Fruit

Wild Rose Hip

Provisional Moderate ScoreCompound

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Published March 15, 2026Last updated March 15, 2026Methodology · Editorial policy · Report an error

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Wild rose hip (Rosa canina) contains the galactolipid GOPO and the flavonoid tiliroside, which inhibit neutrophil chemotaxis and modulate COX-1/COX-2 enzymes to reduce systemic inflammation, while its exceptionally high vitamin C, carotenoid, and polyphenol content confer potent antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. A comprehensive review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (Mármol et al., 2017; PMID 28587101) confirmed that diverse Rosa species rose hips demonstrate therapeutic applications spanning anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiproliferative, and cardioprotective activities through multiple validated molecular pathways.

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Screened PMID Records

Reported Benefits

Pending

Synergy Review

At a Glance

CategoryFruit

GroupFruit

Public Score StatusProvisional Moderate

Primary Keywordwild rose hip benefits

Wild Rose Hip — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Boosts immune function

and enhances the body's ability to fight infections due to its exceptionally high vitamin C content.

Protects against oxidative

stress and reduces inflammation with its rich composition of flavonoids, carotenoids, and polyphenols.

Supports cardiovascular wellness

by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels through its potassium and fiber content.

Promotes skin health

by stimulating collagen synthesis, improving elasticity, and reducing wrinkle appearance.

Alleviates joint pain

and supports mobility through its potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Supports digestive health

by providing dietary fiber that promotes gut motility and balances the microbiome.

Aids in detoxification

and kidney function through its mild diuretic properties.

Origin & History

Natural habitat

Wild Rose Hip (Rosa canina) is the fruit of various wild rose species, native to temperate regions across Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. Thriving in well-drained soils and sunny locations, it is highly regarded for its exceptional nutritional value, particularly its high vitamin C content. This fruit offers significant functional benefits for immune, skin, and cardiovascular health.

“Wild Rose Hip has been treasured for centuries across Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia for its healing, culinary, and cosmetic uses. In European folklore, it symbolized love and renewal, with remedies used for respiratory ailments and digestive disorders during the Middle Ages. Its widespread use in Britain during WWII to prevent scurvy highlights its historical importance as a vital source of vitamin C.”Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

A major review by Mármol et al. (2017) published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (PMID 28587101) systematically evaluated the therapeutic applications of rose hips from different Rosa species, confirming significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiproliferative, and cardioprotective bioactivities attributed to compounds including GOPO, tiliroside, ascorbic acid, and carotenoids. The review consolidated evidence from multiple clinical and preclinical studies showing that standardized rose hip powder (typically 5 g/day) significantly reduced C-reactive protein levels, joint pain scores, and markers of oxidative stress in osteoarthritis patients. Additionally, the documented lipid-lowering and blood-pressure-reducing effects were linked to the synergistic action of polyunsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, and flavonoid glycosides present in the fruit. These findings position Rosa canina rose hip as one of the most evidence-supported botanical ingredients for joint health and systemic inflammation management.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- Dietary fiber - Essential fatty acids: Linoleic acid, Alpha-linolenic acid - Vitamins: C (exceptionally high), A, K, B1, B2, B3 - Minerals: Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Magnesium - Phytochemicals: Polyphenols, Flavonoids, Carotenoids (beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein)

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

The galactolipid GOPO (glycoside of mono- and diglycerol) inhibits neutrophil chemotaxis and migration to sites of inflammation by suppressing peripheral blood leukocyte activity and downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, while simultaneously modulating cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2 to reduce prostaglandin E2 synthesis. Tiliroside (kaempferol 3-O-β-D-(6″-E-p-coumaroyl)-glucopyranoside) exerts antioxidant effects by scavenging reactive oxygen species, inhibiting copper-mediated LDL oxidation, and activating hepatic AMPK signaling, which enhances fatty acid β-oxidation and exhibits antiobesity properties. The high ascorbic acid content (up to 1,700 mg per 100 g dry weight) regenerates α-tocopherol radicals, enhances iron absorption, and supports hydroxylase enzymes essential for collagen cross-linking via prolyl-4-hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase pathways. Carotenoids including lycopene and β-carotene quench singlet oxygen and inhibit NF-κB nuclear translocation, providing additive anti-inflammatory and photoprotective effects in dermal tissues.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

In osteoarthritis patients, 5 g daily rose hip powder containing seeds and shells for 3 months significantly reduced C-reactive protein (CRP) levels versus placebo. A separate study showed high-dose rose hip for 1 month lowered CRP levels in human volunteers. However, specific sample sizes, pain scores, and standardized outcome measures are not well-documented in available research. Further quantified clinical trials are needed to establish definitive therapeutic dosing and efficacy parameters.

Also Known As

Rosa canina L.Rose hipsRose hip seed powderWild rose fruitDog rose hipsRosa rugosa fruit

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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