Overview

Rose hip is the round portion of the rose flower just below the petals. Rose hip contains the seeds of the rose plant. Dried rose hip and the seeds are used together to make medicine.

Fresh rose hip contains a lot of vitamin C, so some people take it as a source of vitamin C to prevent and treat colds, flu, and vitamin C deficiencies. However, much of the vitamin C in rose hip is destroyed during drying and processing and declines rapidly during storage. Because of this, many rose hip-derived "natural" vitamin C products have actually been fortified with lab-made vitamin C, but their labels may not always say so.

Rose hip is commonly used by mouth for osteoarthritis. It is also used by mouth to treat stomach problems, infections, and obesity and applied to the skin for stretch marks, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.

In foods and in manufacturing, rose hip is used for tea, jam, soup, and as a natural source of vitamin C.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Portion of the rose flower

Primary Functions:

Cold, flu, vitamin C deficiencies

Also Known As:

Apothecary Rose, Cynorhodon, Cynorhodons, Cynosbatos, Dog Rose

How Does It Work?

Some people use rose hip as a source of vitamin C. It is true that fresh rose hip contains vitamin C. But processing and drying of the plant destroys most of the vitamin C. Besides vitamin C, other natural chemicals found in rose hip may be helpful for a variety of health conditions.

Uses

• Most research shows that taking rose hip by mouth can reduce pain and stiffness and improve function in people with osteoarthritis.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

ADULTS
BY MOUTH:

• For osteoarthritis: 2.5 grams of rose hip powder (LitoZin/i-flex, Hyben Vital) has been taken twice daily for 3 months. 40 mL of a specific combination product containing rose hip fruit puree 24 grams, stinging nettle 160 mg, devil's claw 108 mg and vitamin D 200 IU (Rosaxan, Medagil Gesundheitsgesellschaft) has been taken daily for 3 months.

Rose Hip Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rosehip capsules good for?

Rosehip is a herbal medication with anti-inflammatory properties. It's available over the counter in capsule form. Evidence suggests that rosehip may be effective in relieving some symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

How much Rose hips should I take?

In traditional medicine, a dose of 2 to 5 g of the plant material (as tea) is taken 3 to 4 times a day. Dosages of 5 to 10 g/day of rose hip powder have been used in clinical studies in osteoarthritis.

Are rose hips bad for you?

Side Effects & Safety

Rose hip is LIKELY SAFE for adults when taken by mouth appropriately. Rose hip can cause some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, stomach cramps, fatigue, headache, inability to sleep, and others.

Does Rose hips thin the blood?

Unlike NSAIDs, rosehip does not appear to thin the blood or cause stomach irritation and possible ulcers. More thorough research is needed, though. A few studies show that rosehip may also help people with long-term back pain and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, studies on RA are conflicting.

What are the side effects of rose hips?

Rose hip can cause some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, stomach cramps, fatigue, headache, inability to sleep, and others. There is not enough reliable information about the safety of applying rose hip to the skin.

Does rosehip lower blood pressure?

Rose hips are also high in flavonoids. These antioxidants have been shown to reduce blood pressure in people with elevated levels and improve blood flow to the heart ( 17 ).

Are rose hips anti inflammatory?

Rosehip is a herbal medication with anti-inflammatory properties. Evidence suggests that rosehip may be effective in relieving some symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Does rosehip interact with any medications?

Large amounts of vitamin C can interfere with blood-thinning medicines, such as Coumadin (warfarin). Since rosehip contains vitamin C, use caution if you are taking these drugs. Prolixin (fluphenazine, an antipsychotic drug) Aspirin or other salicylates.

Does rosehip tea have vitamin C?

Rosehips contain high levels of polyphenols, carotenoids, and vitamins C and E, all of which have powerful antioxidant properties. Rosehips can fight skin aging! Rosehip tea is high in vitamin C which, along with vitamin A and lycopene, promotes collagen synthesis and can protect skin against sun damage.

Should you cut rose hips off?

Waiting until after a frost is also good for the plant, since cutting the hips before frost could encourage the rose to send out new growth that will be killed back at the next frost. Fully ripe hips can often simply be plucked off the rose canes. Or, you can clip them off with a knife or scissors

Does Rose hips increase estrogen?

Rose hip contains a large amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C can increase how much estrogen the body absorbs. Taking rose hip along with estrogen can increase the effects and side effects of estrogens. Some estrogen pills include conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin), ethinyl estradiol, estradiol, and others.

Is Rosehip good for arthritis?

Rosehip is a herbal medication with anti-inflammatory properties. Evidence suggests that rosehip may be effective in relieving some symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Does Rose hips make you gain weight?

Results showed that, despite no differences between the groups for energy intake (for quantity of food consumed), the rose hip-fed group had no body weight gain, compared to the control animals, while blood glucose, insulin and cholesterol levels were also lower.

Does rosehip cause constipation?

Rose hip is LIKELY SAFE for adults when taken by mouth appropriately. Rose hip can cause some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, stomach cramps, fatigue, headache, inability to sleep, and others.

Can you eat rosehip raw?

Rose hips are used for herbal teas, jam, jelly, syrup, rose hip soup, beverages, pies, bread, wine, and marmalade. They can also be eaten raw, like a berry, if care is taken to avoid the hairs inside the fruit.

Why are rose hips added to vitamin C?

Rose hips contain the seeds of the rose plant. Dried rose hips and the seeds are used together to make medicine. Fresh rose hips contain a lot of vitamin C, so they share many uses with vitamin C including preventing and treating colds, flu, and vitamin C deficiencies.

Does Rose hip tea have caffeine?

Cultivated from rose hips and other premium ingredients such as organic hibiscus and wild lemon grass, our herbal rosehip tea bags are caffeine-free and safe to sip in the evening after a long day. Enjoy rosehip tea and drink to your health!

Is vitamin C with rose hips better?

Fresh rose hips contain a lot of vitamin C, so they share many uses with vitamin C including preventing and treating colds, flu, and vitamin C deficiencies. However, much of the vitamin C in rose hips is destroyed during drying and processing and also declines rapidly during storage.

Can you drink too much rosehip tea?

Summary While rosehip tea is generally safe for adults, evidence on its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is lacking. Additionally, it may increase the risk of kidney stones and lithium toxicity in some individuals.

Does rosehip tea help lose weight?

May aid weight loss

Research suggests that rosehip tea may aid weight loss. Studies show that rose hips from the Rosa canina plant are high in an antioxidant called tiliroside, which may have fat-burning properties. More human studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between rosehip tea and weight loss.

Does rosehip smell like roses?

Rosehip oil has a subtle woody smell — it doesn't have a rosy fragrance like you might expect since it's not made from the flower. The color can range from a deep golden hue to a rich red-orange to a light-yellow color. It's known as a “dry” oil, which means it's non-greasy, super light and easily absorbed.

What does Rose hips taste like?

Rose hips do not taste like roses. Their taste is sort of tangy, like hibiscus flowers. If you've ever had Red Zinger tea, it's along that line. Rose hips are an excellent source of vitamin C; I've seen references from 8 to 40 times as much C in rose hips as in oranges.

Is rosehip tea good for kidneys?

Rosehip tea has not been shown to cause serious side effects in most healthy adults. Additionally, due to its high levels of vitamin C, rosehip tea may increase the risk of kidney stones in some individuals ( 29 ).

Can rosehip seed oil go bad?

Shelf Life: Shelf life of 6 months to 1 year with proper storage conditions (cool, out of direct sunlight). Refrigeration after opening is recommended. Absorption: Rosehip is quickly absorbed by the skin and does not leave an oily feel. Safety: In high concentrations, Rosehip oil may increase or cause acne.

Clinical Studies

• ^ a b c Chrubasik C1, et al. A systematic review on the Rosa canina effect and efficacy profiles. Phytother Res. (2008)
• ^ a b c d Roman I1, Stănilă A, Stănilă S. Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of Rosa canina L. biotypes from spontaneous flora of Transylvania. Chem Cent J. (2013)
• ^ Uggla M, Gao X, Werlemark G. Variation Among and Within Dogrose Taxa ( Rosa sect. caninae ) in Fruit Weight, Percentages of Fruit Flesh and Dry Matter, and Vitamin C Content. Acta Agr Scand B-S P. (2003)
• ^ a b c Demir F, Özcan M. Chemical and technological properties of rose (Rosa canina L.) fruits grown wild in Turkey. J Food Eng. (2001)
• ^ a b Ercisli S. Chemical composition of fruits in some rose (Rosa spp.) species. Food Chem. (2007)
• ^ a b c Larsen E, et al. An antiinflammatory galactolipid from rose hip (Rosa canina) that inhibits chemotaxis of human peripheral blood neutrophils in vitro. J Nat Prod. (2003)
• ^ a b c d Salminen JP1, et al. Characterisation of proanthocyanidin aglycones and glycosides from rose hips by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and their rapid quantification together with vitamin C. J Chromatogr A. (2005)
• ^ a b c d e f g Nagatomo A1, et al. Rosehip Extract Inhibits Lipid Accumulation in White Adipose Tissue by Suppressing the Expression of Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor Gamma. Prev Nutr Food Sci. (2013)
• ^ a b Ninomiya K1, et al. Potent anti-obese principle from Rosa canina: structural requirements and mode of action of trans-tiliroside. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. (2007)
• ^ Saaby L1, et al. Isolation of immunomodulatory triterpene acids from a standardized rose hip powder (Rosa canina L.). Phytother Res. (2011)
• ^ Saaby L1, Nielsen CH. Triterpene acids from rose hip powder inhibit self-antigen- and LPS-induced cytokine production and CD4⁺ T-cell proliferation in human mononuclear cell cultures. Phytother Res. (2012)
• ^ a b Ziegler SJ1, Meier B, Sticher O. Fast and Selective Assay of l-Ascorbic Acid in Rose Hips by RP-HPLC Coupled with Electrochemical and/or Spectrophotometric Detection. Planta Med. (1986)
• ^ Tayefi-Nasrabadi H1, Sadigh-Eteghad S, Aghdam Z. The effects of the hydroalcohol extract of Rosa canina L. fruit on experimentally nephrolithiasic Wistar rats. Phytother Res. (2012)
• ^ Türkben C, et al. Effects of different maturity periods and processes on nutritional components of rose hip (Rosa canina L.). J Food Agr Environ. (2010)
• ^ Horváth G1, et al. Carotenoid composition and in vitro pharmacological activity of rose hips. Acta Biochim Pol. (2012)
• ^ a b Chen SS, Spiro M. Rose-hip tea: equilibrium and kinetic study of mineral ion extraction. Food Chem. (1993)
• ^ Başgel S1, Erdemoğlu SB. Determination of mineral and trace elements in some medicinal herbs and their infusions consumed in Turkey. Sci Total Environ. (2006)
• ^ Larsen E, Christensen LP. COMMON VEGETABLES AND FRUITS AS A SOURCE OF 1,2-DI-O-α-LINOLENOYL-3-O-β-D-GALACTOPYRANOSYL-sn-GLYCEROL, A POTENTIAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTITUMOR AGENT. J Food Lipids. (2007)
• ^ Gao X, et al. Evaluation of antioxidant activities of rosehip ethanol extracts in different test systems. J Sci Food Agr. (2000)
• ^ Frész T1, et al. The role of flavonoids in false positive digoxin assays caused by the consumption of hibiscus flower and rose hip tea. Int J Cardiol. (2014)
• ^ a b c d e f Andersson U1, et al. Effects of rose hip intake on risk markers of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease: a randomized, double-blind, cross-over investigation in obese persons. Eur J Clin Nutr. (2012)
• ^ Fajas L, Debril MD, Auwerx J. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma: from adipogenesis to carcinogenesis. J Mol Endocrinol. (2001)
• ^ a b c d e Goto T1, et al. Tiliroside, a glycosidic flavonoid, ameliorates obesity-induced metabolic disorders via activation of adiponectin signaling followed by enhancement of fatty acid oxidation in liver and skeletal muscle in obese-diabetic mice. J Nutr Biochem. (2012)
• ^ Andersson U1, et al. Rose hip exerts antidiabetic effects via a mechanism involving downregulation of the hepatic lipogenic program. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. (2011)
• ^ Nagatomo A, et al. Daily intake of rosehip extract decreases abdominal visceral fat in preobese subjects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. (2015)
• ^ Goldring SR1, Goldring MB. The role of cytokines in cartilage matrix degeneration in osteoarthritis. Clin Orthop Relat Res. (2004)
• ^ Reboul P1, et al. The new collagenase, collagenase-3, is expressed and synthesized by human chondrocytes but not by synoviocytes. A role in osteoarthritis. J Clin Invest. (1996)
• ^ Struglics A1, et al. Human osteoarthritis synovial fluid and joint cartilage contain both aggrecanase- and matrix metalloproteinase-generated aggrecan fragments. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. (2006)
• ^ a b Schwager J1, et al. Rose hip and its constituent galactolipids confer cartilage protection by modulating cytokine, and chemokine expression. BMC Complement Altern Med. (2011)
• ^ Lotz M1, Moats T, Villiger PM. Leukemia inhibitory factor is expressed in cartilage and synovium and can contribute to the pathogenesis of arthritis. J Clin Invest. (1992)
• ^ Alaaeddine N1, et al. Differential effects of IL-8, LIF (pro-inflammatory) and IL-11 (anti-inflammatory) on TNF-alpha-induced PGE(2)release and on signalling pathways in human OA synovial fibroblasts. Cytokine. (1999)
• ^ Shakibaei M1, et al. Botanical Extracts from Rosehip (Rosa canina), Willow Bark (Salix alba), and Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica) Suppress IL-1β-Induced NF-κB Activation in Canine Articular Chondrocytes. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. (2012)
• ^ a b c d Winther K1, Rein E, Kharazmi A. The anti-inflammatory properties of rose-hip. Inflammopharmacology. (1999)
• ^ Ginnerup-Nielsen E, et al. Improved gait in persons with knee related mobility limitations by a rosehip food supplement: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Gait Posture. (2015)
• ^ a b c Kharazmi A, Winther K. Rose hip inhibits chemotaxis and chemiluminescence of human peripheral blood neutrophils in vitro and reduces certain inflammatory parameters in vivo. Inflammopharmacology. (1999)
• ^ a b Kirkeskov B, et al. The 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 study. Phytomedicine. (2011)
• ^ a b Willich SN, et al. Rose hip herbal remedy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis - a randomised controlled trial. Phytomedicine. (2010)
• ^ Bellamy N, et al. Validation study of WOMAC: a health status instrument for measuring clinically important patient relevant outcomes to antirheumatic drug therapy in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. J Rheumatol. (1988)
• ^ a b c Winther K, Apel K, Thamsborg G. A 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 trial. Scand J Rheumatol. (2005)
• ^ The Effects of a Standardized Herbal Remedy Made from a Subtype of Rosa canina in Patients with Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.
• ^ Rein E1, Kharazmi A, Winther K. A 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 trial. Phytomedicine. (2004)
• ^ Dolganiuc A, et al. The migratory and phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients. Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol. (2000)
• ^ Park UH1, et al. Negative regulation of adipogenesis by kaempferol, a component of Rhizoma Polygonati falcatum in 3T3-L1 cells. Biol Pharm Bull. (2012)
• ^ Witczak CA1, Sharoff CG, Goodyear LJ. AMP-activated protein kinase in skeletal muscle: from structure and localization to its role as a master regulator of cellular metabolism. Cell Mol Life Sci. (2008)
• ^ Habinowski SA1, Witters LA. The effects of AICAR on adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. (2001)
• ^ Phetcharat L, Wongsuphasawat K, Winther K. The effectiveness of a standardized rose hip powder, containing seeds and shells of Rosa canina, on cell longevity, skin wrinkles, moisture, and elasticity. Clin Interv Aging. (2015)
• ^ Tominaga K, et al. Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects. Acta Biochim Pol. (2012)