Rose hips are a type of herbal remedy containing large amounts of an anti-cancer carotenoid called lycopene. Although more studies are needed in order to recommend a specific dosage, it is possible that rose hips and other lycopene-rich foods can have a preventative effect on prostate cancer. For best results, only take rose hip products alongside traditional treatments and medications recommended by your doctor.
Definition
Rose hips are the red, spherical fruit that forms on the rose plant. While some modern rose genera are harvested before the bud has time to form, other shrub types, such as rugosas, tend to bear them in abundance. According to the Mountain Rose Herbs website, oil made from rose hip seeds is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A and E, which promote collagen production and delay the effects of skin aging. The prostate is a small gland the size of a walnut located just below the bladder.
How It Works
Lycopene is a cancer-fighting pigment that may have antioxidant activity, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center website. Although more evidence is required, research has established an encouraging link between lycopene intake and reduced symptoms of cancer, heart disease and macular degeneration. Like some other carotenoids, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, lycopene exhibits a type of antioxidant referred to as non-provitamin A. Adding rose hips to your diet in fresh fruit or pill form may reduce your chances of developing prostate cancer.
Implications
Although there is no established recommended dose for rose hips, the Drugs.com website lists no known side effects of consuming 3 to 6 grams of rose hips a day. In addition to its anti-cancer properties, rose hips may also be effective as a diuretic, which may help individuals suffering from urinary incontinence caused by an enlarged prostate.
Safety Concerns
Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect that you may be suffering from prostate cancer. Left undetected, prostate cancer can metastasize, resulting in cancerous cells spreading throughout your body. Despite their benefits, rose hips and other alternative medicine options are no substitute for treatments recommended by a doctor.
References
- The University Of Maryland Medical Center: What Is Prostate Cancer?
- University Of Vermont Extension: Rose Hips
- Mountain Rose Herbs: Organic Rosehip Seed Oil Profile
- Pharmaceutical Research: Cancer Is A Preventable Disease That Requires Major Lifestyle Changes
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Lycopene
- Drugs.com: Rose Hips
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