Rose Hips Glycerite Liquid Extract
Also known as: Rose hips, Rosehip extract, Rose hip glycerite liquid extract, Rosa canina
Overview
Rose hips are the fruit of various *Rosa* species, predominantly *Rosa canina*, renowned for their rich content of vitamin C, polyphenols, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. The glycerite liquid extract is a specialized preparation where rose hips are extracted using glycerol as a solvent. This method effectively preserves water-soluble compounds and some alcohol-soluble constituents, making it a viable alternative to alcohol-based tinctures. Rose hip extracts are primarily utilized for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and antidiabetic properties, as well as for supporting joint health. Research on rose hips is moderately mature, with a notable body of evidence including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, particularly concerning their efficacy in managing osteoarthritis and metabolic conditions. The quality of evidence varies by specific indication but generally includes well-designed RCTs and comprehensive meta-analyses, supporting its potential as a beneficial herbal supplement.
Benefits
Rose hip extracts offer several evidence-based benefits. They have shown promise in **improving lipid profiles**, with systematic reviews and RCTs indicating reductions in total cholesterol by approximately 4.9% and LDL cholesterol by about 6.0%. The LDL-C/HDL-C ratio also decreased by 6.5%, with more significant effects observed in individuals not on statins, where LDL reductions reached up to 8.6%. For **blood glucose control**, a 12-week RCT involving 150 patients with type 2 diabetes demonstrated that rosehip extract (225 mg twice daily), when combined with standard medication, led to improvements in fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c. However, some studies on rosehip alone have not shown significant glucose-lowering effects. Rose hips are particularly effective for **osteoarthritis symptom relief**, with meta-analyses of three RCTs (n=287) showing significant reductions in pain (WOMAC pain scores), stiffness, and disability after 3 months of 5 g/day rosehip powder. It was found to be more effective than glucosamine hydrochloride in reducing osteoarthritis pain. Additionally, preclinical and clinical data support the **antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects** of rose hips, contributing to gastroprotective and dermatological benefits, including inhibition of melanogenesis and protection against oxidative damage.
How it works
Rose hips exert their therapeutic effects through a complex interplay of bioactive compounds. They are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, flavonoids, and ellagic acid, which combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation by scavenging free radicals. The anti-inflammatory actions are likely mediated by the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes. Lipid-lowering effects may involve the modulation of cholesterol metabolism, leading to improved lipid profiles. Potential antidiabetic effects are attributed to compounds like trans-tiliroside and other polyphenols that influence glucose metabolism. The glycerite extraction method specifically preserves water-soluble antioxidants and certain phenolic compounds, potentially enhancing their bioavailability compared to dry powders.
Side effects
Rose hip extracts are generally well-tolerated and possess a favorable safety profile, as evidenced by numerous clinical trials. Common side effects are rare and typically mild, primarily limited to occasional gastrointestinal discomfort. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been consistently reported in high-quality studies. However, specific safety data regarding use during pregnancy and lactation are not well established, and caution is advised for these populations. Clinical trials using doses up to 5 g/day of rosehip powder have not reported any serious adverse events. While the glycerite form is generally considered safe, its specific safety profile in vulnerable populations or at very high doses requires further dedicated research. Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Rosaceae family should exercise caution.
Dosage
The recommended dosage for rose hip varies depending on the form and intended use. For **osteoarthritis**, a standardized rosehip powder at a dose of 5 g/day is typically recommended for at least 3 months to achieve significant reductions in pain and stiffness. For **metabolic effects**, specifically in conjunction with standard antidiabetic medication, an extract dose of 225 mg twice daily has been used effectively for 12 weeks in clinical trials. For rose hip glycerite liquid extracts, specific clinical data are limited. However, typical herbal tincture doses generally range from 1-3 mL daily. It's important to note that the absorption of compounds may be enhanced by the glycerol solvent, but direct dose equivalence to powders or ethanol extracts has not been fully established and requires further study. There are no widely established upper limits for rose hip, but adherence to recommended dosages is advised.
FAQs
Is rose hip glycerite extract effective for joint pain?
Yes, evidence supports rosehip powder reducing osteoarthritis pain and stiffness. While direct RCTs on the glycerite form are limited, it likely contains similar bioactives and may offer comparable benefits.
Is it safe to take with diabetes medications?
Studies indicate that rosehip extract, when combined with medications like glyburide and metformin, is safe and may contribute to improved glucose control.
How long does it take to see benefits from rose hip?
Improvements in joint symptoms are typically observed within 3 weeks to 3 months. Lipid and glucose-related effects are usually assessed after approximately 12 weeks of consistent use.
Does glycerite extraction affect potency?
Glycerite extraction effectively preserves water-soluble compounds, but its phenolic profile might differ from ethanol extracts. Clinical equivalence in terms of potency is not yet fully established.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10821714/ – This systematic review and RCT involving 150 T2DM patients over 12 weeks found that rosehip extract (225 mg) combined with glyburide improved fasting glucose and HbA1c. It also significantly reduced LDL-C and total cholesterol, demonstrating well-powered results with control groups.
- https://rosehipvital.com.sg/assets/pdf/15-3-April-2008-Phytotherapy-Research-A-Systematic-Review-On-The-Rosa-Canina-Effect-And-Efficacy-Profile.pdf – This systematic review examined the efficacy and safety of rose hip extracts, noting no lethal dose in animal models. It highlighted trans-tiliroside as an active compound and emphasized the need for dose-dependent clinical studies, while reporting mixed results on glucose lowering.
- https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2012/july/rosehip – This meta-analysis included three RCTs (n=287) on osteoarthritis, concluding that 5 g/day of rosehip powder significantly reduced WOMAC pain and stiffness compared to placebo. It also found superior efficacy to glucosamine hydrochloride, indicating robust methodology with validated outcomes.
- http://tadbirsalamat.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Rosehip-as-Alternative-Medicine.pdf – This source discusses rosehip as an alternative medicine, supporting its antioxidant activity which contributes to gastroprotective and dermatological benefits. It highlights the inhibition of melanogenesis and protection against oxidative damage.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11043540/ – This article provides further insights into the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of rosehip, reinforcing its potential for various health benefits. It supports the role of rosehip in protecting against oxidative damage.
