Raspberry Ketone: Advances in Chemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Emerging Technologies (2015–2025)

Abstract

Background: Raspberry Ketone (RK, 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one) is a naturally occurring phenolic compound in various fruits (e.g., raspberry, peach). Recent years have seen multidisciplinary research interests into its chemical properties, mechanistic pharmacology, safety profile, and technological applications. Objective: To synthesize evidence (2015–2025) on RK’s physicochemical profile, mechanisms of action, absorption–distribution–metabolism–excretion (ADME), safety, and emerging production/formulation technologies. Methods: We summarize about 50 primary studies (2015–2025) from high-impact journals, covering chemical characterization (X-ray diffraction, NMR, DFT modeling), pharmacological mechanism investigations (in silico docking, omics, CRISPR), toxicological evaluations (ADME, dose-response, computational toxicity), and novel formulation/production technologies for the raspberry ketone. Results: Across more than 50 studies conducted between 2015 and 2025, the findings consistently confirm that RK exhibits antioxidant activity and modulates metabolic pathways, with preclinical signals for anti-obesity, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective effects, whereas the research in the field of Pharmacokinetics shows its rapid absorption, extensive first-pass reduction to raspberry alcohol, and tissue distribution influenced by obesity. In general, different models report improved lipid metabolism (through PPAR-α pathway) and reduced oxidative–inflammatory cascades in liver and heart; but magnitude and durability of effects vary with species, dose, and diet. Advances in analytics, bioengineering, and nano-technology have enhanced RK detection, its formulations and sustained production but still, clinical effectiveness and toxicity of chronic use remain insufficiently characterized. Conclusions: Although the in vivo studies suggest multi-target benefits of RK, but human evidence remains limited and safety at high supplemental doses is not fully established. The ongoing efforts in advanced screening and formulation technologies may address current gaps. Therefore, rigorous clinical validation and toxicological profiling are needed before RK can be considered for therapeutic use.