Dev Prakash Dahiya, Abhishek, Anchal Sankhyan and Aditya Thakur
Rubus ellipticus, commonly known as the yellow Himalayan raspberry, is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent, Southern China, Southeast Asia, and parts of Australia. Traditionally, it has been used in Tibetan and Ayurvedic medicine for treating coughs, fever, and renal disorders. The plant is rich in bioactive compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, and essential fatty acids, contributing to its diverse pharmacological properties.
Pharmacological studies have demonstrated its potent antioxidant, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, and wound-healing activities. The antioxidant potential is attributed to high levels of ascorbic acid, β-carotene, and polyphenols. Antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties were observed in animal models, showing effects comparable to standard drugs like paracetamol and indomethacin. R. ellipticus extracts exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans, while also displaying anticancer potential by inhibiting tumor cell proliferation in cervical and colon cancer models. Additionally, its leaf and fruit extracts have demonstrated hypoglycemic effects by inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, supporting its use in diabetes management. The plant also promotes wound healing, with studies showing accelerated contraction and recovery in experimentally induced wounds.