Dog rose: benefits, dosage, contraindications

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The dog rose is a thorny shrub of the Rosaceae family, common in the temperate regions of Asia and Europe where it establishes itself in hedgerows and woodland edges up to 2000 m in altitude. The dog rose is a wild rose species. Its pink, red and white flowers bloom from May to July. In autumn, they give rise to bright red (false) fruits: these are the rosehips. Dietary supplements are made from rosehips. Fresh rosehip is rich in vitamin C, which explains why some people use it as a source of vitamin C to prevent and treat the common cold, the flu and vitamin C deficiency. However, most of the vitamin C present in rosehip is destroyed during drying and processing. Rosehip also contains flavonoid polyphenols and carotenoids, all of which contribute to its antioxidant capacity. Several other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B1, vitamin E, calcium and zinc, have been identified in rosehip. In addition to this already rich composition, and including the achenes, rosehip contains a galactolipid named GOPO (glycoside of diacylglycerol) which plays a key role in the anti-inflammatory action of the dog rose. Rosehip is commonly used orally to treat osteoarthritis but also digestive problems (gastritis), infections, the common cold and flu-like conditions. In gemmotherapy, the buds are recommended for recurrent ENT infections in people with deficiencies (individuals who are demineralized or anemic).

Other name(s) 

Rosehip

Scientific name(s)

Rosa canina

Family or group: 

Plants

Active ingredients:

Vitamin C

Flavonoids

Carotenoids

Vitamin B1

Vitamin E

Calcium


Indications

Scoring methodology

EFSA approval.

Several randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials (> 2), including a significant number of patients (>100), with consistently positive conclusions for the indication.
Several randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials (> 2), including a significant number of patients (>100), with positive conclusions for the indication.
One or more randomized studies, or several cohorts or epidemiological studies, with positive conclusions for the indication.
Clinical studies exist but are uncontrolled, with conclusions that may be positive or conflicting.
No clinical studies to date that can demonstrate the indication.


Osteoarthritis
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Rosehip appears to have beneficial effects for treating osteoarthritis, particularly knee osteoarthritis. Most clinical research shows that taking the equivalent of 2 g of rosehip powder twice daily for 3-4 months reduces pain and stiffness, and improves function and mobility in patients with osteoarthritis compared with placebo. A meta-analysis of three randomized controlled trials involving 287 patients with osteoarthritis reported that a 3-month treatment with rosehip powder consistently reduced pain scores compared with placebo. Some studies and a meta-analysis have found that rosehip powder is more effective than glucosamine hydrochloride for reducing osteoarthritis pain. This analysis combined data from three glucosamine studies involving 933 patients and three rosehip studies with 287 patients. ESCOP states that rosehip with achenes included is used as an adjunct for the relief of pain and joint stiffness associated with osteoarthritis.

Posologie

posologieOral: rosehips (fruit), buds

posologie4 g

duration4 months

formulationpowder, gemmotherapy, standardized extract, dry extract


Synergies

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
Rosehip - An evidence based herbal medicine for inflammation and arthritis
A Rosa canina - Urtica dioica - Harpagophytum procumbens/zeyheri Combination Significantly Reduces Gonarthritis Symptoms in a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Study
A One-year Survey on the Use of a Powdernnfrom Rosa canina lito in Acute Exacerbationsnnof Chronic Pain
Does the hip powder of Rosa canina (rosehip) reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
An evidence based herbal medicine for inflammation and arthritis
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
Comparing different preparations and doses of rosehip powder in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: An exploratory randomized active-controlled trial
Does the hip powder of Rosa canina (rosehip) reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients? – a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
Galactolipids as potential health promoting compounds in vegetable foods
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

Rheumatoid arthritis
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In a 6-month trial of 89 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, daily intake of 5 g of rose hip powder showed a significant improvement in disability scores as well as a reduction in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (a non-specific marker of inflammation), compared with placebo. However, these results, although promising, are modest and require further studies to be confirmed. Moreover, a smaller open study of 20 women with rheumatoid arthritis and 10 controls did not show a significant effect on clinical symptoms or biological markers of inflammation after 4 weeks of treatment with 10.5 g/day of rose hip powder.

Posologie

posologieBy mouth: rose hips, fruit

posologie5 g

duration6 - months

formulationpowder, standardized extract, dry extract


Urinary tract infections
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Preliminary clinical research shows that taking 500 mg of rose hip powder twice daily, starting 2 days postpartum and continued for 20 days, reduces the odds of developing a culture-positive asymptomatic urinary tract infection by 68% compared with placebo in women who have undergone cesarean section. However, rose hip does not appear to reduce the incidence of symptomatic cystitis in these patients.

Posologie

posologieBy mouth: rose hips, fruit

posologie1 g

duration20 - days

populationPregnant women

formulationinfusion, aqueous decoction


Lower back pain
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A one-year follow-up of 152 patients revealed that rosehip relieved the pain of patients suffering from acute exacerbations of chronic back pain.

Posologie

posologieOral administration: rosehips, fruit

posologie5 g

formulationpowder, standardized extract, dry extract


Synergies


ENT infections
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The buds are used for recurrent mucous membrane inflammations, especially in children: sore throats, tonsillitis, ear infections, bronchitis, sinusitis, tracheobronchitis… The ESCOP states that the rosehip is used as an adjunct in the treatment of colds and chill-related conditions. Efficacy for this indication is plausible based on long-standing use. Gemmotherapy concentrated (tincture): - in adults: 5 to 10 drops in the morning. - in children: 1 drop per 10 kg of body weight

Posologie

posologieOral administration: rosehips, fruit, buds

posologie5 g

formulationpowder, gemmotherapy, standardized extract, dry extract


Allergic rhinitis
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Buds are traditionally recommended for disorders related to the ENT sphere, particularly in the case of allergic rhinitis. In gemmotherapy (glycerinated macerate) 1 DH: 30 drops twice a day.

Posologie

posologieBy mouth: buds

formulationgemmotherapy


Convalescence
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Traditionally, the fruits are used as tonics and stimulants in: - transient states of fatigue, weakness, convalescence - the prevention and treatment of colds, flus and other infections.

Posologie

posologieBy mouth: rose hips (fruit), buds

posologie5 g

formulationpowder, gemmotherapy, mother tincture, aqueous decoction


Properties


Antioxidant

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The antioxidant activity of rose hip is attributed to its high content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and vitamin C. Even when vitamin C is removed in some experiments, it still exhibits significant antioxidant activity. Various in vitro and clinical studies suggest that rose hip has protective effects against oxidative stress, increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, and inhibits lipid peroxidation.

Usages associés

Convalescence

Anti-inflammatory

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Studies indicate that rose hip powder may have anti-inflammatory properties. In laboratory settings, it appears to reduce the activity of certain white blood cells (polymorphonuclear leukocytes) and decrease levels of certain inflammatory proteins (C-reactive protein). Interestingly, these effects do not appear to be related to the vitamin C present in rose hip. A specific galactolipid found in rose hip, called GOPO, may play a key role in these anti-inflammatory properties. It may help reduce inflammation, as well as levels of C-reactive protein and creatinine. In people suffering from osteoarthritis, this could translate into reduced pain and improved joint mobility. A major advantage of rose hip compared with conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is that it does not cause gastric ulcers, nor does it affect blood clotting or clot formation, making it a safer option for people who might be at risk of gastrointestinal or cardiovascular problems related to NSAID use.

Usages associés

Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Low back pain

Gastroprotective

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A decoction of fresh fruits, prepared and then tested in vivo in a rat model of ulcerogenesis, showed a gastroprotective effect against lesions induced by ethanol. The observed effects are even superior to those of misoprostol (0.4 mg/kg), an anti-ulcer drug used as a reference, particularly regarding epithelial lesions of the stomach.


Hypoglycemic

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The dog rose, traditionally used in the treatment of diabetes, has shown beneficial effects in animal studies. In diabetic rats, it helped lower blood glucose levels. Similarly, in mice given a dose of glucose, the dog rose helped reduce their blood glucose without affecting their appetite, weight gain, or fat accumulation.


Diuretic

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Rose hips contain pectin, citric acid, and malic acid, which may have diuretic activity.

Usages associés

Urinary tract infections


Safe dosage

Adults aged 18 and over: 5 g (powder)

A starting dose of about 5 g/day (achenes included) for 3-4 weeks, followed by a maintenance dose of 2.5 g/day, is recommended to treat osteoarthritis or chronic inflammation with the standardized extract. Rosehip should be taken with meals to improve the absorption of its lipid components. Gemmotherapy: 5 drops twice a day in a glass of water. Dilution 1 DH: 50 drops twice a day in a glass of water. A 3-week course to be repeated.

Child aged 5 and over: 1 drop/10 kg (gemmotherapy)

Gemmotherapy: 1 drop per 10 kg in a glass of warm water, only once a day. In Dilution 1 DH: 20 drops in the morning, in a glass of warm water, or 1 drop per kilogram of body weight per day.


Interactions

Médicaments

Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulants: moderate interaction

Evidence from in vitro and animal research suggests that a component of rosehip, rugosine E, may induce platelet aggregation. Theoretically, concomitant use of rosehip could reduce the effectiveness of antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications. Some anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Estrogens: moderate interaction

Theoretically, large amounts of vitamin C, present in rosehip, could increase the absorption and effects of estrogens.

Lithium: moderate interaction

Rosehip may have diuretic properties. Theoretically, because of these potential diuretic effects, rosehip could reduce excretion and increase lithium levels. It may be necessary to decrease the lithium dose.

Plantes ou autres actifs

Rosehip: moderate interaction

Concurrent use of iron and rosehip interacts with vitamin C; 200 mg of vitamin C per 30 mg of elemental iron increases oral iron absorption, particularly ferric iron.

Rosehip: moderate interaction

Because of the vitamin C content of rosehip, concurrent use of rosehip with vitamin C supplements could increase the risk of adverse effects associated with vitamin C.


Precautions

Kidney stones: use with caution

Large amounts of vitamin C in rosehip may increase the risk of oxalate stone formation.

Hemochromatosis: use with caution

Use rosehip with caution, because its vitamin C content can increase iron absorption, which could worsen hemochromatosis.

Myocardial infarction: use with caution

A component of rosehip, rugosine E, may induce platelet aggregation. Theoretically, taking rosehip could increase the risk of thrombosis in people with a history of myocardial infarction.

Pregnancy: use with caution

There are few publications on the use of rosehip during pregnancy. Rosehip tea is traditionally recommended during pregnancy and there are no reports of adverse effects.

Breastfeeding: use with caution

There is not enough reliable information available on the safety of rosehip.