Rose Hips And Pain Management

Rose hips develop from blossoms of the Rosa canina plant, commonly known as wild rose. This plant is the one primarily used in research with rose hips, but supplement manufacturers use numerous other species of rose for rose hips as well, explains Drugs.com. Rose hips are a natural source of vitamin C and an herbal remedy for pain relief. Consult a qualified health care provider before beginning any herbal therapy.

Features

The branches of Rosa canina produce pink and white flowers and red seeded fruits, which people have traditionally called hips. The rose hips grow up to 2 cm long and are oval and fleshy. Rosa canina is native to Europe, Asia and North Africa, and the flower has been used as an herbal remedy since at least the Middle Ages, as noted by Drugs.com. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it useful in treating patients with osteoarthritis, according to an article published in the June 2001 issue of "Gesundheitswesen."

Significance

A review of controlled trials published in the September 2008 issue of "Osteoarthritis and Cartilage" analyzed the effects of rose hip powder as compared with placebo for relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis. Three studies qualified for the review, including a total of 287 patients. Rose hip powder significantly reduced pain compared with placebo in all three studies.

Specifics

An example of specific study results can be found in the July-August 2005 issue of the "Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology." Participants taking 5 g of rose hips per day for three months experienced a significant decrease in pain as compared with placebo, as measured by a questionnaire. Pain relief began within three weeks of treatment, and participants were able to significantly reduce pain medication. After three months, they also experienced significant decreases in stiffness and disability.

Components

Fresh rose hips contain 0.5 to 1.7 percent of vitamin C, although the vitamin content of commercial products varies, according to Drugs.com. Rose hips also contain vitamins A and K as well as some B-complex vitamins. Flavonoids as well as vitamins may be responsible for the beneficial effects of rose hips, according to the "Gesundheitswesen" article. Rose hips also contain malic and citric acids, carotenoid pigments, polyphenols, volatile oil, vanillin and other components.

Safety

No side effects are associated with rose hips as used for pain management, according to Drugs.com. Although long-term consumption of high doses of vitamin C is associated with oxalate kidney stone formation, this effect has not been linked to rose hips. The plant has no known toxicity.