Rose hips

Rose Hips: A Comprehensive Reference

1. Identity, Botany, and Natural Source

Taxonomic Classification

Rose hips belong to the order Rosales and the family Rosaceae. The primary medicinal species is Rosa canina L., commonly termed "dog rose." First described by Linnaeus in 1753, Rosa canina is accepted as a distinct species whose native range extends from Madeira and northwest Africa through Europe to Central Asia and Pakistan; it is a shrub that grows primarily in the temperate biome. Although Rosa canina is the predominant commercial and medicinal source, other species — including Rosa rubiginosa (sweet briar), Rosa eglanteria, and Rosa roxburghii — also yield rose hips that have been studied or used traditionally. Although rose hip products may come from many different species of rose, most are made from Rosa canina.

Botanical Anatomy

The pseudo fruits, which are called rose hips, are aggregate fruits consisting of several achenes (the actual seed-containing fruits of rose hips) enclosed by an enlarged, red, fleshy floral cup (hypanthium). The rose hip shell — the red fleshy pulp — is called the hypanthium and is in fact not part of the botanical fruit. The botanical fruits of rose hips are the achenes, the thin membranes surrounding the individual rose hip seeds. Rose hips are composed of approximately 29% seed and 71% pericarp, and the hues range from red to orange.

A distinctive perennial with tall arching stems covered in curved thorns, the dog rose has dark-green toothed oval-pointed leaves and pink or white five-petalled fragrant flowers 3 to 6 cm across. It is a climbing wild rose species native to Europe, flowering from late spring to mid-summer; the flowers mature into an oval red-orange fruit, or "hip," during early to mid-autumn.

Common Forms and Preparations

Rose hips are used across a wide range of preparations, both as food and as dietary supplements. Common forms include:

• Dried whole or powdered hips: The most commonly studied supplemental form; standardized powders made from both seeds and shells (the whole pseudo fruit) are the form used in clinical trials.
• Aqueous infusion (herbal tea): Dried rose hips steeped in hot water, one of the oldest and most widespread preparations.
• Rose hip oil: Cold-pressed from the seeds, used primarily topically in cosmetic and skincare applications.
• Rose hip syrup: Traditionally made by boiling the hips with water and sugar; historically used as a vitamin C supplement.
• Capsules and tablets: Standardized extracts of whole fruit powder, commonly containing both shell and seed fractions.
• Jams, jellies, and purees: Traditional culinary preparations.

Traditional applications and recipes, such as jams, jellies, purees, syrups, juices, liqueurs, and pastry fillings, have been passed down through generations, enriching the culinary landscape of many countries.

2. Traditional and Historical Use

Ancient Mediterranean and Classical Antiquity

Rosa canina pseudo fruits, often referred to as rose hips, have been used as herbal medicine for more than 2,000 years. Ancient Chinese, Greeks, Romans, and Persians used rose hips for medicine. Pliny the Elder (23–79 CE) in his book Natural History documented thirty-two remedies made from the rose. He noted that the seed was employed in the form of a liniment for toothache, used as a diuretic, and applied topically for the stomach. Rose hips were also served as a sweetmeat in the Middle Ages and used as a treatment for chest problems.

In ancient Greece and Rome, rose hips were valued for their medicinal properties, often used to treat digestive disorders and inflammation.

Traditional Chinese and East Asian Medicine

Considered a "refrigerant" in Traditional Chinese Medicine, rose hip is traditionally used in situations where cooling, soothing, drying, and/or movement are needed. Rose hips were incorporated into herbal formulations in Traditional Chinese Medicine to improve circulation and reduce fatigue.

European Folk and Medieval Medicine

During the European Middle Ages, rose hips were known for their medicinal properties during the winter months. Traditional European preparations included decoctions and teas for colds, coughs, bronchitis, and gastrointestinal disorders. Internal uses documented in herbal traditions include treatment of colds, flu, cough, bronchitis, asthma, infections, immunologic nephritis, gallbladder diseases, burns, vitamin C deficiency, colic, lower urinary tract disorders, as a diuretic and for arthritis and rheumatic disorders; rose hips were also used for eyewash, diarrhea, and as prophylaxis for intestinal catarrhs.

Scandinavian Tradition

In Scandinavian traditional medicine, nypon (rose hip) soup, simmered slowly and eaten warm, remained a cold-season immune staple for centuries and is still commercially produced in Sweden today.

Native American Traditions

Native Americans across North America have extensive documented traditional uses for wild rose hips. The Iroquois used rose hip preparations for digestive issues and as a winter source of vitamin C; the Cherokee used the bark and roots for diarrhea and dysentery; and several western tribes including the Blackfoot and Okanagan used rose hips in stews and pemmican as a winter staple.

World War II and the British Rose Hip Campaign

Rose hips are best known as one of the richest plant sources of vitamin C. Following a shortage of citrus fruits in the UK during World War II, a generation of children were given a daily spoonful of rose hip syrup. During the Second World War, rose hips became crucial in the UK as a substitute for citrus fruits, which were scarce. Rose hip syrup was distributed to boost the population's vitamin C intake.

3. Key Constituents and Active Compounds

Overview of Phytochemistry

The entirety of several compounds including phenolics, terpenoids, galactolipids, carotenoids, fruit acids, and fatty oils can be considered responsible for the observed pharmacological and clinical effects. Biochemically, the fruits are rich in carbohydrates, phenolics, flavonoids, tocopherols, terpenes, carotenoids, fatty acids, galactolipids, vitamins, minerals, and tannins. Rose hips are a good source of bioactive substances such as vitamin C, carotenoids, tocopherol, phenolic acid, bioflavonoids, tannin, pectin, organic acids, amino acids, essential oils, and unsaturated fatty acids.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C content ranges between 112.2 mg/100 g and 360.22 mg/100 g (0.12–0.36%) depending on biotype, with the highest reported content being 1,300 mg/100 g (1.3%) and the lowest being 40–47 mg/100 g in the fresh pulp. This wide variability reflects differences between species, growing conditions, geographic location, and post-harvest processing; drying and heating reduce ascorbic acid content significantly.

Galactolipid GOPO

Linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid (mostly present in the seeds from R. canina), and a galactolipid — chemically identified as (2S)-1,2-di-O-[(9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadeca-9,12,15-trienoyl]-3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl glycerol — referred to as GOPO, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Galactolipids, of which the major one is 1,2-di-O-α-linolenoyl-3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-sn-glycerol (DLGG, although GOPO is sometimes used synonymously), are present at around 2.5 mg per 10 g of a powdered water extract. GOPO is found predominantly in the seed fraction and is considered a primary active constituent for joint health effects.

Polyphenols and Flavonoids

Rosa canina's phytochemistry contains gallic acid, vanillic acid, protocatechuic acid, syringic acid, ellagic acid, rutin, catechin, and others. Identified polyphenolic compounds include procyanidins (some reported to be larger than trimers and glycosides), trans-tiliroside (acetylated kaempferol glycoside) at more than 0.1% of the water extract, flavonoids including apigenin, eriodictyol, quercetin, rutin, and phlorizin, and tannins including pedunculagin and methyl gallate rutinoside. The main phenolic compounds identified in rose hip pulp analyses include procyanidin B1, chlorogenic acid (trans-5-O-caffeoylquinic acid), epicatechin, procyanidin B2, gallic acid, salicylic acid, and catechin.

Carotenoids

Carotenoids identified in rose hips include neochrome, lutein, zeaxanthin, rubixanthin, lycopene, and β,β-carotene. The importance of carotenoids from R. canina is currently being debated, because the demonstration of specific bioactivity among this group is presently less clear.

Fatty Acids and Tocopherols

The seeds contained within the rose hips have been shown to comprise high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), known to be essential to the skin. Key seed fatty acids include linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3).

Triterpenoids

Triterpenoids identified in rose hips include oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, and betulinic acid. These compounds have been associated with various biological activities including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.

Other Constituents

Rose hips contain vitamins, pectin, tannins, flavonoids, and carotenoids as well as vitamin C and galactolipids. Dietary minerals are also present, along with organic acids such as malic and citric acid, which contribute to the characteristic tart flavor.

4. Established Mechanisms of Action

Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Potent antioxidant radical scavenging effects are well documented for numerous rose hip constituents besides vitamin C. Anti-inflammatory activities include the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, reduction of NF-κB signaling, inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes including COX1/2, 5-LOX, and iNOS, reduction of C-reactive protein levels, reduction of chemotaxis and chemoluminescence of PMNs, and an inhibition of pro-inflammatory metalloproteases.

Inhibition of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1)

A certain galactolipid, GOPO, was shown to reduce MMP-1 gene expression. MMP-1 is an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of cell structures such as collagen. Moreover, GOPO and rose hip upregulate genes that are responsible for the synthesis of collagen.

Cyclooxygenase Inhibition

As cyclooxygenase inhibitors, rose hip compounds may reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and various inflammatory conditions. The inhibition of both COX-1 and COX-2 has been demonstrated in vitro for multiple rose hip constituents, and this mechanism is believed to underlie a portion of the analgesic effect observed in joint disease studies.

Antioxidant Activity

Rose hips are particularly rich in vitamin C, carotenoids, polyphenols, and various flavonoids that have potent antioxidant activity. Antioxidant mechanisms include direct free-radical scavenging and the reduction of oxidative stress biomarkers in vivo.

5. Scientific Evidence by Health Area

5.1 Osteoarthritis and Joint Health

Clinical Evidence

The most robustly studied application of rose hip supplementation is in osteoarthritis (OA). A meta-analysis was conducted of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of a hip powder of Rosa canina (rosehip) preparation for the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis, in order to estimate empirical efficacy as a pain-reducing compound. RCTs from systematic searches were included if they explicitly stated that OA patients were randomized to either rosehip or placebo.

The three studies, involving 287 patients and a median trial duration of 3 months — all supported by the manufacturer (Hyben-Vital International) — showed a reduction in pain scores by rosehip powder (145 patients) compared to placebo (142 patients), with an effect size of 0.37 (95% confidence interval). This effect size is considered modest but statistically significant. Importantly, all three trials were supported by a commercial entity, which constitutes a meaningful limitation.

Two double-blind randomized studies were analysed in a separate systematic review; both were relatively small (N=100 and N=112) and had a Jadad score of 5. In both studies, the rosehip powder LitoZin was employed. In the first study (parallel design; endpoint after 4 months), rosehip powder, compared with placebo, significantly improved hip flexion (p < 0.05), but no significant change was observed for internal and external rotation of the hips.

A review of these studies shows that people who took the supplement had less pain after 3 months compared to a placebo. 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. A small study shows that rosehip supplements do not affect RA pain.

Evidence Strength and Limitations

Evidence for rose hip in osteoarthritis pain is moderate, derived from multiple small RCTs and one meta-analysis. Key limitations include: small sample sizes, short durations (most trials 3–4 months), reliance on a single proprietary preparation (Hyben Vital/LitoZin), commercial funding of all pivotal trials, and the absence of large, independently-funded multicentre RCTs. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Rosa canina match its clinical action, especially considering new findings on the pharmacological disease pattern of OA. Further research is needed to elucidate how and in which manner single rose hip compounds interact with their molecular pharmacological targets.

5.2 Skin Health and Anti-Aging

Clinical Evidence

A clinical study evaluated the effects of rose hip powder (Hyben Vital®) made from seeds and shells on cell senescence, skin wrinkling, and aging. A total of 34 healthy subjects aged 35–65 years with wrinkles on the face (crow's-feet) were subjected to a randomized and double-blinded clinical study of the effects of the rose hip powder, compared to astaxanthin, a well-known remedy against wrinkles. During the 8-week study, half of the participants ingested the standardized rose hip product, while the other half ingested astaxanthin.

Comparing the effectiveness between the two treatments, there was no significant difference on the skin improvement effect between rose hip powder and the well-known anti-wrinkle and anti-photoaging remedy astaxanthin. No significant or borderline significant differences between groups occurred at any time point. Both groups showed improvements in wrinkles, skin moisture, and elasticity over the 8-week period.

Proposed Mechanisms

Exposure of the skin to UV induces the generation of reactive oxygen species, causing chronic inflammation and the breakdown of cell membranes in a process referred to as photoaging of the skin. Photoaging damages collagen, elastin, and the skin's moisture barrier, leading to wrinkles, sagging, toughening, and dry skin texture. Rose hip's proposed benefits in skin health are attributed to its antioxidant content and its effect on collagen metabolism: MMP-1 is an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of cell structures such as collagen. GOPO and rose hip upregulate genes that are responsible for the synthesis of collagen.

Evidence Strength

The skin health evidence rests primarily on a single, small (n=34), active-comparator-controlled trial without a true inert placebo group. Results are preliminary and should be interpreted with caution. Rose hip oil applied topically has a separate body of cosmetic literature, but this remains largely outside the domain of controlled clinical trials with validated outcomes.

5.3 Cardiovascular Risk and Metabolic Health

Clinical Evidence

A total of 31 obese individuals with normal or impaired glucose tolerance were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study in which metabolic effects of daily intake of a rose hip powder drink over 6 weeks were compared with a control drink. Daily consumption of 40 g of rose hip powder for 6 weeks can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk in obese people through lowering of systolic blood pressure and plasma cholesterol levels.

A further randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigated the effects of rosehip extract on abdominal visceral fat in pre-obese subjects. Daily intake of rosehip extract decreases abdominal visceral fat in pre-obese subjects, according to results reported from this trial.

Animal and Pre-Clinical Evidence

In studies performed in mice, rose hip powder has been shown to both prevent and reverse high-fat diet-induced obesity and glucose intolerance, as well as reduce plasma levels of cholesterol. Dietary rose hip prevents body weight gain by increasing whole body energy expenditure and inducing browning of white adipose tissue. Thus, it has potential therapeutic implications for treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders. However, these mechanistic findings are from animal models and cannot be directly extrapolated to humans.

Evidence Strength

The cardiovascular and metabolic evidence in humans is limited in scope: the key crossover trial enrolled only 31 subjects and the dose used (40 g of powder daily) is substantially higher than typical supplementation. Results are promising but preliminary, and the findings require replication in larger, longer-duration trials.

5.4 Immune Function and Infection

Rose hip's traditional use for colds, flu, and respiratory infections is largely attributed to its high vitamin C content, which has an established immunological role. All forms of rose hip are rich in vitamin C and can increase vitamin C levels. Within the body, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and helps build protein and maintain a healthy immune system. However, there are no large independent RCTs specifically evaluating rose hip preparations (distinct from isolated vitamin C) for infection prevention or treatment of acute respiratory illness. The immune-modulatory effects of GOPO and other polyphenols have been characterized primarily in in-vitro studies.

5.5 Neuroprotection

Rose hip extract has demonstrated neuroprotective properties, particularly in the context of brain ischemia. Research indicates that the fruit extract of R. canina may have potential anti-Alzheimer activity. The primary mechanisms behind rose hip's neuroprotective effects appear to be its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, current research is limited, as only two studies involving rat models have reported results, both utilizing intraperitoneal administration. Therefore, further investigations and clinical trials are essential to enhance understanding of the neuroprotective effects of rose hip and its constituents. This area of research is at a very early, pre-clinical stage.

5.6 Gout and Hyperuricemia

A pre-clinical study investigated the xanthine oxidase inhibitory effects of rose hip extracts. The study investigated the effects of hot water, ethanol, and ethyl acetate extracts of rosehip on xanthine oxidase (XO) activity in vitro, and the serum urate-lowering effects of the rosehip hot water extract in a mouse model of hyperuricemia. Administration of rosehip extract reduced the increased serum urate level to the same extent as the administration of 1 mg/kg allopurinol in this mouse model. Clinical evidence in humans is absent, so this finding should not be generalized beyond the animal model.

5.7 Digestive Health

The petals together with the hips are also beneficial in digestive disorders, including diarrhoea and gastritis according to traditional reports. However, robust clinical trial evidence specifically for digestive health endpoints is not yet available in the peer-reviewed literature.

6. Body Systems Associated with Rose Hip

• Musculoskeletal system: Joint pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis (best supported by clinical evidence); rheumatoid arthritis (evidence conflicting).
• Integumentary system (skin): Anti-photoaging, wrinkle reduction, moisture and elasticity improvement; collagen synthesis support.
• Cardiovascular and metabolic system: Reduction of systolic blood pressure and plasma cholesterol; abdominal visceral fat reduction; blood glucose modulation (primarily in obese individuals).
• Immune system: Vitamin C-mediated immunological support; anti-inflammatory cytokine modulation.
• Gastrointestinal system: Traditional use for diarrhea, gastritis, and digestive complaints; limited clinical evidence.
• Urinary system: Historical diuretic use; potential urate-lowering effects (animal data only).
• Nervous system: Pre-clinical neuroprotective and anti-Alzheimer potential (animal models only).

7. Dosage Forms and Dosages Reported in Clinical Studies

The following dosages are drawn directly from published clinical research and should not be interpreted as therapeutic recommendations:

• Osteoarthritis (pain and stiffness): Clinical studies on patients with joint disease used 5 g of seed and shell-containing rose hip powder daily. The three pivotal RCTs included in the 2008 meta-analysis used standardized whole-fruit rose hip powder (brand: Hyben Vital/LitoZin) in this dose range over periods of approximately 3–4 months.
• Cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes: Daily consumption of 40 g of rose hip powder for 6 weeks was used in the crossover study demonstrating reductions in systolic blood pressure and plasma cholesterol in obese individuals. This is a notably high dose used in a specific research context.
• Skin anti-aging: The 8-week clinical trial on skin wrinkles, moisture, and elasticity used a standardized rose hip powder (Hyben Vital®) administered orally to 34 healthy subjects aged 35–65 years. The specific daily dose used in this trial was not extracted from the available abstract text, but was part of the standardized Hyben Vital protocol.

Rose hips contain vitamins, pectin, tannins, flavonoids, and carotenoids as well as vitamin C and galactolipids. The bioavailability of individual constituents — particularly vitamin C — is markedly reduced by drying and heating processes, so preparation method substantially affects actual intake of active compounds.

8. Safety Considerations and Drug Interactions

General Tolerability

Rose hips have a long history of safe use as a food. Some minor side effects, such as loose stools, flatulence, and mild gastrointestinal discomfort, were observed in certain clinical trials involving rose hip powder. These effects are generally mild and transient.

Kidney Stone Risk

Renal side effects have included oxalate and urate kidney stones. Large doses of ascorbic acid have led to hyperoxaluria in 5% of patients. Ascorbic acid can acidify urine, resulting in precipitation of urate, cystine, or oxalate stones. Ascorbic acid should be administered cautiously and dosages modified in patients predisposed to renal stones. This risk is relevant because rose hips are a high-vitamin-C food, though it is primarily associated with pharmacological doses of isolated ascorbic acid rather than with typical food-based intakes.

Iron Absorption

Iron-related disorders such as hemochromatosis, thalassemia, or anemia warrant caution with rose hip use. The vitamin C in rose hip can increase iron absorption, which could make conditions of iron overload worse.

Sickle Cell Disease

It is rare, but the vitamin C in rose hip might make blood more acidic, and this could bring on a sickle cell crisis. It is best to avoid use in this population.

Pre-Surgical Risk

Rugosin E, a chemical found in rose hip, might slow blood clotting. There is concern that rose hip might cause bleeding if used before surgery. People taking rose hip should stop at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Drug Interactions

The most clinically relevant documented interactions arise largely from the high vitamin C content:

• Warfarin and anticoagulants: Large amounts of vitamin C can interfere with blood-thinning medicines, such as Coumadin (warfarin). As rose hip contains vitamin C, caution is warranted if taking these drugs.
• Fluphenazine (Prolixin): Large amounts of vitamin C might increase how quickly the body eliminates fluphenazine (Prolixin), potentially decreasing its effectiveness.
• Lithium: Rose hip might have an effect like a diuretic. Taking rose hip might decrease how well the body eliminates lithium, which could increase the amount of lithium in the body and result in serious side effects.
• Aluminum-containing antacids: Aluminum is found in most antacids. Rose hips contain vitamin C. Vitamin C can increase how much aluminum the body absorbs, though it isn't clear if this interaction is a major concern.
• CYP3A4-metabolized drugs: To the best of researchers' knowledge, there is no evidence of an interaction between rosehip and CYP3A4-metabolizing drugs, based on available pre-clinical data.

Pregnancy and Lactation

It is unknown if rose hips are safe for use during pregnancy. Use caution when using this supplement if pregnant or breastfeeding. There are no studies to determine if such use is safe.

Hemodialysis

Ascorbic acid (present in high amounts in rose hip) is removed by dialysis and supplementation in dialysis patients warrants specialist guidance.

References

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