People have consumed rosehips as a traditional dietary supplement for generations, making them into powders, syrups and preserves such as jelly. Anecdotal evidence shows that rosehips can be helpful for a variety of medical conditions, including arthritis. Some double-blind scientific studies, which test the supplement against a control placebo, have been conducted on small samples of patients. They confirm that some people gain relief from pain and a reduction in joint stiffness.
History
Rosehips have long been known to contain Vitamin C. Growing freely in gardens and hedgerows, they have been used as a dietary supplement in climates where other vitamin-C-rich foods are hard to grow or difficult to import. The British government subsidized rosehip syrup for all children during the World War II when food, especially fruit, became scarce and importation impossible.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is vital for the growth and repair of cartilage and for the prevention of inflammation. It is recommended for both the prevention and the care of arthritis. Arthritis Today notes that "people whose diets contained the least amount of the vitamin were three times more likely to be diagnosed with arthritis than those who ate the most fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C."
Lycopene
A study by the German Institute of Nutrition has found that rosehips are also a significant source of the antioxidant lycopene. This powerful antioxidant, most commonly found in tomatoes, is effective in the prevention of inflammation. Arthritis Today recommends including both vitamin C and lycopene in nutrition to help arthritis. Since tomatoes can be too acidic for many palates, a rosehip supplement can make an ideal substitute.
Research
Researchers have conducted clinical trials of rosehip supplements on both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis. Tests at the Copenhagan County Hospital in Denmark for osteoarthritis of the knee and hip showed a reduction in pain after three weeks and a reduction in stiffness and general disability after three months. A German study on patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed improvements on some assessment scales after six months. Both studies observed some decrease in the need for pain medication.
Warning
The studies undertaken as of 2010 are on small sample sizes and, although promising, may not be significant. The researchers are cautious about their findings to date. All dietary supplements carry a risk of interacting with prescription medications. Ask a doctor before adding a rosehip supplement to your diet if you are currently being treated for any other medical conditions.
