Blackberry - Rubus fruticosus

Detailed Description

Blackberry is a beloved, well-known plant recognized for its benefits to overall health.

Botanical Information

Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) is a perennial shrub forming what are known as biennial canes arising from a perennial root system. In the first year, unbranched canes grow up to 1.5–2.5 meters tall and bear large, lance-shaped leaves composed of 5 to 7 leaflets, but do not produce flowers. In the second year, the canes, though shorter and branched, develop clusters of smaller flowers, each with 3 to 5 petals. The 1 cm-wide flowers bloom at the end of spring. Its fruit, which appears at the end of summer or early fall, is red at first, edible, and has a sweet-tart flavor. Botanically, blackberry fruit is not a true berry but an aggregate of tiny drupelets.

Origin and Distribution

The blackberry originates from Europe and Asia, with related species also found in North America. It is mainly cultivated in temperate climates, especially in Eastern Europe (notably Romania and Bulgaria). In the wild, blackberry is commonly found forming dense thickets under trees in forests. In Southern Europe and Central Asia, it typically appears at higher elevations than in milder climates.

Usage / Dosage

Blackberries are widely enjoyed fresh or made into jams, marmalades, preserves, pies, cakes, desserts, confectionery, sponge cakes and cheesecakes. The Latin name "Idaeus" is derived from Mount Ida near Troy in present-day Turkey, famous in ancient Greek mythology. Herbal texts mention the therapeutic use of blackberries dating as far back as the 6th century AD. The plant was referenced in the classic herbal "Herbarium" in 1597.

Traditional medicinal use includes treatment for menstrual, gastrointestinal, and childbirth-related concerns, among others. The most detailed therapeutic benefits are documented in academic guides, pharmacopeias, and scientific publications (e.g., Burn & Withell 1941, British Pharmaceutical Codex and Pharmacopoeia, Becket 1954, Johnson & McFarlin 1999, Royas 2002, and Hall 2011).

Blackberry’s active compounds exhibit significant antioxidant potential. Research shows moderate effects in inhibiting and destroying cancer cells of the stomach and intestines. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects were tested in vitro for various types of cancer (breast, prostate, esophagus, etc.), with interesting results suggesting regulated cell death via the tumor-suppressing p53 protein. The compounds help keep healthy cells intact, likely influencing cancer suppression by modulating the nuclear factor kappa B complex. High concentrations of blackberry flavonoids have demonstrated antioxidant effects in in vitro studies. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) tests performed on macerated blackberry extracts further support its antioxidant activity.

Further studies assessed the antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of the polyphenolic profile of blackberry fruit extracts. These were tested against laryngeal carcinoma and colon adenocarcinoma. Other research determined an antioxidant, metabolic, and anti-inflammatory effect in patients, suggesting possible benefits for metabolic diseases, cardiovascular disorders, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

Blackberries contain in vitro compounds that cause vasorelaxation and muscle relaxation, supporting childbirth (7 studies). This effect is suspected to help with difficult or pre-term labor. Nine publications report the use of blackberry in the treatment of painful menstruation. In in vivo studies with pregnant rats, blackberry compounds reduced the strength of uterine muscle contractions. The berries also triggered muscle contractions in pregnant and non-pregnant rats. Tests with guinea pigs proved a relaxing effect on smooth muscle tissue.

Blackberry leaf tea, used as a mouthwash, is referenced in about 10 publications, with similar numbers documenting an astringent and partially antibacterial effect, supporting its use for oral inflammation. The 1996 textbook Herbal Medicines, A Guide for Health-care Professionals by C. Newhall mentions the antidiarrheal effect of the plant’s astringent compounds in both single and prolonged doses.

Rheosmin, a ketone found in blackberries, has been shown in vitro to boost metabolism by promoting enzyme activity, oxygen use, and heat production in fat cells. This results in faster fat metabolism, reduced fat stores, and increased fat utilization. Improved fat cell metabolism also lowers the production of pro-inflammatory factors in adipose tissue. Clinically, regular intake of rheosmin (from blackberries) is proposed to reduce inflammatory diseases related to obesity. Regarding the cardiovascular system, rheosmin’s ability to block pancreatic lipase helps reduce fat breakdown and absorption.

Blackberry contains a glycoside called tiliroside, which has been assessed in vitro as a non-specific blocker of adiponectin—a hormone produced by fat tissue that is involved in the storage of fat in cells and plays a role in the pathophysiology of diabetes. Another blackberry component blocks alpha-glucosidase, an enzyme that breaks down starches into sugars and raises postprandial blood sugar. By blocking alpha-glucosidase, blackberry may support glycemic control in type 2 diabetics and those with obesity.

In in vivo models of hyperoxaluria, blackberry compounds performed well in the prevention of kidney stones. More studies are needed to clarify the mechanism. Three in vivo studies described the therapeutic benefits of blackberry in treating and preventing conjunctivitis.

Safety During Pregnancy

In evidence-based medicine, studies involving a total of 156 women assessed the efficacy and safety of blackberry use in late pregnancy. Consumption was rated as safe, with no adverse effects reported compared to control participants (including reports involving breastfeeding mothers who consumed blackberries as tea, etc.). Mild side effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea were observed but were attributed more to pregnancy than to the fruit itself. No significant side effects were found for either mother or child.

Safety

The safety of blackberry use in late pregnancy and during breastfeeding is well documented, with no adverse effects reported in either mothers or their children. A 2009 study confirmed the safety of medicinal preparations containing blackberry extract, and a 2011 survey noted blackberry as a popular choice among pregnant women in Norway (sample size: 600 women).

Traditional and Folk Use

Folk medicine recommends blackberry for gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea, stomach cramps, flu, colds, nasal congestion, headaches, and heart complaints. The berries are most often used for digestive and respiratory complaints, and are recommended for diabetes, fluid retention, skin rashes, and as a vitamin supplement.

Blackberries can help induce sweating, stimulate the kidneys and liver. Eastern European herbal guides recommend blackberry to cleanse the blood, reduce symptoms during heavy menstruation, ease morning sickness, and support pregnancy. Since the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia officially documented blackberry’s uses in 1983, experimental publications on its therapeutic and preventive benefits have surged.

Active Compounds

Blackberry contains vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, phenols, and polyphenols (hydrolyzable tannins 2.8–6.9%), gallotannins (trigalloylglucose, pentagalloyl-D-glucose), anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-sophoroside, cyanidin-3-(2-glucosylrutinoside), cyanidin-3-glucoside, pelargonidin, delphinidin, malvidin), ellagitannins (galloyl esters of glucose, sanguiin H-6, lambertianin C and D), flavonols, flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin, hyperoside), glycosides, stilbenoids (resveratrol), alcohols, aldehydes (benzaldehyde, phenylacetaldehyde, hexen-2al, tetradecanal), terpenoids (terpinolene, nerol, pulegone, terpineol, citral, oxoionol, amyrin, squalene, cycloartenol), ellagic, gallic, chlorogenic, coumaric, ferulic, gentisic, vanillin, and caffeic acids, hydroxycinnamates, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc.

Traditional Dosage

Dosages in folk and medicinal preparations can vary. Typically, 1–8 grams of blackberry fruit can be consumed 2–4 times daily. If dried parts are used, 150 ml is taken 3 times daily. Dried extract is taken at 113–226 mg, 3–4 times daily with food. For more serious indications, daily use should not exceed one week, after which consultation with a healthcare professional is advised.

Freeze-dried whole blackberries make an excellent healthy snack for the whole family, thanks to their delicious taste and inviting aroma.