Rosehips and Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder worldwide. It damages cartilage and other parts of the joints, especially in the hands, knees, hips and spine. The result is pain, stiffness and loss of function, which inevitably affects quality of life.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often prescribed but are not the best long-term option. Paracetamol, the medic’s usual preference, is not very effective either. One reason may be that it is not a strong anti-inflammatory.

I have already written about natural alternatives to NSAIDs including frankincense, willow bark and pine bark extract. With the arrival of autumn, another herb comes to mind: rosehips.

Rosehips Through History

Rosehips are the bright red fruits of wild roses, especially the dog rose (Rosa canina), common in autumn hedgerows. During the second world war, rosehip syrup became popular as a source of vitamin C. Its success was no doubt helped by the pleasant flavour. Even now, people gather the hips to make purees, jams, syrups, cordials and juices.

What Rosehips Contain

Rosehips are rich in vitamin C but also hold many other compounds with health benefits. These include:

• phenolics

• terpenoids

• galactolipids

• carotenoids such as lycopene and beta-carotene

• fruit acids, including ascorbic acid

• fatty oils, including linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid

These constituents give rosehips antioxidant and radical-scavenging effects. They also provide anti-inflammatory action through several pathways.

Inflammation in Osteoarthritis

Doctors once thought osteoarthritis came from simple wear and tear. Newer research shows the immune system plays a central role. Inflammation drives both the tissue damage and the pain.

The process involves excess production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, such as nitric oxide and peroxynitrite. In normal amounts these chemicals support immune function. In excess they create oxidative stress, damaging proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. They also worsen inflammation and accelerate joint destruction.

Rosehips and Inflammation

Research shows rosehips can:

• reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines

• reduce NFkB signalling

• inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes such as COX-1, COX-2, 5-LOX and iNOS

• lower C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation

• reduce chemotaxis and chemoluminescence of PMNs

• inhibit pro-inflammatory matrix metalloproteases

Learn more about  Natural Anti-inflammatories

Clinical Research

Several studies have tested rosehip powder in people with osteoarthritis.

One study followed 100 men and women, average age 65, all with knee or hip osteoarthritis. Half took 5 g per day of rosehip powder in capsules. The others received a placebo. They continued their usual medication if needed. Over four months, participants rated pain and had joint mobility measured.

In the rosehip group, 14.6% reduced their normal medicine, while none increased it. In the placebo group, 8.3% reduced medicine, and 8.3% increased it. Hip mobility improved in the rosehip group, and around two-thirds reported less pain.

Another trial of 287 people compared rosehip powder with placebo. Researchers concluded that rosehip gave a small but clinically meaningful anti-inflammatory effect with pain relief.

Other randomised controlled trials confirm the efficacy and safety of rosehip. The only reported side effect was mild digestive upset, occurring equally in both groups.

Combination Remedies

Medical herbalists rarely prescribe single herbs. Combinations often work better. One trial tested a liquid formula of rosehip puree and juice concentrate with nettle leaf and devil’s claw root. This blend provided stronger results than placebo, reducing pain and improving quality of life. It was also well tolerated and safe.

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