Raspberry

Berry fruits such as blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries could potentially improve gut microbiota and reverse dysbiosis in chronic kidney disease patients.

2023 Nutrition Reviews Blueberry, cranberry, raspberry, and strawberry as modulators of the gut microbiota: target for treatment of gut dysbiosis in chronic kidney disease? From current evidence to future possibilities Coutinho-Wolino KS, Melo MFS, Mota JC, Mafra D, Guimarães JT, Stockler-Pinto MB

Review Article Chronic Kidney Disease Cranberry Gut Microbiota

Methodology: This research explores the therapeutic potential of berry fruits, including blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries, in relation to modulating gut microbiota in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The fruit’s rich polyphenol and nutrient content are assumed to promote the selective growth of beneficial bacteria, thus improving the clinical status of these patients. The study scrutinizes the impact on the abundance of mucus-producing bacteria and short-chain fatty acids specifically.

Discussion of Results: The gathered evidence illustrates that berry fruits, particularly with a daily intake of 5 mg, can promote diversity in the gut microbiota and possibly reverse dysbiosis, a common issue in chronic kidney disease patients. These fruits are found to increase the expression of mRNA involved in gut tight junctions such as occludin, TJP1, and mucin, and they may reduce uremic toxins by controlling the gut microbiota, improving the uremic condition. As such, long-term use of berry fruits could be an effective strategy for CKD patients.

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Raspberry consumption can help to reduce blood glucose levels and stabilize the blood lipid profile due to its bioactive compounds.

2022 Journal of Medicinal Food Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.), a Promising Alternative in the Treatment of Hyperglycemia and Dyslipidemias Piña-Contreras N, Martínez-Moreno AG, Ramírez-Anaya JDP, Espinoza-Gallardo AC, Valdés EHM

Systematic Review Blood Sugar Cholesterol Raspberry Leaf

The researchers conducted a systematic review of original articles and enzyme inhibition studies involving animal models and human clinical studies, extracting data from the PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases. The mechanisms of action investigated focused on how consumption of raspberry in different forms (like frozen, lyophilized, infusion of leaves, seed oil) and compounds extracted from it could inhibit enzymes and increase insulin production and sensitivity, thereby affecting blood glucose levels.

The findings revealed that raspberry consumption, regardless of its form, consistently aided in reducing blood glucose levels. The mechanisms involved included inhibition of specific enzymes and enhancement of insulin production and sensitivity. On the other hand, the effects on the lipid profile were varied. While a decrease in cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels was recorded, the impact on triglyceride levels was less consistent and manifested mainly as stabilization rather than reduction. However, an increase in levels of beneficial high-density lipoproteins was reported, suggesting an overall beneficial effect on lipid profile.

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Raspberry leaf for childbirth, highlighting the lack of robust evidence on its effects, safety, and efficacy during pregnancy, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive research.

2021 BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Biophysical effects, safety and efficacy of raspberry leaf use in pregnancy: a systematic integrative review Bowman R, Taylor J, Muggleton S, Davis D

Systematic Review Labour Induction Raspberry Leaf

This study aims to assess the evidence regarding the effects, safety, and efficacy of raspberry leaf in pregnancy-related contexts. The systematic integrative review analyzes 13 studies, spanning animal and human research, showcasing raspberry leaf's biophysical impact on uterine muscle. While evidence is limited, human studies indicate no significant harm or benefit, though one suggests a potential reduction in second stage labor duration and labor augmentation. Further research is warranted to better understand raspberry leaf's effectiveness in pregnancy.

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Traditional Chinese medicine, especially Zuo Gui Wan, red raspberry leaves, and Orthosiphon stamineus, seems to control gestational diabetes effectively without reported toxicity.

2019 Journal of Diabetes Research Evaluating Traditional Chinese Medicine and Herbal Products for the Treatment of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Xu YXZ, Xi S, Qian X

Review Article Gestational Diabetes Raspberry Leaf Zuo Gui Wan

The study initiated a systematic search across PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases to pinpoint research discussing the impact of traditional Chinese medicine on pregnancy. The results were then further narrowed down to focus on any correlation with all forms of diabetes mellitus. The primary thread that emerged was the beneficial effect of three main herbal remedies: Zuo Gui Wan, red raspberry leaves, and Orthosiphon stamineus.

Based off of the results from this search, a focal review of these herbal elements and their associations with type 2 diabetes mellitus was undertaken. Across the board, these remedies demonstrated positive effects on metabolic health, especially among women dealing with gestational diabetes. No experimental models reported any toxicity or harmful side effects associated with these herbal treatments. The report calls out that current studies on both conventional and alternative interventions for gestational diabetes are immensely lacking, emphasizing the need for a standardized protocol to evaluate the efficacy of these herbal medicines.

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Raspberry leaf consumption may decrease insulin requirements in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

2016 Obstetrics & Gynecology Raspberry Leaf and Hypoglycemia in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Cheang KI, Nguyen TT, Karjane NW, Salley KES

Case Report Gestational Diabetes Hypoglycemia Raspberry Leaf

In the methodology of this case study, a 38-year-old pregnant woman, who was diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus, consumed raspberry leaf tea at 32 weeks of gestation. After the ingestion of the tea, she experienced hypoglycemia that required lowering her insulin dosage. This temporal relationship was verified by her ceasing and readopting the herb. Throughout the study, there were reassuring fetal surveillance and growth, resulting in a cesarean delivery at 39 weeks. The newborn didn't have hypoglycemia or any other complications and the placental biopsy showed standard outcomes.

In the discussion of the results, it was observed that raspberry leaf tea might have properties that can affect glycemic control in gestational diabetes mellitus patients. After consumption of the tea, the subject experienced hypoglycemia which necessitated a decrease in her insulin dose. Also, the re-consumption of the herb confirmed its hypoglycemic effects. Importantly, the baby was not affected by hypoglycemia or any other complications, indicating that raspberry leaf tea may be a practical alternative for managing gestational diabetes mellitus. However, it was recommended that pregnant women with such condition should be cautious about the use of the herb and monitor their glucose levels more frequently.

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