Safety of Red Raspberry Leaf and Red Clover

[samy23]

I've been researching this, and found out taking Red Raspberry Leaf long term isn't safe. I was thinking about taking it to see if it helps with fertility for conceiving and uterine health. However I've read it contains tannins which are carcinogenic (cancer causing). So now I think I'll stay away from it.

Red Clover I've also looked into and found if taken long-term has been linked to cancer of the uterus lining.

I'm quite shocked by this because Ive seen people on here are taking it and I wonder how long they intend on taking it? If you don't conceive within a few months, would you still be taking it and would that mean long-term?...which is when it is said to be unsafe.

And don't some people take it throughout an entire pregnancy too? It really sounds like it should only be taken for very short periods of time.

[crayfishgirl]

Originally Posted by samy23

I've read it contains tannins which are carcinogenic (cancer causing).

What were the concentrations/doses that were cancer-causing? "Tannin" is a very broad term for a number of different compounds (any large polyphenolic compound that binds with protien), and is found in a lot of things (generally plant-based....it deters animals from eating them): red wine, tea, coffee, fruit (mostly berries, pomegranates), nuts (walnuts and others with bitter skins), chocolate. I've been drinking RRL tea (hoping it will help with healing/regulation following a miscarriage). Drinking a few cups of tea (or even many cups of tea) a day shouldn't cause cancer....even with long term use. I can't speak to to taking significant quantities of highly concentrated herbs in tablet form, but anything taken in huge quantities is detrimental (its the dose, not the compound that causes toxicity)...even water will kill you if you drink enough of it.

[beckyand3littlemonsters]

like crayfishgirl said tannins are in a lot of things including tea which a LOT of people drink on a daily basis with no ill effects.
I took raspberry leaf capsules when i was pregnant with my ds cameron and a few times with my ds caden.

[finnegansmom]

RRL is in my prenatal that I've been taking since last November...
I also drink lots of herbal tea which contain RRL.

What references say that RRL causes cancer? I'd be interested to read those.

[xtara2003x]

Originally Posted by finnegansmom

RRL is in my prenatal that I've been taking since last November...
I also drink lots of herbal tea which contain RRL.

What references say that RRL causes cancer? I'd be interested to read those.

[echospiritwarrior]

I'd also like to see the studies. I have to agree with crayfishgirl.
It would take quite a bit to sway me from drinking my RRL... I'm enjoying a cup right now!

[mrsberman]

I'm interested to hear as well. I've heard that drinking red wine or grape juice is healthy because of the tannins in them. I would guess you would have to drink a lot of RRL for it to be "bad" for you.

[samy23]

Originally Posted by finnegansmom

What references say that RRL causes cancer? I'd be interested to read those.

Ok here are some I found: -the highlighted bits are quotes from the links.

Red Clover:

Although red clover appears to be safe for short-term use, long-term use may be linked to increased risk of cancer of the lining of the uterus.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid red clover.

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herb...red_clover.htm

because red clover may have anti-estrogen effects, it could cause serious problems during pregnancy.

http://menopause.emedtv.com/red-clov...pregnancy.html

Red clover might produce infertility: Doctors have noted that the long-term intake of red clover may decrease fertility.

Red clover stimulates cancer and strokes: Medical researchers proved that Phytoestrogens in red clover may accelerate the spread of breast and uterine cancer cells, and stimulates strokes.

http://menopause-herbs.femhealth.net...de-effects.htm

With red raspberry leaf, I think I just read because of the tannins in it, it's carcinogenic....but like pp said, other foods have tannins in too and we consume those, so I don't know....?

[suzywan]

Wonder who funded those studies.....

[pinkgeek]

Something slightly off-topic to consider is that some tannins (like those found in red wine) are a common migraine trigger.

[samy23]

Originally Posted by pinkgeek

Something slightly off-topic to consider is that some tannins (like those found in red wine) are a common migraine trigger.

That's good to know since I do get migraines, will have to look into that.

[beckyand3littlemonsters]

Originally Posted by pinkgeek

Something slightly off-topic to consider is that some tannins (like those found in red wine) are a common migraine trigger.

That explains it then LOL it was the tannins in the red wine that made me get headaches, nothing to do with the alcohol content

[~Demeter~]

In my readings, RRL is quite beneficial both before, during, and after pregnancy.

Red Clover is something I am not comfortable taking all of the time. Occasionally, yes... but not while pregnant at all. Most herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy which I think is a real bummer.. it's hard to find REAL information out there without a bunch of fear mongering.

I go by my gut... Currently I'm drinking a pregnancy tea (in my 2nd tri, 19 weeks) with RRL, spearmint, dandelion root, nettles, and lemon balm. It makes me feel really good (aside from some super BH that I wasn't ready for... have to work up to this strength I think) and it tastes delicious. I see a lot of recommendations for pregnancy tea with Red Clover.. and I just wouldn't do it unless something indicated that I needed it.

As for tannins.... eh.. many things have tannins. Many things can cause cancer. I think the benefits to most herbs is far greater than the perceived risk of cancer... I think many drugs that are taken so freely cause cancer, too. <shrug> I think it's definitely very individual.. either you feel comfortable taking an herbal supplement or you don't.

[~Demeter~]

Originally Posted by beckyand3littlemonsters

That explains it then LOL it was the tannins in the red wine that made me get headaches, nothing to do with the alcohol content

I can't drink any wine at all... red or white. Instant headache for me. Not so sure it's the tannins as it is the preservatives for me. I've yet to try a preservative/sulfate free wine.