# Wild Rose (Rosa multiflora)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/wild-rose
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-29
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Rosa multiflora, Multiflora rose, Baby rose, Japanese rose, Many-flowered rose, Seven-sisters rose, Rambler rose, Eijitsu, Ying shi zi

## Overview

Rosa multiflora is a flowering shrub whose polyphenol-rich extracts, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, exert [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and metabolic effects primarily by inhibiting cyclooxygenase and nitric oxide synthase enzymes. Clinical research suggests its concentrated polyphenol fraction may support weight management in overweight adults at doses around 500 mg per day.

## Health Benefits

• Weight management: A 12-week RCT showed a significant reduction in body weight and BMI in overweight adults using 500 mg/day of a polyphenol fraction from Rosa multiflora [1]. 
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Preclinical studies indicate suppression of pro-inflammatory markers such as iNOS and COX-2 [3][4]. 
• UV skin protection: Animal studies showed reduced TNF-α and MMP-13 expression with supplementation [2]. 
• Allergy relief: In mouse models, extracts modulated Th1/Th2 cytokine balance, aiding in allergic rhinitis [3]. 
• [Bone health](/ingredients/condition/bone-health): Root extracts inhibited osteoclast differentiation through RANKL pathways [6].

## Mechanism of Action

Polyphenolic compounds in Rosa multiflora, including quercetin and kaempferol glycosides, downregulate the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), thereby reducing pro-inflammatory [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) E2 and nitric oxide production. These flavonoids also appear to modulate NF-κB signaling, suppressing transcription of downstream inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. Additionally, the polyphenol fraction may influence lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) through inhibition of pancreatic lipase activity, potentially contributing to the observed reductions in body weight.

## Clinical Summary

A 12-week randomized controlled trial in overweight adults demonstrated statistically significant reductions in body weight and BMI following supplementation with 500 mg/day of a Rosa multiflora polyphenol fraction, though sample size details and effect magnitude require further peer review scrutiny. Preclinical in vitro and animal model studies consistently show suppression of iNOS and COX-2 expression, supporting a plausible [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) mechanism, but these findings have not yet been replicated in large human trials. The overall evidence base is preliminary; the single RCT provides initial promise for weight management applications, yet independent replication with larger cohorts and longer follow-up is needed before firm efficacy conclusions can be drawn. No head-to-head comparative trials against established weight management interventions currently exist for this specific extract.

## Nutritional Profile

Rosa multiflora (wild rose) contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds across its various plant parts (hips, petals, leaves, stems). Key constituents include: Polyphenols/Flavonoids: quercetin (50–200 mg/100g dry weight in hips), kaempferol, rutin, and hyperoside; these exhibit moderate bioavailability (~10–20% absorption) due to glycosylation requiring intestinal hydrolysis. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): rose hips are particularly rich, ranging from 400–2000 mg/100g dry weight depending on harvest time and processing; bioavailability is generally high (~70–90%) but degrades rapidly with heat. Carotenoids: β-carotene (2–10 mg/100g), lycopene, and rubixanthin present in hips; fat-soluble with bioavailability enhanced by co-ingestion with dietary fats (~5–30% absorption). Tannins (ellagitannins, gallotannins): 3–10% dry weight in leaves and bark; relatively low systemic bioavailability but exert significant local gut effects. Triterpenoids: ursolic acid and oleanolic acid (~0.5–2% dry weight in leaves); absorbed via passive diffusion with limited oral bioavailability (~5–10%). Organic acids: malic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid contribute to [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) synergy. Essential fatty acids: rose hip seed oil contains linoleic acid (omega-6, ~35–45%) and α-linolenic acid (omega-3, ~20–30%). Vitamins: vitamin E (tocopherols, ~25–50 mg/100g in seeds), vitamin K (~10–30 µg/100g). Macronutrients (hips, dry): carbohydrates ~60–70%, protein ~4–6%, fat ~2–6%, fiber ~20–25%. Bioavailability of polyphenols is notably enhanced by the food matrix and gut microbiota [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), producing bioactive phenolic metabolites systemically.

## Dosage & Preparation

The clinically studied dosage for the Rosa multiflora polyphenol fraction (RoseFit) is 500 mg per day in capsule form, taken over 12 weeks. Preclinical studies varied in concentrations. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Rosa multiflora extracts are generally considered well-tolerated at studied doses around 500 mg/day, with no severe adverse events reported in the available RCT, though comprehensive safety profiling across diverse populations remains limited. Because the polyphenols may inhibit pancreatic lipase and modulate lipid absorption, caution is warranted in individuals taking lipase-dependent medications or fat-soluble vitamin supplements, as absorption could theoretically be affected. Flavonoid constituents such as quercetin have known potential to inhibit CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein at higher concentrations, suggesting possible interactions with drugs metabolized by these pathways, including certain statins, immunosuppressants, and anticoagulants. Safety data in pregnant or breastfeeding women is absent, and use during pregnancy should be avoided until adequate studies are conducted.

## Scientific Research

The clinical evidence for Rosa multiflora is primarily based on a single randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 70 overweight adults, which demonstrated weight loss benefits. No PubMed PMIDs were available for this trial, and no additional RCTs or meta-analyses were found.

## Historical & Cultural Context

In East Asian traditional medicine, particularly Japanese Kampo and Chinese folk medicine, the dried fruits of Rosa multiflora have been used historically to treat inflammatory disorders, digestive issues, and as an [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) remedy. These uses are supported by historical records and traditional practice.

## Synergistic Combinations

Green Tea, Turmeric, Ginger, Ginseng, Ashwagandha

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the studied dose of Rosa multiflora for weight loss?

The dose evaluated in the published 12-week RCT is 500 mg per day of a concentrated polyphenol fraction from Rosa multiflora, administered to overweight adults. This specific fractionated extract is not equivalent to raw rose hip powder, so the effective dose of a crude supplement may differ substantially.

### Which active compounds in Rosa multiflora reduce inflammation?

The primary anti-inflammatory bioactives in Rosa multiflora are flavonoids including quercetin and kaempferol glycosides, along with phenolic acids. These compounds downregulate iNOS and COX-2 gene expression and suppress NF-κB activation, collectively reducing nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 synthesis in inflamed tissues.

### Is Rosa multiflora the same as rose hip?

Rosa multiflora is a distinct species from the more commonly studied rose hip sources such as Rosa canina, though both belong to the Rosaceae family and contain overlapping polyphenolic compounds. Their phytochemical profiles and clinical evidence bases differ, so research on Rosa canina rose hips should not be directly extrapolated to Rosa multiflora extracts.

### Can Rosa multiflora supplements interact with medications?

Quercetin, a key flavonoid in Rosa multiflora, is a known inhibitor of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein at pharmacologically relevant concentrations, which may increase plasma levels of drugs such as cyclosporine, atorvastatin, and warfarin. Individuals on anticoagulants, statins, or immunosuppressants should consult a healthcare provider before using Rosa multiflora supplements.

### How long does it take for Rosa multiflora to show weight management effects?

The only available human RCT assessed outcomes over a 12-week supplementation period at 500 mg/day, which is the minimum timeframe for which evidence currently exists. No dose-response or time-course studies have been published, so the onset of measurable weight or BMI changes at shorter durations remains unknown.

### What is the most bioavailable form of Rosa multiflora supplement?

Polyphenol fractions and standardized extracts of Rosa multiflora demonstrate superior bioavailability compared to raw herb powders, as evidenced by the clinical weight management study using a 500 mg/day polyphenol fraction. Extraction processes that concentrate active compounds like catechins and proanthocyanidins enhance absorption and biological activity in the body. Standardized extracts also provide consistent potency across batches, making them more reliable for achieving the benefits shown in research.

### Who should avoid Rosa multiflora supplements?

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Rosa multiflora supplements due to insufficient safety data in these populations. Individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications should consult a healthcare provider before use, as polyphenol-rich herbs may have mild anticoagulant properties. People with known allergies to Rosaceae family plants should exercise caution or avoid this ingredient entirely.

### How does the research quality for Rosa multiflora compare to other weight management herbs?

Rosa multiflora has solid clinical support with at least one 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) demonstrating significant reductions in body weight and BMI in overweight adults, which represents higher-quality evidence than many herbal weight management ingredients. However, the current research base is relatively limited compared to more extensively studied herbs like green tea or conjugated linoleic acid, with most anti-inflammatory evidence coming from preclinical rather than human studies. Additional long-term clinical trials would strengthen confidence in its efficacy and safety profile for widespread use.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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