Key Constituents

Tannins^{[1, 8]}

Astringent constituents of the leaf.

Tannins

Flavonoids and the alkaloid fragarine^{[1, 2]}

Fragarine is the constituent proposed to give the uterine-toning effect.

FlavonoidsAlkaloids

Vitamin C and minerals^[1]

Nutritive constituents.

Pharmacological Actions

Antidiarrhoeal^[1]

Astringent for mild diarrhoea (tannins)

Astringent^[1]

Astringent for menstrual cramps (traditional); Astringent for mild diarrhoea (tannins)

Emmenagogue / uterine tonic^{[1, 7, 10, 11]}

Traditional uterine tonic taken in late pregnancy to tone the uterus and support labour - one small double-blind RCT found a shorter second stage of labour and fewer forceps deliveries (no effect on the first stage), alongside observational signals; robust proof is still lacking

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Diarrhoea^[1]Moderate · 5/10

Astringent for mild diarrhoea (tannins)

more plants for diarrhoea →detailed sources →

Menstrual cramps^{[1, 7]}Moderate · 5/10

Astringent for menstrual cramps (traditional)

more plants for menstrual cramps →detailed sources →

PMS / premenstrual syndrome^{[1, 10, 11]}Good · 7/10

inferred from emmenagogue action

more plants for pms / premenstrual syndrome →detailed sources →

Pregnancy support^[1]Moderate · 5/10

more plants for pregnancy support →detailed sources →

Skin irritation^{[1, 5, 9]}Moderate · 6/10

inferred from astringent action

more plants for skin irritation →detailed sources →

Wounds^[1]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from astringent action

more plants for wounds →detailed sources →

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note^{[1, 10]}Caution

Despite widespread popular use, there is no robust (randomised-trial) evidence of efficacy or safety. Use in pregnancy should be discussed with a midwife or doctor and is generally reserved for the last few weeks rather than early pregnancy.

References

REF-0497, REF-1536, REF-1537, REF-1538, REF-1539, REF-1540, REF-1541, REF-1542, REF-1543

References & Sources

Bowman, R.L., Taylor, J. and Davis, D.L (2024) 'Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) use in pregnancy: a prospective observational study', BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. doi:10.1186/s12906-024-04465-7 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04465-7
Mostafa, H.S. and others (2020) 'Phenolic Composition, Mineral Content, and Beneficial Bioactivities of Leaf Extracts from Black Currant (Ribes nigrum L.), Raspberry (Rubus idaeus), and Aronia (Aronia melanocarpa)', Nutrients, 12(2), pp. 463. doi:10.3390/nu12020463 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12020463
Bijak, M., Saluk-Bijak, J. and others (2016) 'The influence of Rubus idaeus and Rubus caesius leaf extracts on platelet aggregation in whole blood. Cross-talk of platelets and neutrophils', Platelets, 27(5), pp. 433-439. doi:10.3109/09537104.2015.1131254 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3109/09537104.2015.1131254
Valdes, M. and others (2022) 'Rubus idaeus extract improves symptoms in knee osteoarthritis patients: results from a phase II double-blind randomized controlled trial', BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 23(1), pp. 650. doi:10.1186/s12891-022-05612-2 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05612-2
Campos, P.M. and others (2020) 'Anti-aging and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split-face, randomized controlled trial', Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 19(3), pp. 671-676. doi:10.1111/jocd.13305 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13305
Bednarski, M. and others (2014) 'CD39/NTPDase-1 expression and activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells are differentially regulated by leaf extracts from Rubus caesius and Rubus idaeus', Cellular & Molecular Biology Letters, 19(2), pp. 291-304. doi:10.2478/s11658-014-0202-8 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2478/s11658-014-0202-8
Rojas-Vera, J., Patel, A.V. and Dacke, C.G (2002) 'Relaxant activity of raspberry (Rubus idaeus) leaf extract in guinea-pig ileum in vitro', Phytotherapy Research, 16(7), pp. 665-668. doi:10.1002/ptr.1040 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1040
Raudone, L. and others (2022) 'In Vitro Antioxidant and Prooxidant Activities of Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) Stem Extracts', Molecules, 27(13), pp. 4073. doi:10.3390/molecules27134073 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27134073
Cugnetto, M.L. and others (2015) 'An oil-soluble extract of Rubus idaeus cells enhances hydration and water homeostasis in skin cells', International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 37(4), pp. 428-433. doi:10.1111/ics.12236 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12236
Farnaghi, S. and Braniff, K (2022) 'Survey of Raspberry Leaf Tea in pregnancy', Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. doi:10.1111/ajo.13496 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1111/ajo.13496
Simpson, M., Parsons, M., Greenwood, J. and Wade, K (2001) 'Raspberry leaf in pregnancy: its safety and efficacy in labor', Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 46(2), pp. 51--59. doi:10.1016/s1526-9523(01)00095-2 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/s1526-9523(01)00095-2

Generated June 22, 2026 from omniasana.bio