Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) has long been used in traditional alternative medicine in Korea because of its potential to improve vascular function. An extract found in black raspberries can significantly lower arterial stiffness, a key measure of cardiovascular disease, according to data from a Korean study.
Previous research has shows that Black raspberries are highly effective in preventing colorectal tumors and esophageal cancer.
Current findings establish a link between the consumption of this fruit and circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which help repair and regenerate damaged arteries.
Arterial stiffness is considered a key indicator of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, especially in obese andinsulin-resistant patients.
Korean trials
Researchers from Korea University Anam Hospital (Seoul) and Gochang Black Raspberry Research Institute (Korea) carried out the trial.
The results of a randomised controlled trial saw two groups of patients with metabolic syndrome receive either 750 mg/day of black raspberry extract or a placebo for 12 weeks.
Here, blood pressure, degree of vascular stiffness, circulating number of EPCs and various markers of inflammation were recorded at the start of the study and at a 12-week follow-up.
The team of researchers from Korea University Anam Hospital and Gochang Black Raspberry Research Institute in South Korea found vascular stiffness values were significantly decreased in the black raspberry group compared to the placebo group (–5% vs. 3%).
In addition, EPCs at the 12-week follow-up were significantly higher in the black raspberry group compared to the placebo group (19 microlitres vs. –28micro-L).
Indicators of inflammation, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), were significantly greater in the black raspberry group compared to the placebo group (–0.5 picogram per millilitre vs. –0.1 pg/ml, and –5.4 pg/ml vs. –0.8 pg/ml, respectively).
Adiponectin levels, a hormone involved in regulating metabolic processes, were significantly higher in the black raspberry group when compared to the baseline (2.9 micro-g/ml vs.– 0.2 micro-g/ml).
“The use of black raspberry significantly lowered the augmentation index and increased circulating EPCs, thereby improving CV risks in patients with metabolic syndrome during the 12-week follow-up,”
Black raspberry benefits
The health benefits of anthocyanidins such as those found in purple potatoes and its derivatives have been well-documented and add to an ever growing body of science to support the potential heart health benefits of black raspberries, with the bioactives proposed to be anthocyanins, flavonols, resveratrol, ellagitannin and tannins.
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About the Author
I have been a herbal healing alchemist ever since I was old enough to pretend I was the Dr. Quinn Medicine woman equivalent. I am into studying astrological charts as well as how astrology relates to current events. I was a chiropractic assistant for two years, within that time I received my yoga teacher certification, which now I use as a bookmark but I acquired some neat information on how to direct and play with energy in my body. I see every person as an extension of my family. My passion is reminding humanity how to love, in hopes to ignite the memory that you are in fact a walking embodiment of universal perfection!