Evidence supporting the use of: Raspberry
For the body system: Female Reproductive System

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly for supporting the female reproductive system. Historical records and anecdotal reports suggest that midwives and herbalists have recommended raspberry leaf tea for centuries to help tone the uterus, ease menstrual discomfort, and support women during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. The traditional rationale is that the plant contains compounds such as fragrine, a type of alkaloid believed to have a relaxing effect on smooth muscle, including the uterus.

Despite its widespread use, scientific studies on raspberry leaf’s effects on the female reproductive system are limited and generally of low quality. A few small clinical trials and animal studies have investigated its safety and potential effects, but most have found only modest or inconclusive results. For example, a 2001 randomized controlled trial found no significant difference in labor outcomes between women who took raspberry leaf tablets and those who did not, though no safety concerns were identified. Most authoritative reviews, including those by professional obstetrics organizations, conclude that while raspberry leaf appears to be safe for most women, there is insufficient high-quality evidence to support its efficacy.

In summary, the use of raspberry leaf to support the female reproductive system is justified primarily by tradition, with only weak scientific evidence available at this time.

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7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)
amino acids
ashwagandha
basil
black cohosh
borage oil
broccoli
chaste tree
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d-alpha tocopherol
damiana
dandelion
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fennel
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folate
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
genistein
ginger
goldenseal
hibiscus
HMR lignan
Indian tinospora
indole-3-carbinol
inositol
jujube
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lignans
linoleic acid (LA)
maca
marine lipid
motherwort
nettle
omega-3 fatty acids
raspberry
rose oil
saffron
selenium
soybean
spearmint leaf
tribulus
vitamin B
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
red clover
squawvine
mugwort
anise
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
blessed thistle
peony
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
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dioscorea
dodder
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
guelder rose
trace minerals
anemarrhena asphodeloides
shepherd's purse
wood betony
herbal blend (proprietary)
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
25-d-spirosta-3, 5-diene
8-Prenylnaringenin
Angelica
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AHCC
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Aletris
Anserina
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Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Animal protein
Betony
Blue Cohosh
Bugbane
Bethroot
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Belamcanda
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Calochortus
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Cnidium
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Chlorophytum
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DHEA
Daidzein
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Diosgenin
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Egg
Erythrina
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Estrogen
Isoflavones
jasmine
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Soy Protein
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