body.

Raspberry has also been used during childbirth to reduce the need for pain medication or to shorten the length of labor. However, research has shown that raspberry may not be effective for these conditions.

Other uses not proven with research have included treating stomach problems, diabetes, heart disease, breathing disorders, vitamin deficiency, fluid retention, and other conditions.

It is not certain whether raspberry is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Raspberry should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Raspberry is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Raspberry may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra raspberry to make up the missed dose.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

The leaves of red raspberry were used for their astringent properties to treat diarrhea in the 19th century. A strong tea of raspberry leaves was used in painful or profuse menstruation and to regulate labor pains in childbirth. 2 The Eclectics used a decoction of the leaves to suppress nausea and vomiting. A gargle of raspberry leaf infusion has been used for sore throats and mouths and to wash wounds and ulcers. 3

The tannin components of the leaves have a definite astringent action, 12 which may be helpful in diarrhea or as a mouthwash; however, there is little pharmacologic evidence at present to support the use of raspberry leaf tea in pregnancy, menstruation, or childbirth. Blackberry ( R. strigosus ) leaves, which have similar chemistry to raspberry leaves, have been found to have a slight hypoglycemic activity in rabbit models; however, the chemistry responsible for this effect was not elucidated. 13 , 14

A preliminary study found fractions of raspberry leaf extract that stimulated and relaxed uterine muscle in pregnant rats, but this must be confirmed. 15

Research reveals no clinical data regarding raspberry for any use.