• Basic Info

Category

Herbs & Supplements

Synonyms

Allstar, Annapolis, Earliglow, Evangeline, Fragaria chiloensis ssp. Chiloensis, Fragaria x ananassa Duch., Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne, garden strawberry, Jewel, Mesabi, Rosaceae (family), Sable, Sparkle, woodland strawberry.

Background

Strawberry (Fragaria spp.) is predominantly known for its bright red, edible fruit covered in small seeds. The fruit is fragrant, and high in fiber, vitamin C, folate, potassium, and antioxidants. Retrospective, epidemiological studies indicate that strawberry ingestion may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Preliminary research also indicates that strawberry may be useful as an anti-inflammatory and may help enhance iron absorption. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

Strawberry represents a valuable contrasting source of potentially healthy compounds and can represent an important component of a balanced diet if not allergic.

Evidence

DISCLAIMER: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Antioxidant : Laboratory studies suggest that strawberry has antioxidant properties. However, the effect in humans is unclear. Further study is needed to define strawberry's effectiveness in humans.
Grade: B

Colorectal cancer prevention : Strawberry and other fruits may reduce the risk of adenoma (noncancerous tumor) with mild dysplasia (abnormal growths) in women. However, additional studies are needed to determine strawberry's effects on cancer risk.
Grade: C

Tradition

WARNING: DISCLAIMER: The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Anti-aging, iron absorption enhancement, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant ("blood-thinner"), cancer, cancer (antiangiogenesis, destruction blood vessels), food uses, leukemia, malnutrition, scurvy (vitamin C deficiency).

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older):

There is no proven effective dose for strawberry.

Children (younger than 18 years):

There is no proven effective dose for strawberry in children.

Safety

DISCLAIMER: Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

Allergies

Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to strawberry (Fragaria spp.) or its constituents. Hypersensitivity to strawberry is fairly common, especially among children, although there are only a few cases of patients with adverse reactions to strawberry listed in the currently available literature, compared to other Rosaceae fruit. There is some evidence that some proteins in strawberries are homologues for birch pollen and stone and pome fruit allergens, which may explain the prevalence of strawberry sensitivity. There also seems to be a connection between acetylsalicylic acid intolerance and strawberry sensitivity.

Side Effects and Warnings

Strawberries are likely safe when used in food amounts in healthy patients. Strawberry extract, or very large amounts of strawberries may be unsafe if consumed by pregnant patients, due to insufficient available evidence. In sensitive subjects, strawberry has caused contact urticaria (hives) and pruritic dermatoses (eczema and neurodermite). Strawberries, especially fresh ones, may be contaminated with bacteria, pesticides, or fungi, and should be thoroughly washed before consuming.

Use cautiously in patients with hematological (blood) disorders or in patients taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents (blood thinners).

Use cautiously in patients with iron-absorption disorders.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Based on traditional use as a food, the food amounts seem safe. Larger amounts and strawberry extract are not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.