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Rl8.0
Raspberry Leaf Research
Limited supportHigh safety
28 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Limited support
Most studies did not find a clear benefit — only 1 of 4 measured a positive effect for Raspberry Leaf.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 1999–2026 with a typical study size of 91 participants.
Based on 28 studies · 2 meta-analyses · 5 RCTs · 1,165 total participants
Confidence
High
What the studies found
1helped2unclear1didn't help· 24 more without graded effect data
By outcome
Women's healthMay help reduce menstrual discomfort and PMS symptoms · 1-3 cycles
Limited support24 studies
Inflammation
Mostly mechanism / observational7 studies
Therapeutic & clinical
Too few graded studies2 studies
Safety profile
Too few graded studies2 studies
Glucose & metabolic
Too few graded studies1 study
Cholesterol & lipids
Too few graded studies1 study
Digestive health
Too few graded studies1 study
Weight management
Too few graded studies1 study
By the numbers
Pulled from 26 studies with measurable effects
People studied
1,165
typical study: 91 people
Strongest designs
7
2 pooled, 5 randomised
Showed benefit
25%
1/4 studies
How long studies ran
1–3 months
2
Populations Studied
Pregnant women9
General population7
Patients with hyperglycemia and dyslipidemias1
Pregnant women from 32 weeks gestation1
Active research area
12 studies in the last 5 years · Latest meta-analysis: 2020
199920122026
1Ellagitannin characteristics and beneficial effectsSystematic Review2026
It aims to provide the food science and nutrition community with an authoritative reference on ellagitannins in red raspberry and to guide their development and application as core ingredients for next-generation functional foods and nutraceuticals.
Tao M et al. · Food & function (2026)
In red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.), ellagitannins constitute the predominant class of polyphenols, accounting for 53-76% of the total polyphenolic content, and their health-promoting potential is becoming increasingly evident.
This review systematically delineates the chemical structures of ellagitannins, extraction and analytical techniques, in vivo metabolic pathways, and their multiple biological activities.
It aims to provide the food science and nutrition community with an authoritative reference on ellagitannins in red raspberry and to guide their development and application as core ingredients for next-generation functional foods and nutraceuticals.
2Polysaccharide characterization and biological efficacySystematic ReviewCited 15×2026
RP is among the key bioactive constituents of Rubus idaeus L.
Gao S et al. · Journal of ethnopharmacology (2026)
RP is among the key bioactive constituents of Rubus idaeus L.
This review provides a comprehensive summary of the extraction, isolation, purification, biological activities, and structure-activity relationships of RP, offering valuable reference and support for their applications in pharmaceuticals, food products, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics.
Consequently, elucidating the intricate process-structure-activity relationship is paramount for their effective utilization.
Zhao F et al. · International journal of biological macromolecules (2026)
Consequently, elucidating the intricate process-structure-activity relationship is paramount for their effective utilization.
This review provides a comprehensive and systematic synthesis of current research on raspberry polysaccharides, encompassing advanced extraction and purification techniques, methods for structural characterization, underlying mechanisms of biological activity, and potential applications.
The currently available data indicate a weak effect of raspberry leaf extracts on labor induction and, at the same time, their possible negative impact on cervical ripening.
Socha MW et al. · Nutrients (2023)
The majority of women apply raspberry leaves during pregnancy to induce and ease labor.
However, it has not been possible to determine the exact effect of using raspberry extracts on the course of childbirth and the perinatal period.
Additionally, it is unclear whether this herb has only positive effects.
6Chemical content and health-promoting properties of berry seedsSystematic ReviewCited 19×2023
However, many preparations and compounds still lack appropriate evidence for their effectiveness in vivo, so their activity should first be assessed in animal studies and clinical trials.
Sławińska N et al. · Nutrients (2023)
Last search was conducted on 16.01.2023.
Various preparations from berry seeds are valuable sources of bioactive phytochemicals and could be used as functional foods or to make pharmaceuticals or cosmetics.
Some products, like oil, flour, or extracts, are already available on the market.
7Hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia treatmentSystematic ReviewCited 10×2022
According to the results, raspberry can be included in the nonpharmacological treatment of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemias; however, further research is considered necessary.
Piña-Contreras N et al. · Journal of medicinal food (2022)
However, regarding the lipid-lowering effect, the results were heterogeneous, mainly in terms of stabilization in triglyceride levels.
However, a reduction in cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels is reported, as well as an increase in high-density lipoproteins.
According to the results, raspberry can be included in the nonpharmacological treatment of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemias; however, further research is considered necessary.
8Labour and birth facilitationSystematic ReviewCited 15×2021
Many women use raspberry leaf in pregnancy to facilitate labour and birth.
Bowman R et al. · BMC complementary medicine and therapies (2021)
Human studies have not shown any harm or benefit though one study demonstrated a clinically meaningful (though non-statistically significant) reduction in length of second stage and augmentation of labour in women taking raspberry leaf.
Many women use raspberry leaf in pregnancy to facilitate labour and birth.
The evidence base supporting the use of raspeberry leaf in pregnancy is weak and further research is needed to address the question of raspberry leaf's effectiveness.
9Safety of herbal medicinal products in pregnancySystematic ReviewCited 40×n=74 · small study2019
The use of herbal medicinal products during pregnancy and the postnatal period should be discouraged until robust evidence of safety is available.
Muñoz Balbontín Y et al. · Obstetrics and gynecology (2019)
Huge harm
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Use of almond oil was associated with preterm birth (odds ratio 2.09, 95% CI 1.07-4.08), oral raspberry leaf was associated with cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.47, 95% CI 1.45-8.28); heavy licorice use was associated with early preterm birth by 3.07-fold (95% CI 1.17-8.05).
African herbal medicine mwanaphepo was associated with maternal morbidity (AOR 1.28; 95% CI 1.09-1.50), and neonatal death or morbidity.
The use of herbal medicinal products during pregnancy and the postnatal period should be discouraged until robust evidence of safety is available.
11Kidney stone prevention and managementMeta-AnalysisCited 108×2018
Further investigations are required to confirm the safety and efficacy of these compounds.
Nirumand MC et al. · International journal of molecular sciences (2018)
The main underlying mechanisms of these dietary plants and their isolated phytonutrients in the management of urolithiasis include diuretic, antispasmodic, and antioxidant activity, as well as an inhibitory effect on crystallization, nucleation, and aggregation of crystals.
The results as presented in this review demonstrate the promising role of dietary plants and phytophenols in the prevention and management of kidney stones.
Further investigations are required to confirm the safety and efficacy of these compounds.
12Phenolic composition and bioactivities of berry leaf extractsSystematic ReviewCited 63×2020
Therefore, the leaves of berry bushes seem to be a promising source of substances that can be used as replacements for synthetic agents in the treatment and prevention of lifestyle diseases.
Staszowska-Karkut M et al. · Nutrients (2020)
This was reviewed and discussed in this article.
The mineral content of their leaves was also summarized because minerals constitute a significant component of plant infusions.
It has been shown that high antioxidant and biological activity of leaf extracts results from the presence of active phenolic compounds, which occur in definitely higher amounts than in fruits.
13Cardiometabolic and neuronal health effectsSystematic ReviewCited 123×2016
The body of research is growing and supports a potential role for red raspberries in reducing the risk of metabolically based chronic diseases.
Burton-Freeman BM et al. · Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) (2016)
In vitro and in vivo studies have revealed various mechanisms through which anthocyanins and ellagitannins (via ellagic acid or their urolithin metabolites) and red raspberry extracts (or the entire fruit) could reduce the risk of or reverse metabolically associated pathophysiologies.
To our knowledge, few studies in humans are available for evaluation.
The body of research is growing and supports a potential role for red raspberries in reducing the risk of metabolically based chronic diseases.
14Safety and efficacy of herbal remedies in pregnancySystematic ReviewCited 36×2013
Despite the widespread, popular use of herbal remedies during pregnancy, too few studies have been devoted to specific clinical investigations.
Dante G et al. · The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians (2013)
Despite the widespread, popular use of herbal remedies during pregnancy, too few studies have been devoted to specific clinical investigations.
With the exception of ginger, there is no data to support the use of any other herbal supplement during pregnancy.
Moreover, regional studies dedicated to the study of local plants used for making recreational tea are important to improve our understanding of their selection criteria, cultural importance and perceived properties in Europe and abroad.
Sõukand R et al. · Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine (2013)
The clear favorite was Origanum vulgare L., mentioned in 61% of the regions.
Regionally, other important taxa included Rubus idaeus L. in eastern Europe, Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All. in southern Europe and Rosa canina L. in central Europe.
Future research on the pharmacological, nutritional and chemical properties of the plants most frequently used in the tea-making process is essential to ensure their safety and appropriateness for daily consumption.
16Safety and efficacy of CAM modalities for labour inductionSystematic ReviewCited 22×2012
More research is needed to establish the safety and efficacy of CAM modalities.
Hall HG et al. · Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives (2012)
More research is needed to establish the safety and efficacy of CAM modalities.
Midwives should develop a good understanding of these therapies, including both the benefits and risks, so they can assist women to make appropriate decisions.
18Antioxidant content and bioavailability in raspberrySystematic ReviewCited 42×2005
It is clear that raspberry, like several other fruits and vegetables such as tomato, strawberry, kiwi and broccoli, represents a valuable contrasting source of potentially healthy compounds and can represent an important component of a balanced diet.
Beekwilder J et al. · BioFactors (Oxford, England) (2005)
In this paper we review the current literature on antioxidants from fruit of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) and place these in context concerning what is known from other food species.
The review concentrates on the methods of antioxidant testing, the diversity of antioxidants in raspberry, effects of ripeness, cultivar, storage and processing techniques, and the bioavailability of raspberry antioxidants in humans after eating the fruit.
It is clear that raspberry, like several other fruits and vegetables such as tomato, strawberry, kiwi and broccoli, represents a valuable contrasting source of potentially healthy compounds and can represent an important component of a balanced diet.
These findings support the potential of RL tea as a simple, dietary approach to modulate glucose metabolism and warrant further investigation in populations at risk for metabolic disorders.
Alkhudaydi HMS et al. · Nutrients (2025)
Results: When RL tea was consumed with sucrose, postprandial blood glucose levels were significantly reduced at 15 and 30 min by 1.19 ± 0.88 mmol/L (25.59% reduction, p = 0.001) and 2.03 ± 1.05 mmol/L (43.57% reduction, p = 0.0004), respectively.
Insulin concentrations were also significantly lower at 15 min (113.90 ± 59.58 pmol/L, p = 0.019), 30 min (161.76 ± 91.96 pmol/L, p = 0.0008), and 60 min (139.44 ± 75.96 pmol/L, p = 0.025).
No significant differences were observed with glucose ingestion.