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Rose hips extract

Also known as: Rose hips, rosehip extract, dog rose fruit extract, Rosa canina L.

Overview

Rose hips are the fruit of the *Rosa canina* plant, traditionally valued for their medicinal properties. The extract is a rich source of vitamin C, various antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds like polyphenols and galactolipids. It is primarily utilized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, particularly in the management of osteoarthritis pain and certain cardiovascular risk factors. Research on rose hips extract is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews supporting its efficacy, especially for osteoarthritis and metabolic health. While the quality of evidence is generally good, some studies are limited by relatively small sample sizes and shorter durations.

Benefits

Rose hip extract offers several evidence-based benefits: - **Osteoarthritis pain relief:** A meta-analysis of three RCTs (n=306) demonstrated that rose-hip powder significantly reduced pain (effect size 0.37) and the need for rescue medication. Patients were more than twice as likely to respond to treatment compared to placebo (OR 2.19), with a number needed to treat (NNT) of six. This benefit is well-supported by multiple studies. - **Cardiometabolic improvements:** A systematic review indicated significant reductions in fasting blood glucose (-20.4%) and HbA1c (-13.5%), which were comparable to metformin in diabetic patients. Secondary benefits included modest reductions in systolic blood pressure (-3.4%), total cholesterol, abdominal fat, body weight, and BMI, though some studies showed mixed results. The evidence for these effects is promising but requires further confirmation. - **Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects:** Rose hip extract has been shown to inhibit pro-inflammatory pathways, such as NF-kappa B, and reduce the activity of enzymes like COX-2 and matrix metalloproteinases. This mechanism underpins its anti-inflammatory action, which is well-established in mechanistic studies. - **Neuroprotective potential:** Preliminary animal studies suggest that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of rose hip extract may offer neuroprotection. However, clinical evidence in humans is currently lacking, and more research is needed to confirm this benefit.

How it works

Rose hips exert their effects through a combination of antioxidants, such as vitamin C and polyphenols, and unique bioactive lipids, particularly galactolipids. These compounds modulate inflammatory pathways by inhibiting NF-kappa B signaling, which in turn reduces the expression of pro-inflammatory enzymes like COX-2 and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Additionally, rose hip extract appears to suppress lipid accumulation by downregulating PPAR-gamma expression, contributing to its beneficial effects on obesity and metabolic syndrome. These mechanisms collectively contribute to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic improvements. The absorption of active compounds can be influenced by the formulation, with powdered extracts commonly used in clinical trials.

Side effects

Rose hip extract is generally well-tolerated, with a favorable safety profile. Common side effects are infrequent and typically mild, including mild gastrointestinal discomfort, acid regurgitation, diarrhea, constipation, and mild urticaria (hives). No serious adverse events have been reported in randomized controlled trials. While no well-documented drug interactions exist, caution is advised when used concurrently with anticoagulants due to a potential for mild antiplatelet effects, although this is not definitively established. There are no clear contraindications, but individuals with known allergies to plants in the rose family should exercise caution. Data on the safety of rose hip extract in pregnant or breastfeeding women are limited, and its use in these populations should be approached with caution and under medical supervision.

Dosage

Clinical trials commonly use a dose of 5 grams per day of rose-hip powder for the relief of osteoarthritis pain. The optimal effective range appears to be between 3 and 5 grams per day of powdered extract, with lower doses being less studied. The maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but doses up to 5 grams per day have been shown to be safe in trials lasting up to three months. Rose hip extract is typically administered daily, and there is no specific timing relative to meals reported to enhance its efficacy. The standard form used in research is powdered whole fruit extract, commonly available in capsules or tablets. While bioavailability may vary between formulations, no specific cofactors are known to be required for its absorption.

FAQs

Is rose hip extract effective for osteoarthritis?

Yes, evidence from multiple studies supports that rose hip extract can lead to modest but statistically significant reductions in osteoarthritis pain and decrease the need for pain medication.

How long does it take to see benefits from rose hip extract?

Improvements in pain and other symptoms have been reported as early as 3 weeks, with continued benefits observed over a period of 3 months of consistent use.

Is rose hip extract safe for long-term use?

Short-term safety (up to 3 months) is well-established in clinical trials. However, long-term safety data beyond this period are currently limited, and more research is needed.

Can rose hip extract replace conventional medications?

Rose hip extract may complement standard treatments for conditions like osteoarthritis, but it should not replace conventional drugs. Always consult a healthcare provider before making changes to your medication regimen.

Does rose hip extract help with weight loss?

Some research suggests modest reductions in body fat and weight, as well as improvements in metabolic markers. However, more robust and larger-scale studies are needed to confirm its role in weight management.

Research Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK75292/ – This source, likely a review or meta-analysis, discusses the efficacy of rose-hip powder for osteoarthritis. It highlights a meta-analysis of three RCTs (n=306) showing significant pain reduction (ES 0.37) and decreased rescue medication use, with mild GI side effects. It notes limitations in sample size and study duration.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10821714/ – This systematic review focuses on rosehip extract's effects on LDL cholesterol and glucose metabolism. It reports significant reductions in fasting blood glucose (-20.4%) and HbA1c (-13.5%), comparable to metformin, along with secondary benefits on blood pressure and fat mass. It acknowledges varying sample sizes and potential confounders in some studies.
https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2012/july/rosehip – This review, likely from a medical journal, confirms pain reduction and improved quality of life in osteoarthritis patients based on a meta-analysis of three RCTs (n=287). It emphasizes a strong carryover effect after treatment cessation and underscores the need for larger, long-term trials to further validate findings.
https://www.ijpsjournal.com/article/Rosehip+Rosa+Canina+L+A+Systematic+Review+of+The+Plant+Traditional+Uses+And+Pharmacological+Aspects – This systematic review details the pharmacological aspects of *Rosa canina L.*, highlighting its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and neuroprotective properties. It explains the mechanistic basis, including inhibition of NF-kappa B and PPAR-gamma pathways, while noting that clinical evidence for neuroprotection is currently limited to animal models.