Introduction
Rose hips are the seed pods of wild rose plants. They are often ground up and can be taken as a pill or powder. Rose hips have been used to ease pain and improve mobility in the joints. Rose hips can also be made into tea, extract, or cream. Rose hip creams and serums can be applied to the skin and have been used to fight signs of aging.
Dosages
5 grams once daily
What Research Shows
Likely Effective
- Osteoarthritis —likely reduce pain when used with standard treatment C1-C4
May Be Effective
- Rheumatoid arthritis —may ease symptoms and improve quality of life D1
Not Enough Data to Assess
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Safety Notes
It is likely safe to apply rose hips to the skin and to take them orally in small doses for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether they are safe to use for a long period. It is also not known whether it is safe to take by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.
References
REFA Aging Skin
REFA1 Phetcharat L, Wongsuphasawat K, et al. 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 Nov 19;10:1849-1856.
REFB Obesity
REFB1 Andersson U, Berger K, 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 May;66(5):585-590.
REFC Osteoarthritis
REFC1 Christensen R, Bartels EM, et al. Does the hip powder of Rosa canina (rosehip) reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients?—a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2008;16(9):965-972.
REFC2 Winther K, Apel K, et al. 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 Jul-Aug;34(4):302-308.
REFC3 Cameron M, Gagnier JJ, et al. Evidence of effectiveness of herbal medicinal products in the treatment of arthritis. Part I: Osteoarthritis. Phytother Res. 2009;23(11):1497-1515.
REFC4 De Silva V, El-Metwally A, et al. Evidence for the efficacy of complementary and alternative medicines in the management of osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2011 May;50(5):911-920.
REFD Rheumatoid Arthritis
REFD1 Willich SN, Rossnagel K, et al. Rose hip herbal remedy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis – a randomised controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 2010;17(2):97-93.