Evidence supporting the use of: Blackberry
For the health condition: Blood in Stool

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) has a long history of traditional use in various cultures for gastrointestinal complaints, including diarrhea and, by extension, symptoms such as blood in stool (hematochezia) which may result from severe diarrhea or intestinal inflammation. In European and Native American herbal medicine, blackberry leaves and roots were often prepared as teas or decoctions thought to help "bind" the bowels and reduce bleeding or irritation in the digestive tract. The astringent properties of blackberry, attributed mainly to its high tannin content, were believed to help constrict tissues, reduce inflammation, and slow gastrointestinal bleeding.

However, scientific evidence specifically supporting the use of blackberry for blood in stool is limited. While some laboratory and animal studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and astringent effects of blackberry extracts, clinical trials in humans focusing on this particular symptom are lacking. Most available research focuses on blackberry's general benefits for digestive health, such as its antioxidant capacity and its traditional use for diarrhea. The evidence for directly treating blood in stool is therefore mostly anecdotal and based on historical use rather than rigorous scientific validation.

In summary, blackberry’s use for blood in stool is primarily supported by tradition, with some plausible mechanisms (astringency, anti-inflammatory effects) but limited direct scientific evidence. It should not replace medical evaluation for serious symptoms like rectal bleeding.

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