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Rose Hip Fruit Extract

Also known as: Rosa canina, Rosehip, Dog rose, Hip fruit

Overview

Rosehip, derived from the pseudo-fruits of *Rosa canina* and other *Rosa* species, is a botanical extract rich in polyphenols, galactolipids, and vitamin C. It is primarily used for its anti-inflammatory properties, potential metabolic health benefits, and applications in skin care. Research suggests rosehip extract may reduce abdominal fat and improve glycemic control. Its antioxidant capacity is attributed to its high ORAC value and diverse bioactive compounds, including carotenoids and tocopherols. While evidence for its anti-inflammatory effects is moderate, particularly in osteoarthritis, further research is needed to confirm its metabolic benefits and wound-healing properties. Rosehip is available in various forms, including whole powder and standardized extracts, with the latter preferred for dose consistency. It is sourced from wild-harvested fruits.

Benefits

Rosehip extract demonstrates several potential health benefits. Studies indicate a reduction in abdominal fat, with a 12-week RCT showing a 10.4% decrease in visceral fat and a 6.4% decrease in total fat area. It may also improve glycemic control, as one RCT observed a 20.4% reduction in fasting blood glucose compared to placebo. A meta-analysis suggests a moderate effect size for reducing osteoarthritis pain. Additionally, rosehip exhibits antioxidant properties due to its high ORAC value and polyphenol content. Some research suggests a trend toward LDL-C reduction, though this finding requires further validation. The evidence quality is moderate for inflammation and preliminary for metabolic effects.

How it works

Rosehip's mechanism of action involves several key components. Galactolipids inhibit chemotaxis and COX-1/2 enzymes, contributing to its anti-inflammatory effects. Polyphenols act as antioxidants by quenching reactive oxygen species (ROS) through electron donation. Vitamin C serves as a cofactor for collagen synthesis, potentially benefiting skin health. The bioavailability of rosehip components, particularly vitamin C, is dose-dependent. These compounds interact with various body systems to exert their effects, including the immune system (through inflammation modulation) and metabolic pathways (affecting glucose and lipid metabolism).

Side effects

Common side effects of rosehip extract include mild gastrointestinal discomfort, which is often dose-dependent. Rare allergic reactions may occur due to cross-reactivity with plants in the Rosaceae family. Rosehip may theoretically enhance the effects of antidiabetic medications, requiring caution when used in conjunction. It is contraindicated during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data. While trials have shown it to be safe in obese adults, there is no data available regarding its use in pediatric populations. Special attention should be paid to potential interactions with other medications and pre-existing conditions. Individuals with known allergies to related plants should exercise caution.

Dosage

For metabolic effects, a dosage of 100mg of rosehip extract daily has been used in clinical trials. For inflammation, 5g of rosehip powder daily has been studied. There is no established upper limit (UL) for rosehip, but trials typically use ≤5g/day. Standardized extracts are preferred over whole powder to ensure dose consistency. It is recommended to take rosehip with meals to enhance the absorption of its fat-soluble components. Different dosages may be appropriate for different purposes, and individual responses can vary. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage.

FAQs

How soon can I expect to see results from taking rosehip?

Metabolic changes have been observed within 8 weeks of supplementation. Pain relief related to inflammation may be noticeable in approximately 3-4 weeks.

Is rosehip more effective for reducing visceral or subcutaneous fat?

Studies suggest a greater effect on visceral fat, with a 10.4% reduction compared to a 6.4% reduction in total abdominal fat.

Is it better to take whole rosehip fruit or an extract?

Extracts offer better dose consistency. Whole fruit provides additional fiber, but the concentration of active compounds may vary.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10821714/ – This 12-week, placebo-controlled RCT involving 32 pre-obese adults found that rosehip supplementation led to significant reductions in visceral fat (-10.4%) and body weight (-2%). The study suggests rosehip may have potential benefits for metabolic health, but its single-center design and short duration limit the generalizability of the findings.
https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2012/july/rosehip – This article summarizes the evidence for rosehip in treating osteoarthritis. It highlights that rosehip contains anti-inflammatory compounds and has shown promise in reducing pain and improving joint function in some studies. However, the authors note that more high-quality research is needed to confirm these benefits.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5485961/ – This study characterized the bioactive compounds in rosehip using ORAC and HPLC methods. The analysis identified 11 bioactive carotenoids and tocopherols, contributing to rosehip's antioxidant properties. While the study provides valuable insights into rosehip's composition, its in vitro focus limits its direct applicability to human health.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.15971 – This study investigates the effects of rosehip on skin health. It suggests that rosehip may improve skin hydration and elasticity, potentially due to its vitamin C and antioxidant content. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
https://www.ijpsjournal.com/article/Rosehip+Rosa+Canina+L+A+Systematic+Review+of+The+Plant+Traditional+Uses+And+Pharmacological+Aspects – This systematic review examines the traditional uses and pharmacological aspects of rosehip. It highlights the plant's historical use for various ailments and summarizes the current scientific evidence supporting its potential health benefits. The review emphasizes the need for more rigorous clinical trials to validate these findings.