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Moderate evidenceJoints & skin

Rose Hips

Standardised powder from the fruit of Rosa canina, one of the better-tested herbal options for osteoarthritis pain. The pooled effect is genuine but small, roughly on the level of a mild analgesic.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

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What the science says

  • Osteoarthritis pain Moderate evidence

    A meta-analysis of three randomized controlled trials found rosehip powder reduced pain more than placebo, with a small pooled effect size and patients about twice as likely to respond. The trials were short and all used the same standardised preparation.

  • Rescue medication use Limited evidence

    A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in knee and hip osteoarthritis reported reduced symptoms and lower consumption of rescue analgesics over three months. It was a single-centre trial of moderate size.

  • Disease modification Limited evidence

    No trial has shown that rosehip slows cartilage loss or changes the course of osteoarthritis. The documented effect is on symptoms only.

Dosage & safety

Studied dose5 g/day of standardised Rosa canina fruit powder, taken in divided doses, is the dose used in the trials. Effects build over roughly 3 weeks to 3 months.
SafetyGenerally well tolerated; mild gastrointestinal upset and loose stools are the most common complaints. High in vitamin C, which is a consideration for people prone to oxalate kidney stones. Not adequately studied in pregnancy.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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