# Rubus niveus (Mysore Raspberry)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/rubus-niveus
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-24
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Herb
**Also Known As:** Rubus niveus, Snow Raspberry, Hill Raspberry, White Raspberry, Mysore Berry, Neelakurinja, Kala Hinsalu

## Overview

Rubus niveus (Mysore Raspberry) is a wild-harvested berry whose root and fruit extracts contain bioactive polyphenols, including ellagitannins and anthocyanins, that demonstrate chemoprotective and antitumor activity. These compounds reduce oxidative DNA damage and inhibit tumor cell proliferation primarily through [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing and modulation of cellular [stress response](/ingredients/condition/stress) pathways.

## Health Benefits

• DNA protection and chemoprotection: Mouse studies showed significant reduction in doxorubicin-induced DNA damage (p<0.05) at 500-1000 mg/kg doses (preliminary evidence)
• Antitumor activity: Root extract (250 mg/kg) prolonged lifespan by 70% in mice with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma and reduced Dalton's lymphoma tumor volume to 2.07 cm³ (preliminary evidence)
• Wound healing support: Complete epithelialization observed in mice by days 13-17 with root extract treatment (preliminary evidence)
• Antioxidant effects: Polyphenolic compounds including quercetin provide [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing activity (preliminary evidence)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) potential: Traditional use for inflammation supported by polyphenol content, though no clinical studies exist (traditional evidence only)

## Mechanism of Action

Rubus niveus polyphenols — particularly ellagitannins and anthocyanins — scavenge [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (ROS) and reduce oxidative adduct formation on DNA, thereby limiting strand breaks induced by genotoxic agents such as doxorubicin. The root extract appears to modulate tumor microenvironment dynamics by reducing ascitic fluid volume and tumor cell viability, possibly through inhibition of topoisomerase II and suppression of [NF-κB](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)-mediated pro-survival signaling. Anthocyanins may additionally upregulate Nrf2-ARE antioxidant response elements, enhancing endogenous [glutathione production](/ingredients/condition/detox).

## Clinical Summary

Available evidence for Rubus niveus is limited exclusively to in vitro cell studies and in vivo mouse models; no human clinical trials have been conducted to date. In a murine Ehrlich ascites carcinoma model, oral administration of root extract at 250 mg/kg significantly prolonged lifespan by approximately 70% and reduced tumor volume compared to untreated controls. Separately, doses of 500–1000 mg/kg of fruit or root extract demonstrated statistically significant reductions in doxorubicin-induced DNA damage (p<0.05) as measured by comet assay in mouse leukocytes. These findings are preliminary and cannot be extrapolated to human therapeutic dosing without controlled clinical investigation.

## Nutritional Profile

Rubus niveus (Mysore Raspberry) fruit and plant parts contain the following characterized components: Macronutrients — fruit is predominantly water (~85-88%), with modest carbohydrate content (~8-10g/100g fresh weight), minimal protein (~1-1.5g/100g), and low fat (<0.5g/100g), consistent with other Rubus species. Dietary fiber estimated at 3-5g/100g (pectin and cellulose fractions). Bioactive compounds (primary documented constituents): Polyphenols — ellagic acid and ellagitannins are primary documented phytochemicals identified in root and leaf extracts, consistent with genus-wide patterns; anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-rutinoside) contribute to characteristic dark purple-black fruit pigmentation, estimated 50-150mg/100g fresh fruit based on comparable Rubus species. Flavonoids — quercetin and kaempferol glycosides detected in leaf extracts. Alkaloids — trace alkaloids reported in root extracts. Tannins — condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins) present in bark and root, contributing to astringency; exact concentrations not formally published. Terpenoids — ursolic acid and oleanolic acid identified in root extracts, likely contributors to observed antitumor activity in mouse models. Vitamins: Vitamin C estimated 15-25mg/100g (fresh fruit, unverified analytically for this species); B-vitamins presumed present at trace levels consistent with Rubus genus. Minerals: Potassium, calcium, and magnesium expected as dominant minerals (~100-200mg, ~20-40mg, ~15-25mg per 100g respectively), based on genus data; no species-specific mineral analysis published. Bioavailability notes: Ellagitannins require [gut microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) conversion to urolithins for systemic activity; polyphenol bioavailability likely moderate (~5-20%) and influenced by food matrix and individual microbiome composition. Root extract phytochemicals used in experimental studies are ethanol/aqueous extracts at 250-1000mg/kg doses in mice, and direct human bioavailability data is not yet established.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied human dosages exist. Preclinical mouse studies used 500-2000 mg/kg body weight of aerial parts extract (with caution above 1000 mg/kg due to potential genotoxic effects at 2000 mg/kg) and 250 mg/kg of acetone root extract for antitumor effects. Human equivalent doses have not been established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

No formal human safety or toxicology studies have been published for Rubus niveus extracts, making definitive risk profiling impossible at this time. Because the plant contains ellagitannins that are metabolized to urolithins by gut microbiota, individuals with dysbiosis or [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) bowel conditions may experience variable absorption and gastrointestinal tolerance. Theoretical interactions exist with cytotoxic chemotherapy agents such as doxorubicin, as the extract's [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) could potentially reduce drug-induced oxidative stress — which is part of doxorubicin's mechanism — though this has not been clinically evaluated. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid supplemental extracts due to the complete absence of safety data in these populations.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses on Rubus niveus were identified. Available evidence consists entirely of preclinical mouse studies, including genotoxicity/chemoprotection research (PMID: 25681544) showing DNA protective effects at 500-1000 mg/kg, and antitumor/wound healing studies (PMID: 24941297) demonstrating 70% [lifespan extension](/ingredients/condition/longevity) in cancer models.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Rubus niveus has been used in Indian traditional medicine for treating wounds, burns, [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), dysentery, diarrhea, and excessive menstrual bleeding. Root extracts have been traditionally applied for skin diseases, tumors, and wounds, suggesting long-term ethnopharmacological use in South Asian healing systems.

## Synergistic Combinations

Quercetin, Green Tea Extract, Turmeric, Resveratrol, Milk Thistle

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Rubus niveus and how does it differ from common raspberries?

Rubus niveus, also called Mysore Raspberry or Hill Raspberry, is a wild-harvested species native to South and Southeast Asia, distinct from the commercially cultivated Rubus idaeus (red raspberry). Unlike common raspberries, research interest in Rubus niveus centers on its root extract rather than its fruit, with preclinical studies highlighting potent antitumor and chemoprotective properties not yet documented in standard raspberry varieties.

### What dose of Rubus niveus extract was used in antitumor mouse studies?

In the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma mouse model, a root extract dose of 250 mg/kg body weight administered orally was shown to prolong mouse lifespan by approximately 70% and reduce ascitic tumor volume. DNA-protective effects against doxorubicin-induced damage were observed at higher doses of 500–1000 mg/kg, though these are animal doses and no human equivalent dosing has been established.

### What bioactive compounds in Rubus niveus are responsible for its health effects?

The primary bioactive compounds identified in Rubus niveus include ellagitannins, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Ellagitannins are hydrolyzed in the gut to ellagic acid and subsequently converted to urolithins by colonic bacteria, while anthocyanins such as cyanidin-3-glucoside contribute to direct ROS scavenging and Nrf2 pathway activation that underpins the plant's antioxidant and chemoprotective effects.

### Is Rubus niveus safe to take with chemotherapy drugs like doxorubicin?

This combination has not been studied in humans and carries a theoretical concern: Rubus niveus extracts demonstrated protection against doxorubicin-induced DNA damage in mice, suggesting antioxidant mechanisms that could potentially interfere with doxorubicin's cytotoxic, ROS-dependent action on cancer cells. Patients undergoing chemotherapy should consult their oncologist before using any Rubus niveus supplement, as co-administration could theoretically reduce treatment efficacy.

### Are there any human clinical trials on Rubus niveus?

As of the available literature, no human clinical trials have been conducted on Rubus niveus root or fruit extracts for any health indication. All published efficacy data derive from in vitro cell-based assays and in vivo rodent models, which means the compound's safety, effective dose, bioavailability, and therapeutic relevance in humans remain entirely unestablished and require prospective clinical investigation.

### What is the most bioavailable form of Rubus niveus for health benefits?

Root extracts appear to be the most studied and potent form of Rubus niveus, with concentrated extracts showing significant bioactivity in preclinical models at doses of 250–1000 mg/kg. Whole fruit forms contain beneficial compounds but are less concentrated than standardized root extracts. The bioavailability of specific polyphenols from Rubus niveus extracts in human absorption has not yet been formally characterized in published clinical studies.

### Who should avoid Rubus niveus supplements, and are there populations at higher risk?

Individuals with blood clotting disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications should consult a healthcare provider before using Rubus niveus, as some berry compounds may have mild antiplatelet effects. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid supplementation until human safety data becomes available, as current evidence is limited to animal studies. People undergoing active chemotherapy should discuss Rubus niveus use with their oncologist despite preliminary evidence suggesting potential protective effects, due to the complexity of herb-drug interactions.

### How strong is the current evidence for Rubus niveus compared to other medicinal berries?

Rubus niveus has preliminary evidence from mouse models showing DNA protection and tumor growth reduction, but lacks human clinical trials, making it less established than berries like blueberry or blackberry which have some human studies. The antitumor data (70% lifespan extension in mice with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma) is promising but represents early-stage research that cannot yet be translated to human efficacy claims. More rigorous human clinical trials would be needed to position Rubus niveus alongside better-documented medicinal berries in evidence-based supplement recommendations.

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