Rosehips are fruits that grow on the flowers of wild roses. They are oblong in shape, deep red, and nutrient dense. They have been used as an ingredient in jams and jellies and have an astonishing concentration of compounds, especially in the peels.

People familiar with rosehips as a supplement may normally associate the botanical with immune support, but its strong antioxidant actions also help it preserve joints, especially for individuals struggling with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other chronic conditions.

Placebo-controlled clinical studies have found that rosehip supplementation is twice as effective compared to placebo, and over the course of three months it consistently reduces pain. Additionally, it accomplishes all of this without the risk of harming the stomach lining, making it a sharp contrast to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Scientific research shows that rosehip extracts decrease the activity of inflammatory markers including COX-2 and IL-1β, it also inhibits the release of cartilage-degrading enzymes metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), that wear away at the cushion between joints.

Paired with joint-preserving type II collagen, rosehips may provide individuals who have noticed challenges with their mobility an effective and safe option for restoring range of motion and physical comfort without compromising their health.

Abstract

Cohen M. Rosehip – an evidence based herbal medicine for inflammation and arthritis. Aust Fam Physician. 2012 Jul;41(7):495-8. PMID: 22762068.

Background: Rosehips – which contain a particular type of galactolipid – have a specific anti-inflammatory action. A standardized rosehip powder has been developed to maximize the retention of phytochemicals. This powder has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity as well as clinical benefits in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Objective: To examine the evidence suggesting that standardized rosehip powder may be a viable replacement or supplement for conventional therapies used in inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.

Discussion: A meta-analysis of three randomized controlled trials involving 287 patients with a median treatment period of 3 months reported that treatment with standardized rosehip powder consistently reduced pain scores and that patients allocated to rosehip powder were twice as likely to respond to rosehip compared to placebo. In contrast to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin, rosehip has anti-inflammatory actions that do not have ulcerogenic effects and do not inhibit platelets nor influence the coagulation cascade or fibrinolysis.