Red Raspberry Leaf Childbirth and Pregnancy

Abstract
The herb being discussed is Rubis idaeus, also known as red raspberry leaf. I am interested in examining the use of red raspberry leaf to support pregnancy health, support the womb, and in aiding childbirth. I hypothesize that red raspberry leaf will be beneficial during pregnancy. The benefits and safety of red raspberry leaf will be assessed and examined based on scientific research. Scientific research done on both humans and animals has shown that red raspberry leaf has no adverse effects when ingested. Red raspberry leaf has also shown to be effective in shortening labor, decreasing the likelihood of pre and post-term gestation, and lowering the chances of artificial membrane rupture. Although red raspberry leaf tea has been used for pregnancy and women’s heath for decades, further research could help doctors provide future mothers with a natural pregnancy supplementation.
Introduction
For centuries various herbs have been used as an aid to general wellness for people all over the world. Specifically, the use of Rubis idaeus, also known as red raspberry leaf (RRL) has gained popularity among pregnant women for its many benefits. Red raspberry leaf can easily be bought from stores and is mainly ingested through teas branded as “pregnancy tea.” Through the analysis of various research, the effectiveness of red raspberry leaf during pregnancy will be assessed. While empirical evidence exists for its ability to improve contractions during childbirth and assist in balancing hormones during pregnancy, a word of caution must be applied when using RRL. That is because of the powerful effect RRL can have on hormones and insulin sensitivity or insulin resistance.
Results
RRL has been proven to be effective in various ways for pregnant women and women experiencing childbirth. A study published in 2016 demonstrated the effects of RRL on uterine contractions using female mice. The results by Olson & DeGolier (2016), show the contractions occur unless certain drugs are added to prevent them such as nifedipine and salbutamol. “…empirical evidence for the traditional use RRL as an herbal uterotonic. It does not however, address the relative effectiveness of ingested RRL on the labor and birth processes” (Olson & DeGolier, 2016, p. 39). Such information could provide proof towards RRL as an herb useful for childbirth. Although RRL may help with contractions, at higher doses it may relax the uterus, inhibiting contractions (Howland, 2019). Pregnancy in general, may or may not benefit from daily administration of RRL and other holistic approaches as seen in an article by Dugoua (2018). One such potential benefit is the reduction of artificial rupture of membranes thanks to RRL (Dekker, 2018). Another study highlighted the antioxidant and anti-cancer properties of RRL that could potentially signal the balancing effects RRL might have on hormones. “Wild raspberry leaf and fruit extracts contain numerous secondary metabolites providing marked antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer activity” (Veljkovic et al., 2018, p. 359).
RRL may even have positive effects on insulin requirements regarding women with gestational diabetes. Those women tend to need insulin in response to their hyperglycemia. However, Cheang, Nguyen, Karjane, & Salley (2016), showed from their study, RRL can create hypoglycemia in those with gestational diabetes on insulin. “A 38-year-old nulliparous woman with GDM developed hypoglycemia requiring lowered insulin dose after consuming raspberry leaf tea at 32 weeks of gestation” (Cheang, Nguyen, Karjane, & Salley, 2016, p. 1421). Such results may lean towards RRL helping expectant mothers during pregnancy by lowering potential insulin resistance. Insulin resistance has been shown to lower hormones like estrogen and progesterone and when hormone replacement therapy was administered, significantly increased insulin sensitivity in affected women (Bitoska et al., 2016). Could the insulin resistance lowering effect or insulin sensitivity increasing effect of RRL come from its ability to balance/increase sex hormones? RRL has also been shown decrease gestation. “…findings also suggest ingestion of the drug might decrease the likelihood of pre and post-term gestation” (Parsons, Simpson, & Ponton, 1999, p. 20). This is an area of study that should be researched more.
Overall, studies have shown RRL to be a proven herbal option to improve uterine contractions and balance female sex hormones (Romm, 2017). RRL may even improve conditions like gestational diabetes through increasing estrogen and progesterone for those with low levels (Cheang, Nguyen, Karjane, & Salley, 2016) (Gladstar, 2017). However, women with overall good health should stay away from RRL and pursue a sound eating plan. This is because herbs like RRL may disrupt the internal balance of the female body.
Discussion
Although herbal supplements or herbal teas may be helpful, it may only be helpful for those who are unhealthy and not getting their nutrients from regular consumption of healthy foods. Budzynska, Filippelli, Sadikova, Dog, & Gardiner (2016), noted, women who do not consume daily, five servings of fruits and vegetables are more likely to take supplements and herbs. “Among the total prenatal group and comparison group, women eating 5 or more servings of fruits or vegetables were less likely to report using herbs or botanicals” (Budzynska, Filippelli, Sadikova, Dog, & Gardiner, 2016, p. 419). Herbal teas like those with RRL can provide a wealth of nutrients a pregnant malnourished woman needs. “Herbal teas can often provide an additional source of nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and iron” (APA, 2018). As was seen with the woman studied with gestational diabetes, only those with hormonal issues or complications like gestational diabetes could stand to benefit from use of herbs like RRL. Otherwise, it would seem like an unnecessary intervention for those looking to have a healthy pregnancy and are already, healthy.
An older study from 2009 suggests RRL may have adverse effects on children leading to reduced growth potential and hormone imbalances that may cause accelerated reproductive development for female offspring (Johnson et al., 2009). The female rats used for the study took RRL long-term, producing these undesired effects. Such information could suggest use of RRL for short-term for those in the process of childbirth and RRL for those with conditions like gestational diabetes. However, any woman who is healthy and pregnant, may not benefit from long-term use of RRL due to the potential adverse effects it could have on the mother and her female children.
While RRL can have benefits such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals (Goodson, 2018), a sensible diet full of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats may be better suited for women without endocrine or metabolic disorders (Nichols, 2018). RRL along with other herbs are beneficial just like supplements, for only those in need of them. A good example of this is the adverse effects of insulin on the pregnant woman with gestational diabetes. Once she was on RRL, the need for insulin diminished. Administration of unnecessary insulin led to hypoglycemia. Overall, people must learn to achieve balance regarding their health, especially hormones and insulin sensitivity. RRL is an easy to access herb. Many can buy it a groceries in the form of capsules or tea (Mercola, 2018). Because of its easy accessibility, roughly 63% of the 52% of women who have tried herbal remedies, have tried RRL (Editorial, 2018). Additionally, RRL can reduce inflammation, protect the heart, decrease nausea, and boost the immune system (Staughton, 2019) (Moore, 2016).
Conclusion
In conclusion, RRL is a great herb for women looking to improve uterine contractions and balance their hormones. Recent empirical evidence exists showing RRL’s ability to reduce insulin resistance or increase insulin sensitivity in pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Female mice and rats studied after administration of RRL saw increased uterine contractions. Nonetheless if healthy women want to use RRL, it should only be used for childbirth and short-term. Long-term use of RRL for otherwise healthy women, may lead to hormonal imbalance for the pregnant woman and her female offspring. The female offspring may experience early reproductive development and reduced growth potential.
References
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