Rose hip, the fruit of the wild rose (Rosa canina), has been studied for its potential benefits in managing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Several randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials have investigated rose hip extracts, particularly those standardized for a high content of galactolipids (notably GOPO®), in patients with RA and osteoarthritis. These studies indicate that rose hip supplementation may lead to modest improvements in pain, stiffness, and physical function compared to placebo. Proposed mechanisms include anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators and reduction of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.

However, most of the available research focuses on osteoarthritis rather than RA specifically, and the total number of high-quality studies in RA remains limited. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses, such as those published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (2012) and the Cochrane Database (2008), suggest a small but statistically significant benefit for joint pain, but emphasize methodological weaknesses and potential bias in included studies.

Rose hip has a long history of traditional use for inflammatory and joint conditions, but its use in RA is increasingly supported by emerging, though not yet robust, clinical evidence. It is generally considered safe, but should not replace conventional disease-modifying treatments. Further large-scale, well-designed trials are needed to establish its role in RA management.