Wise Mind Herbs

The information on this page has been prepared with reference to published scientific literature, not by a medically qualified expert. It is not medical advice. Any decision to use a supplement or herb-based product is your responsibility. Consult a suitably qualified medical professional, especially if you have underlying conditions. Remember, nothing is for everyone, and not everything sold is what it claims to be. Some things work for some people, some of the time.

Bramble (Rubus fruticosus)

Bramble, scientifically known as Rubus fruticosus and commonly called blackberry, is a perennial flowering plant from the Rosaceae family. It's important to note that "bramble" often refers collectively to several Rubus species, including R. fruticosus (European blackberry), R. allegheniensis (Allegheny blackberry), and sometimes R. idaeus (raspberry), though these are distinct species with different phytochemical profiles.

Common Names

• Blackberry (most common)
• Bramble
• European blackberry
• Common blackberry
• Goutberry

Related Species Often Confused with Rubus fruticosus

• Rubus allegheniensis (Allegheny blackberry)
• Rubus armeniacus (Himalayan blackberry)
• Rubus ursinus (Pacific blackberry)
• Rubus idaeus (Red raspberry) - distinctly different species
• Rubus occidentalis (Black raspberry) - distinctly different species

Bioactive Compounds

The therapeutic properties of blackberry are attributed to its rich phytochemical profile, including:

• Polyphenols (anthocyanins, ellagic acid, tannins)
• Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol)
• Vitamins (C, E, K)
• Minerals (manganese, copper, potassium)
• Dietary fiber

Therapeutic Applications

Based on peer-reviewed research, blackberry extracts and compounds have shown potential in the following areas:

Conditions with Strong Evidence

• Oxidative stress reduction - Multiple studies demonstrate blackberry's powerful antioxidant properties
• Anti-inflammatory conditions - Reduced inflammatory markers in both in vitro and animal studies
• Glycemic control - Moderate improvements in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity

Conditions with Moderate Evidence

• Cardiovascular health - Improved lipid profiles and vascular function
• Oral health - Antimicrobial effects against oral pathogens
• Digestive disorders - Traditional use for mild diarrhea supported by astringent properties
• Neuroprotection - Potential cognitive benefits through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms

Conditions with Preliminary Evidence

• Cancer prevention - In vitro and animal studies show anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells
• Urinary tract health - Traditional use for UTI symptoms, limited clinical evidence
• Skin health - Topical applications show potential for wound healing and photoprotection

It's crucial to note that while these studies show promise, blackberry should not be considered a "cure" for any condition. Most research is still preliminary, with limited human clinical trials available.

Recommended Dosages

Clinical standardization of blackberry preparations remains inconsistent, making dosage recommendations challenging. Current research suggests:

• Fresh fruit: 100-150g daily for general antioxidant benefits
• Leaf tea: 2-3g dried leaf steeped in 240ml water, 1-3 times daily
• Commercial extracts: Typically standardized to 10-25% anthocyanins or 40-70% ellagic acid, with recommended doses of 250-500mg daily
• Tincture (1:5 in 45% alcohol): 2-4ml, three times daily

For therapeutic applications, most studies have used extracts rather than whole fruit, with anthocyanin content serving as the primary standardization marker. Efficacy appears dose-dependent, with higher concentrations showing stronger antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory studies.

High-Dose Studies and Knowledge Gaps

Research on doses exceeding the ranges mentioned above is limited. In vitro studies have explored concentrated extracts, but human trials using high doses are lacking. Animal toxicity studies suggest blackberry extracts have a wide safety margin, but this cannot be directly extrapolated to humans. A significant knowledge gap exists regarding long-term use of high-dose blackberry supplements and potential interactions with medications or cumulative effects.

Side Effects and Contraindications

Blackberry is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food consumption. However, medicinal use may present some concerns:

• Allergic reactions - Rare but possible, particularly in individuals with sensitivity to Rosaceae family plants
• Digestive discomfort - High tannin content may cause constipation in sensitive individuals
• Hypoglycemic effects - May enhance the effects of diabetes medications
• Anticoagulant interactions - Theoretical risk of interaction with blood-thinning medications
• Pregnancy and lactation - Insufficient safety data, though food amounts are considered safe

The leaves contain higher concentrations of tannins than the fruit and may cause more pronounced astringent effects when consumed as tea.

Commercial Pharmaceutical Products

Unlike some botanicals, blackberry has not been widely developed into specific pharmaceutical products. Most commercial applications remain in the supplement, food, or cosmetic categories.

Conclusion

Scientific research supports several traditional uses of blackberry, particularly related to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. However, the evidence remains preliminary for many applications, with limited standardization and clinical trials. Further research, particularly well-designed human studies, is needed to establish optimal dosing, standardization parameters, and specific therapeutic applications. Consumers should approach medicinal use with appropriate caution and consult healthcare providers, especially when using concentrated extracts or if taking medications.

References

Bowen-Forbes, C. S., Zhang, Y., & Nair, M. G. (2010). Anthocyanin content, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties of blackberry and raspberry fruits. Journal of food composition and analysis, 23(6), 554-560.

Calvano, A., Izuora, K., Oh, E. C., Ebersole, J. L., Lyons, T. J., & Basu, A. (2019). Dietary berries, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes: An overview of human feeding trials. Food & function, 10(10), 6227-6243.

de Mello, J. E., Luduvico, K. P., Dos Santos, A., Teixeira, F. C., de Souza Cardoso, J., de Aguiar, M. S. S., ... & Spanevello, R. (2023). Therapeutic potential of blackberry extract in the preventing memory deficits and neurochemical alterations in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum of a rat model with amnesia. Metabolic Brain Disease, 38(4), 1261-1272.

Golovinskaia, O., & Wang, C. K. (2021). Review of functional and pharmacological activities of berries. Molecules, 26(13), 3904.

Pap, N., Fidelis, M., Azevedo, L., do Carmo, M. A. V., Wang, D., Mocan, A., ... & Granato, D. (2021). Berry polyphenols and human health: Evidence of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, microbiota modulation, and cell-protecting effects. Current Opinion in Food Science, 42, 167-186.

Röhrl, C. (2022). Screening and validation strategies for natural extracts against cardiovascular diseases: Lingonberry and blackberry extracts beneficially act on cholesterol metabolism in-vitro and in-vivo. Atherosclerosis, 355, 213.

Tavares, L., Figueira, I., McDougall, G.J., Vieira, H.L., Stewart, D., Alves, P.M., Ferreira, R.B. & Santos, C.N., 2022. Neuroprotective effects of blackberry (Rubus sp.) polyphenols: a comprehensive review. Neurotoxicity Research, 40(1), pp.198-216.