Raspberry ketone is an aromatic phenolic group of compounds that is chemically called 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl) butan-2-one). Although named because it occurs in the raspberry plants (Rubus idaeus), raspberry ketone is also found in other plants including kiwifruit, peaches, and apples. A number of health effects for raspberry ketones have been described including hepatic protection, cardiovascular benefits, gastric protection, anti-hyperlipidemic effects, anti-obesity activity, anti-inflammatory effect and depigmentation effects, and it may also play a role in sexual maturation. Studies show that raspberry ketones are absorbed in animals and excretion from the blood takes around 24 hours. Excretion of raspberry ketones include methylation and conversion to raspberry alcohol. Raspberry ketone may stimulate the metabolism of white and brown adipose tissues because it is able to activate norepinephrine-induced lipolysis. Raspberry ketone may also inhibit the absorption of lipids in the small intestine, and this may reduce energy intake. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of raspberry ketone may explain many of the general health effects of the compound. Specific effects, including the stimulation of lipolysis may require receptor activation.
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