- Chinese Name Fu Pen Zi 覆盆子
- Latin Name Rubus idaeus
- Other Names Fructus Rubi, Rubus, Chinese Raspberry Fruit, Paint-Leaf Raspberry Fruit
- Used Part Berry
- Specification Powdered Extract; Juice Powder
Chinese Raspberry Extract Powder
Description
Raspberries rank near the top of all fruits for antioxidant strength, particularly due to their rich content of ellagic acid (from ellagotannins), quercetin, gallic acid, anthocyanins, cyanidins, pelargonidins, catechins, kaempferol and salicylic acid.
Anthocyanins found in raspberries, which act as pigments to give berries their deep color, are a major component of the phenolic/flavonoid class. Recent research shows that anthocyanins act as antioxidants, providing many potential health benefits. Researchers are currently linking anthocyanin activity to possibly improving vision, controlling diabetes, improving circulation, fighting cancer, and retarding the effects of aging, particularly loss of memory and motor skills. Raspberries’ anthocyanins also give these delectable berries unique antimicrobial properties, including the ability to prevent overgrowth of certain bacteria and fungi in the body. Quercetin and catechins are flavonols found in raspberries that act as antioxidants that support the body’s immune system and may contribute to cancer prevention. Quercetin has also been shown to reduce the release of histamine and may be effective against allergies.
One of the most promising benefits of red raspberries is that they are significant source of ellagic acid. This substance belongs to the family of phytonutrients called tannins, and is viewed as being responsible for a good portion of the antioxidant activity of this (and other) berries. Ellagic acid has become a known as a possible potent anti-carcinogenic/anti-mutagenic compound. Clinical tests conducted at the Hollings Cancer Institute at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) show that ellagic acid, a naturally occurring plant phenol may be the most potent way to possibly combat cancer, inhibit the growth of cancer cells, and arrest the growth of cancer in subjects with a genetic predisposition for the disease. Ellagic acid may possibly act as a scavenger to “bind” cancer-causing chemicals, making them inactive. It also may inhibit the ability of other chemicals to cause mutations in bacteria. In addition, ellagic acid from red raspberries may prevent binding of carcinogens to DNA, and may reduce the incidence of cancer in cultured human cells exposed to carcinogens.
Raspberries are an excellent source of fiber, manganese and vitamin C. They are a very good source of vitamin K and a good source of magnesium, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, copper, vitamin E and potassium. But eating whole berries or berry powder has been shown in scientific studies to be more beneficial than taking the individual phytochemicals in the form of dietary supplements
Some possible traditional uses of Red Raspberry Juice Powder may include:
● Highest food source of ellagic acid
● Almost 50% higher antioxidant activity than strawberries because of high levels of tannins
● May help prevent the development of early atherosclerosis
● Ability to prevent overgrowth of certain bacteria & fungi in the body
● High in polyphenolic compounds known for their anti-cancer properties
● Contain strong antioxidants such as Vitamin C, quercetin & gallic acid
● Raspberries have been shown to inhibit the production of COX-I and COX-II enzymes. Anti inflammatory products like ibuprofen & aspirin, inhibit COX-I and COX-II resulting in the reduction of pain associated with arthritis, gout & other inflammatory conditions
● Red raspberry ketones are currently being used in Japan as a weight loss supplement in a pill form and as an external patch
● Good source of anthocyanins including quercetin, kaempferol cyanidin-3-glucosylrutinoside & cyanidin-3-rutinoside
TCM Tradition
Taste & Property Sweet, Astringent (Sour), Neutral (Slightly Warm)
Organ Meridians Liver, Kidney
TCM Functions
• Tonifies and stabilizes the Kidneys and astringes Jing and urine
– Urinary frequency, enuresis, impotence, spermatorrhea, premature ejaculation or wet dreams due to Kidney Yang Deficiency
• Tonifies Yang and improves vision
– Poor vision, soreness of the lower back and impotence due to Liver and Kidney Deficiencies