Rubus Chingii Extract
Also known as: Rubus chingii Hu, Fu-Pen-Zi, Chinese raspberry, Rubus chingii
Overview
Rubus chingii extract is derived from the dried fruits of the plant *Rubus chingii* Hu, a species traditionally utilized in Chinese medicine, primarily for conditions related to the kidneys and urinary tract. This botanical extract is rich in diverse bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, diterpenoids, flavonoids, and organic acids. Modern research focuses on its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, immunomodulatory, and metabolic regulatory properties. While numerous preclinical studies (in vitro and animal models) support these effects, particularly for its polysaccharides, high-quality human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are currently limited. The evidence base is considered moderately mature, with a growing interest in its various health benefits.
Benefits
Rubus chingii extract exhibits several evidence-based benefits. Its primary effects include significant anti-inflammatory properties, particularly from its polysaccharides, which have been shown to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) in vitro and ameliorate colitis symptoms in mouse models, suggesting potential for inflammatory bowel disease management. It also possesses strong antioxidant and cytoprotective capabilities, with components effectively scavenging free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative damage. Certain triterpenoids and diterpenoids within the extract demonstrate anticancer activity, exhibiting cytotoxic effects against various cancer cell lines and tumor models. Furthermore, polysaccharides from *R. chingii* are known to modulate immune responses, potentially enhancing host defense mechanisms. Preliminary evidence also suggests anti-obesity and metabolic regulatory effects, possibly influencing lipid metabolism. Secondary effects, such as antimicrobial and anticomplementary activities, have been reported but require further validation. While traditional use targets urinary and kidney health, modern research primarily supports its role in gastrointestinal and inflammatory conditions. Quantitative data from human trials are lacking, but animal studies show statistically significant reductions in inflammatory markers and tumor growth.
How it works
The mechanism of action for Rubus chingii extract involves several biological pathways. Its polysaccharides primarily exert anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating the mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and key pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. The extract's antioxidant properties are mediated through direct free radical scavenging and by enhancing the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes within cells. Triterpenoids and diterpenoids contribute to its anticancer potential by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting proliferation in cancer cells, likely through multiple molecular targets. The extract primarily interacts with the immune and gastrointestinal systems, with traditional use and preliminary data suggesting potential effects on metabolic and renal systems. Specific pharmacokinetic data on the absorption and bioavailability of *R. chingii* compounds are scarce, though polysaccharides generally have low oral bioavailability but can exert effects via gut immune modulation.
Side effects
Rubus chingii extract is generally considered safe based on its long history of traditional use and findings from animal studies, with no major toxicity reported in the reviewed scientific literature. Common side effects are not well documented, and no significant adverse effects have been reported in animal or in vitro studies to date. However, due to the limited clinical research, a comprehensive safety profile for human consumption is not yet established. There are no documented drug interactions, but caution is advised due to the lack of clinical data, especially for individuals on prescription medications. No specific contraindications have been established, but as a precautionary measure due to insufficient safety data, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid its use. Furthermore, there is insufficient data regarding its safety and efficacy in special populations, including children or individuals with chronic diseases, warranting careful consideration before use in these groups.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established clinical dosing guidelines for Rubus chingii extract due to the absence of high-quality human randomized controlled trials. Dosage information is primarily derived from preclinical studies. In vitro studies using polysaccharides from *R. chingii* have employed concentrations ranging roughly from 50 to 200 µg/mL. In vivo animal studies have utilized varying doses, but these are not standardized for human extrapolation. Optimal dosing, timing of administration, and the most effective formulation (e.g., whole extract, specific polysaccharide fractions) for human use remain undetermined and require extensive clinical research. Without human data, it is not possible to specify different dosages for various purposes, absorption factors, or upper safety limits.
FAQs
Is Rubus chingii extract effective for inflammation?
Preclinical evidence, particularly from animal models of intestinal inflammation, strongly supports the anti-inflammatory effects of Rubus chingii extract, especially its polysaccharide components.
Is Rubus chingii extract safe to consume?
Traditional use suggests general safety, and animal studies have not reported major toxicity. However, comprehensive clinical safety data in humans are currently limited.
How soon do the effects of Rubus chingii extract appear?
Animal studies typically observe effects within days to weeks of administration. However, human data on the onset and duration of effects are not yet available.
Can Rubus chingii extract be used for cancer treatment?
Some compounds within Rubus chingii show anticancer activity in laboratory and animal studies. However, there are no clinical trials confirming its efficacy as a cancer treatment in humans.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1592046/full – This systematic review from Frontiers in Pharmacology (2025) focused on polysaccharides from *Rubus chingii*. It highlighted their diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-tumor, anti-colitis, immunomodulatory, anti-obesity, antioxidant, and cytoprotective effects. The review emphasized the importance of structural characterization and noted the significant potential for therapeutic applications, while also stressing the critical need for future clinical trials to validate these findings in humans.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6646936/ – This review article from Frontiers in Pharmacology (2019) provided a comprehensive summary of over 235 chemical constituents identified in *Rubus chingii*, with a particular focus on triterpenoids and diterpenoids as key bioactive compounds. It detailed various reported pharmacological effects, including anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. The authors critically pointed out the significant lack of high-quality clinical data to support these preclinical observations.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9105459/ – This experimental study (PMC 2022) successfully isolated a novel pectin polysaccharide, RCHP-S, from *Rubus chingii*. The research demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects of RCHP-S both in vitro, using RAW 264.7 macrophages, and in vivo, in a DSS-induced colitis mouse model. The study reported reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines and improvements in colitis symptoms, utilizing appropriate controls and statistical analysis to support its findings.
