Red raspberry leaf

Abstract: The goal of our study was to determine whether maternal exposure to red raspberry leaf (RRL) and its constituents can permanently alter biotransformation of fluorogenic substrates by cytochrome P450 (CYP) in the livers of male and female offspring. Nulliparous female rats received vehicle, raspberry leaf, kaempferol, quercetin, or ellagic acid orally once breeding had been confirmed until parturition. Hepatic microsomes were prepared from animals at birth (postnatal day 1 [PND1]), weaning (PND21), PND65, and PND120 to determine the biotransformation of 8 fluorogenic substrates. The pattern of biotransformation of all but 2 of the substrates was gender specific. Maternal consumption of RRL increased biotransformation of 3 substrates by female offspring at PND120 resulting in a more masculine profile. Kaempferol and quercetin had a similar effect to RRL. These results suggest that maternal consumption of either RRL or some of its constituents leads to long-term alterations of CYP activity in female offspring.

Abstract: Milk production is a complex physiologic process involving physical and emotional factors and the interaction of multiple hormones. Galactogogues are medications or other substances believed to assist initiation, maintenance, or augmentation of milk production in animals. Most galactagogues (e.g., medications, foods, herbal therapies etc.) exert their pharmacologic effects through interactions with dopamine receptors, resulting in increased prolactin levels and thereby augmenting milk supply. Numerous botanicals have been used as galactagogue in folk medicine. The most commonly used are: Asparagus, Fenugreek, Brewer's yeast, Blessed thistle, Alfalfa. Others include: Anise, Astragalus root, Boza, Burdock, Nettle, Fennel, Flax, Soapwort, Vervain, Red raspberry leaf, Marshmallow (althaea) root and Torbangun. The botanical agents from these plants acting as galactagogues include Stearidonic acid, α-linolenic acid, ascorbic acid, Domperidone, Metoclopramide, Risperdal, Sulpiride (Egonyl) and chlorpromazine (Thorazine), Amentoflavone, Curcumin, Vanillic acid, Ferulic acid, saponins, glycosides (shatavarin, sarasapogenin, diosgenin), Isoflavones, Asparagamine, Racemosol, α-Thujene, α-Pinene, Sabinene, Myrcene, α-Phellandrene, p-Cymene, Limonene, γ-Terpinene, Carvone, α-Pinene, Piperitone, Thymol, Cadinene, Eudesmol, Bisabolol, Zingiberene, Bisabolene, Cadina-1,4-diene, Isopelletierine, Anaferine, Andrograpolide, Pregnane derivatives etc. This paper describes potent synthetic and herbal galactagogues along with their pharmacological action.

Abstract: Red raspberry leaf (Rubus spp.) has been historically used as an herbal medicine to promote labor as well as to reduce pain during childbirth. Previous research has shown red raspberry leaf (RRL) to either contract or relax uterine smooth muscle tissues. These variable responses are likely a function of the species used, the stage of estrous, whether the protocols were completed on intact organisms or isolated tissues, how the extracts were prepared, as well as the concentrations administered. The purpose of this investigation was to collect data using contemporary techniques that either supported or refuted claims that RRL contracts isolated uterine muscle. Aqueous extracts of RRL at all concentrations tested (1.5 - 50 mg) produced increases in contractile forces from isolated longitudinal strips of mouse uterine tissues suspended in standard 15 mL organ baths. The responses were concentration-dependent when presented as a standardized contractile response to10−5 M ACh (p = 0.005), and were equa...

Abstract: SUMMARY Herbal galactogogues are medicinal plants that are used to augment milk production in animals as well as in nursing mother. Several herbal galactogogues have galactogenic effect. Fenugreek is an herb, which is very often used to increase milk production and has been used as such for centuries. Fennel is a common galactogogue, which promotes milk ejection reflex. Raspberry leaf i.e. red raspberry leaf is reported to bring in rich milk. Nettle is a well-known galactogogue and best for (female) tonic herb. It is rich in trace minerals and vitamins. Blessed thistle is a Mediterranean weed, the dried acrial parts of which are used as a lactogenic agent. Cheste berry is a small shrub and has a normalizing effect on progesterone function of the pituitary gland. It stimulates prolactin production and is used by nursing mothers to increase milk supply. Alfalfa is used to increase appetite, vitality and it helps in water retention in animals. Goat’s rue has been reported to be an excellent galactogogue. Milk thistle has been used historically to increase milk supply. The leaves are used to increase milk supply and also believed to moderate estrogen levels. Mother’s milk tea can be prepared by grinding the ingredients such as 1 part blessed thistle, 1 part fenugreek, ½ part hops, 2 parts fennel, and 1 part nettle, and then are mixed well with water and used as galactogogue. It should be administered as usual dosage of about 1 ounce of herb per pint of water. These herbal galactogogues need