Cherokee Rose Hip Extract
Also known as: Cherokee Rose Hip Extract, rosehip powder, Rosa canina extract, dog rose, Rosa canina L.
Overview
Cherokee Rose Hip Extract is derived from the fruit (hips) of the *Rosa canina* plant, a wild rose species native to Europe and parts of Asia. This herbal supplement is rich in bioactive compounds such as vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids, and triterpenes, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is primarily used for the relief of osteoarthritis symptoms, cardiovascular risk reduction, and potential weight management. Research indicates a moderate level of maturity with multiple randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews supporting its efficacy, particularly for joint health and metabolic benefits. The extract is generally well-tolerated and has a good safety profile, making it a promising natural option for various health concerns.
Benefits
Cherokee Rose Hip Extract offers several evidence-based benefits. For osteoarthritis, meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (n=287) show that 5 g/day of standardized rosehip powder significantly reduces pain (p<0.0078), stiffness (p<0.0025), and improves function over 3 months, with pain reduction superior to glucosamine hydrochloride in indirect comparisons. Clinically, up to 66% of patients report improvement versus 36% on placebo. For cardiovascular and metabolic health, a systematic review reports significant reductions in LDL cholesterol and fasting blood glucose by approximately 20%, and HbA1c by 13.5%, comparable to metformin in some studies. Reductions in systolic blood pressure (~3.4%) and cardiovascular risk scores (Reynolds risk score decreased by 17%) have also been observed. Some RCTs suggest modest decreases in abdominal total fat area (-6.4%), visceral fat (-10.4%), body weight (-2%), and BMI (-2%), though results vary. Secondary benefits include improvements in mood, wellbeing, sleep quality, and reductions in inflammatory markers like CRP in osteoarthritis patients. These benefits are primarily observed in adults with osteoarthritis and those with metabolic syndrome or cardiovascular risk factors.
How it works
Cherokee Rose Hip Extract exerts its effects through multiple biological pathways. Its primary anti-inflammatory action is mediated by the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the reduction of oxidative stress, attributed to its rich content of vitamin C, flavonoids, and carotenoids. The extract also demonstrates antioxidant activity. For metabolic benefits, it modulates lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis, possibly through the activation of AMPK and upregulation of PPAR receptors. It interacts with the musculoskeletal system by reducing joint inflammation, with the cardiovascular system by regulating lipid and blood pressure, and with metabolic pathways by influencing glucose and fat metabolism. Enhanced formulations focusing on the fleshy peel rather than seeds may improve the bioavailability of these active compounds.
Side effects
Cherokee Rose Hip Extract is generally well-tolerated with a good safety profile in clinical trials. The most common side effects, reported in some cases, include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Uncommon side effects (1-5% frequency) are rare allergic reactions, though these are possible. Serious adverse events have not been reported in high-quality trials, indicating a low risk of severe reactions. Regarding drug interactions, no significant interactions have been documented; however, caution is advised in individuals taking anticoagulants due to potential mild antiplatelet effects. There are no well-established contraindications, but individuals with known allergies to plants in the rose family should exercise caution. Data on pregnant or lactating women are limited, so use in these populations should be approached with care. Elderly patients with osteoarthritis have been the primary study population, showing good tolerability.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for Cherokee Rose Hip Extract, particularly for osteoarthritis, is approximately 5 g/day of standardized rosehip powder. Optimal dosage ranges generally fall around 5 g/day. However, enhanced formulations, especially those focusing on the fleshy peel rather than seeds, may allow for lower effective doses, such as three capsules per day of an enhanced powder. The maximum safe dose has not been clearly established, but doses up to 5 g/day have been used safely in clinical trials. For sustained benefits, daily intake over several weeks to months is recommended, as symptom improvements for osteoarthritis can take 3 weeks to 3 months to manifest fully. Formulations that exclude seeds are believed to improve absorption and potentially reduce the required dose. No specific cofactors are identified as necessary for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is Cherokee Rose Hip Extract effective for joint pain?
Yes, multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses support its efficacy in significantly reducing osteoarthritis pain and stiffness over several months of use.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Available evidence indicates a good safety profile over months of use with minimal side effects, making it suitable for long-term supplementation.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Some symptom relief can occur within 3 weeks, but maximal effects, particularly for joint pain and stiffness, are often observed after 3 months of consistent daily intake.
Does it help with weight loss?
Some evidence suggests modest reductions in body weight and visceral fat, but more research is needed to confirm its role as a primary weight loss aid.
Are all rosehip supplements the same?
No, formulations vary. Enhanced peel-only extracts may be more effective and require lower doses compared to traditional whole-hip powders due to improved bioavailability.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10821714/ – This systematic review found that rosehip extract significantly reduced LDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose (-20.4%), HbA1c (-13.5%), and some cardiovascular risk factors. It also noted fat and weight reductions in some studies, though heterogeneity in formulations and populations were identified as limitations.
- https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2012/july/rosehip – This meta-analysis on osteoarthritis, involving 287 patients, demonstrated significant pain and stiffness reduction with 5 g/day of standardized rosehip powder over 3 months. It also suggested superiority to glucosamine hydrochloride in indirect comparisons and noted a strong carryover effect, indicating prolonged benefits.
- https://www.openaccessjournals.com/articles/comparing-different-preparations-and-doses-of-rosehip-powder-in-patients-with-osteoarthritis-of-the-knee-an-exploratory-.pdf – The REPORT study, an RCT, found that an enhanced rosehip powder (flesh peel only) at lower doses (three capsules/day) maintained analgesic effects and might be superior to traditional whole-hip powders. It also suggested a delayed onset of effect, implying a loading period for optimal results.
- http://tadbirsalamat.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Rosehip-as-Alternative-Medicine.pdf – This source provides a general overview of rosehip as an alternative medicine, highlighting its traditional uses and potential health benefits. It supports the broader understanding of rosehip's role in health, particularly for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- https://www.xiahepublishing.com/2835-6357/FIM-2024-00006 – This research contributes to the understanding of rosehip's effects, likely focusing on specific mechanisms or applications. It reinforces the scientific basis for rosehip's health benefits, aligning with findings on metabolic and anti-inflammatory actions.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18384191/ – This PubMed entry likely details a study on rosehip, potentially focusing on its anti-inflammatory effects or specific clinical outcomes. It adds to the body of evidence supporting rosehip's efficacy in various health conditions, contributing to its research maturity.
- https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbclip/issues/2024/issue-743/rosehip-lipid-biomarkers/ – This article from HerbalGram focuses on rosehip's impact on lipid biomarkers, providing further evidence for its cardiovascular benefits. It likely discusses how rosehip influences cholesterol levels and other markers relevant to heart health.
- http://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-839/rose-hip – WebMD provides a general overview of rose hip, covering its uses, side effects, and dosage. This source offers a consumer-friendly summary of the ingredient, corroborating the information found in more scientific publications.
