Rose Hips
Also known as: Rosa canina, Rosa multiflora, Rosae caninae fructus, rose hip extract
Effective Dosage
No established dose
What the Science Says
Rose hips are the small, berry-like fruits of rose plants, particularly Rosa canina. They contain polyphenols (including proanthocyanidins, quercetin, and tiliroside) and vitamin C, which lab studies suggest can reduce oxidative stress and suppress certain inflammatory signals. One small clinical trial found a botanical blend containing rose hips lowered a marker of inflammation (IL-1beta gene expression) in people with a specific genetic profile, though it did not consistently lower CRP levels in the blood. Most of the supporting evidence comes from cell and animal studies, not human trials.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to reduce joint pain or arthritis on its own — no standalone human trials in the provided data. Won't reliably lower CRP (a key inflammation marker) in most people. No proven skin-whitening effect in humans — the melanin-inhibition data comes only from mouse cells and guinea pigs. Not a substitute for medical treatment of any inflammatory condition.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Rose hip extracts contain polyphenols (proanthocyanidins, quercetin, tiliroside) that show antioxidant activity by inhibiting reactive oxygen species production from neutrophils in vitro (PMID 11933119). A multi-ingredient botanical formula containing rose hips reduced IL-1beta gene expression and, in genetically predisposed individuals, increased the proportion achieving CRP reduction compared to placebo (PMID 17884346). In preclinical models, rose hip compounds inhibit melanogenesis via tyrosinase suppression (PMID 21389613, 19734679), and tiliroside shows preliminary antihyperuricemic activity in mice (PMID 41097334).
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose from provided studies
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no pharmacokinetic or absorption data provided in the available studies. Active compounds like quercetin and proanthocyanidins are present, but how well they are absorbed from rose hip products is not addressed in the provided research.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Regulatory agencies (EFSA) have flagged potential nicotine residue risks in rose hips from pesticide use — sourcing and testing matter
- Pesticide residue concerns: EFSA assessed cyflufenamid and nicotine MRLs specifically for rose hips, indicating contamination is a real-world issue
- Most clinical evidence comes from a multi-ingredient botanical blend, not rose hips alone — impossible to isolate rose hips' contribution
- Marketed heavily for joint health and immune support, but the provided studies do not include human trials supporting these specific claims
Products Containing Rose Hips
See how Rose Hips is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-06