Black Raspberry

Botanical

What is it

Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) is a North American berry rich in anthocyanins (especially cyanidin glycosides), ellagic acid, and other polyphenols. It is sold as freeze-dried powder, capsules, and juice for antioxidant and cancer-prevention support.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

General antioxidant intake

Good Evidence

Trials reliably raise plasma antioxidant capacity and lower oxidative stress markers.

Oral and esophageal premalignant lesions

Limited Evidence

Small phase II trials of freeze-dried black raspberry show reductions in lesion markers in oral and esophageal dysplasia; not yet adequate to recommend as therapy.

How it works

Black raspberry's anthocyanin and ellagitannin content provide strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Ellagic acid and its colonic metabolite urolithin A have shown effects on tumor cell proliferation, cardiovascular markers, and mitochondrial function in preclinical studies. Trials of black raspberry have explored chemopreventive effects in oral, esophageal, and colorectal cancer with promising but small results.

Dosage

No RDA. Trials use 25-60 g/day of freeze-dried powder; supplement capsules supply 500-3000 mg/day.

When and how to take it

No strict timing requirement; daily consistent intake supports antioxidant status.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Freeze-dried powder

Form used in most clinical research.

Retains anthocyanins and ellagitannins.

Capsule extract

Convenient supplement form.

Standardized to anthocyanin or ellagic acid.

Safety

Well tolerated. Astringent taste and possible mild GI symptoms at high doses.

Who should be cautious

No specific cautions for general use. Pregnancy: dietary amounts are fine; concentrated supplement data are limited.

Interactions

No significant clinical interactions documented at typical doses.

Food sources

Black raspberries, fresh, 100 g

Amount
~700 mg anthocyanins, ~150 mg ellagitannins
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Are black raspberries different from blackberries?⌄

Yes. Black raspberries (Rubus occidentalis) are different species from blackberries; the fruit has a hollow core (like other raspberries).

Do they prevent cancer?⌄

Early-stage trials show promising effects on premalignant lesions, but they are not a substitute for screening or treatment.

References

Black Raspberry on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Black Raspberry (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.