Red raspberry leaf
 | This article needs more reliable medical references for verification or relies too heavily on primary sources. (January 2015) |  |
The red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus), also known as garden raspberry leaf, is produced by the deciduous raspberry plant and used in folk remedies.[1]
Use in pregnancy
Traditional lore suggests that pregnant women use raspberry leaf tea, especially as an aid in delivery.[2] However, scientific research has found little to no evidence to support this claim.[3] Most of the evidence available is anecdotal, and a 2009 review article stressed concern at the lack of evidence for safety and efficacy and called recommendations of its use "questionable".[3]
Scientific Studies
Scientific studies that have been done, presented controversial findings.
Results supporting the use of red raspberry leaf during pregnancy
- A study from 1999, reported findings that indicated the tea would shorten labor, and also lessen the chances of women experiencing an artificial rupture of their membranes, requiring a caesarean section, or requiring forceps or a vacuum birth.[4]
Results against the use of red raspberry leaf during pregnancy
- A study from 2010 using rats indicated that the tea sometimes augmented contractions and sometimes inhibited them.[5]
- Another study using rats, from 2009, reported that the tea could increase gestation length and accelerate reproductive development in offspring.[6]
References
- ^ Boon, Smith, Heather, Michael (2004). The Complete Natural Medicine Guide to the 50 Most Common Medicinal Herbs. 120 Eglinton Ave. E., Suite 800, Toronto, Canada M4p 1E2: Robert Rose. p. 233. ISBN 9780778800811.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ McFarlin, Barbara L.; Patsy Harman; Jann O'Rear; Mary H. Gibson (May–June 1999). "A National Survey of Herbal Preparation Use by Nurse-midwives for Labor Stimulation: Review of the Literature and Recommendations for Practice". Journal of Nurse-Midwifery. 44 (3): 205–216. doi:10.1016/S0091-2182(99)00037-3. PMID 10380441.
- ^ a b Lone Holst; Svein Haavik; Hedvig Nordeng (13 June 2009). "Raspberry leaf – Should it be recommended to pregnant women?". Complementary therapies in clinical practice. 15 (4): 204–8. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.05.003. PMID 19880082.
- ^ Parsons, M.; Simpson, M.; Ponton, T. (September 1999). "Raspberry leaf and its effect on labour: safety and efficacy". Australian College of Midwives Incorporated Journal. 12 (3): 20–25. ISSN 1031-170X. PMID 10754818.
- ^ Jing Zheng; Pistilli, Marc J.; Holloway, Alison C.; Crankshaw, Denis J. (2010-05-01). "The Effects of Commercial Preparations of Red Raspberry Leaf on the Contractility of the Rat's Uterus In Vitro". Reproductive Sciences. 17 (5): 494–501. doi:10.1177/1933719109359703. ISSN 1933-7191.
- ^ Johnson, Jill R.; Makaji, Emilija; Ho, Shirley; Boya Xiong; Crankshaw, Denis J.; Holloway, Alison C. (2009-06-01). "Effect of Maternal Raspberry Leaf Consumption in Rats on Pregnancy Outcome and the Fertility of the Female Offspring". Reproductive Sciences. 16 (6): 605–609. doi:10.1177/1933719109332823. ISSN 1933-7191.