Rubus fruticosus Health Dictionary

Linn. (European BlackBerry, European Bramble, known as Vilaayati Anchhu) is cultivated in the valley of Kashmir and in Assam and Tamil Nadu up to 2,000 m. A decoction of the root is used for dysentery and whooping cough. The plant gave a triterpenic acid, rubitic acid, characterized as 7 alpha-hydroxyursolic acid.

Key application: Rubus fruticosus leaf—in nonspecific, acute diarrhoea, mild inflammation of the mucosa of oral cavity and throat. (German Commission E.)

Rubus rugosus Sm. synonym R. moluccanus auct non Linn., (known as Kalsol in Kumaon) is found in Central and Eastern tropical and temperate Himalaya from Nepal to Sikkim and in Assam. The plant contains triter- penes, also afforded rubusic acid and beta-sitosterol; leaves gave tormentic acid. Leaves exhibit astringent, emme- nagogue and abortifacient properties.

Rubus niveus Thunb. (Mysore Raspberry, Mahabaleshwar Raspberry) is common in evergreen forests of Ma- habaleshwar.

European Raspberry is equated with Rubus idaeus Linn. The leaves contain flavonoids, mainly glycosides of kaem- pferol, quercetin and tannins. Raspberry leaf tea has been used in Europe to facilitate child birth. Its uterine relaxant effects have been demonstrated in animals (the extract appears to effect only the pregnant uterus, no activity has been observed on the non- pregnant uterus).

The leaves of European Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) and other species exhibit astringent, carminative and spasmolytic activity. Leaves are used for painful and profuse menstruation and, as mentioned earlier, for making parturition easier. An infusion is used for bowel complains, also as a blood purifier. Leaves contain ascorbic acid (about 80 mg/100 g). Polyphenol content of the fruit (methanolic extract) exhibited scavenging and antilipo-peroxidant activities.

Rubus idaeus has been introduced into India and is cultivated on a small scale in South Indian hill stations.

The leaf of Rubus idaeus has been included among unapproved herbs by German Commission E, as its efficacy has not been documented.