Summary
Rose hip is a term used to refer to the extracts of rose plant fruit (of the Rosagenus), but it almost always refers specifically to Rosa canina, commonly known as the dog rose.
The fruits, and occasionally seeds, of dog rose are either ground up into a powder or made into tea, then supplemented to treat rheumatic diseases like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It improves joint health by reducing pain and stiffness.
Preliminary evidence also suggests rose hip may provide benefits to people with diabetes, as well as high blood pressure and cholesterol. It’s hypothesized that rose hip may have an anti-obesity effect, but this claim needs to be confirmed through research.
Rose hip alleviates joint pain through its immunosuppressive effects. The immune system can contribute to rheumatic diseases. An inflammatory cytokine called Interleukin 1-Beta (IL-1β) causes cartilage cells to produce proteins that digest and break down join tissue. In moderation, this process encourages cell turnover, but in excess, this process contributes to long-term joint tissue degradation, which is what causes joint problems. While rose hip doesn’t reduce IL-1β levels in the blood, it interferes with its ability to activate catabolic proteins.
Rose hip is also able to reduce chemotaxis, which is the transportation of immune cells into tissue. This serves as both an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive mechanism.
What are other names for Rose Hip
- Rosa canina
- Dog Rose
- Cynosbati fructus
- Fructae cynosbati
Dosage information
The standard dose for rose hip is 5-10g a day, divided into two doses.
Rose hip powder is usually the preferred form of the supplement.
Rose hip should be taken with meals.
Doses as high as 40g have been used in studies. Aside from some intestinal distress, taking this much rose hip is not harmful.
Research Breakdown
Examine Database References
- Wrinkles - Phetcharat L, Wongsuphasawat K, Winther KThe effectiveness of a standardized rose hip powder, containing seeds and shells of Rosa canina, on cell longevity, skin wrinkles, moisture, and elasticityClin Interv Aging.(2015 Nov 19)
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP) - Kharazmi A, Winther KRose hip inhibits chemotaxis and chemiluminescence of human peripheral blood neutrophils in vitro and reduces certain inflammatory parameters in vivoInflammopharmacology.(1999)
- Glycemic Control - Andersson U, Berger K, Högberg A, Landin-Olsson M, Holm CEffects of rose hip intake on risk markers of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease: a randomized, double-blind, cross-over investigation in obese personsEur J Clin Nutr.(2012 May)
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP) - Kirkeskov B, Christensen R, Bügel S, Bliddal H, Danneskiold-Samsøe B, Christensen LP, Andersen JRThe effects of rose hip (Rosa canina) on plasma antioxidative activity and C-reactive protein in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and normal controls: a prospective cohort studyPhytomedicine.(2011 Aug 15)
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP) - Willich SN, Rossnagel K, Roll S, Wagner A, Mune O, Erlendson J, Kharazmi A, Sörensen H, Winther KRose hip herbal remedy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis - a randomised controlled trialPhytomedicine.(2010 Feb)
- Pain - Rein E, Kharazmi A, Winther KA herbal remedy, Hyben Vital (stand. powder of a subspecies of Rosa canina fruits), reduces pain and improves general wellbeing in patients with osteoarthritis--a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trialPhytomedicine.(2004 Jul)
- Pain - K Winther, E Rein, A KharazmiThe anti-inflammatory properties of rose-hipInflammopharmacology.(1999)
- Osteoarthritis Symptoms - Odd Warholm, Sigrun Skaar, Ewa Hedman Hanna Maria Mølmen, Liv EikThe Effects of a Standardized Herbal Remedy Made from a Subtype of Rosa canina in Patients with Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical TrialCurrent Therapeutic Research.()
- Osteoarthritis Symptoms - Winther K, Apel K, Thamsborg GA powder made from seeds and shells of a rose-hip subspecies (Rosa canina) reduces symptoms of knee and hip osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trialScand J Rheumatol.(2005 Jul-Aug)
- Body Fat - Nagatomo A, Nishida N, Fukuhara I, Noro A, Kozai Y, Sato H, Matsuura YDaily intake of rosehip extract decreases abdominal visceral fat in preobese subjects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trialDiabetes Metab Syndr Obes.(2015 Mar 6)