Rose Hips (Rosa canina): Uses, Evidence and Safety
Rose hips (Rosa canina): what trials of rose hip powder found for osteoarthritis pain, how much vitamin C the fruit contains, and what safety information we could and could not find.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Safety first. Supplements can cause side effects and interact with medicines. Read mushroom safety and interactions before you use any mushroom product.
Know the limits of the evidence. The best-known human research on rose hips is a small set of trials of one rose hip powder for osteoarthritis pain, and the pooled analysis noted that all three trials were supported by the manufacturer. [1] The sources we read did not describe oral safety cautions for rose hips (for example in pregnancy, kidney disease or iron overload). That is not proof of safety. Ask a pharmacist or clinician before using a rose hip product, especially if you take medicines.
What it is
Rose hips are the fruits of wild rose bushes. Rosehips (Rosa species, family Rosaceae) come from more than 100 species. [2] The plant on this page is Rosa canina L., an accepted name in the GBIF plant database. [3] Studies have used different parts, and the part matters: one trial tested a powder made from the seeds and shells of a rose hip subspecies of Rosa canina. [4] A result for a seed-and-shell powder does not automatically apply to tea, syrup or an extract.This page does not describe how to find, pick or identify wild roses. Many roses exist, and a study result applies only to the plant and product it tested. For identification questions, ask a local botanist or an extension service.
Traditional use (not proof)
The sources we read did not describe the traditional uses of rose hips, so we do not list them here. Proper evidence not found in our sources for named traditions; see Traditional Use vs Research Evidence for how we separate the two.What research shows (research, not tradition)
| Use | What the source found | Evidence label | Population and form studied |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osteoarthritis pain | A meta-analysis of three trials (287 patients, median 3 months) found less pain with rose hip powder than placebo. The authors called the data sparse and asked for independent replication. [1] | Promising but limited | Adults with osteoarthritis; one rose hip powder |
| Osteoarthritis symptoms (one trial) | In 94 patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis, a crossover trial gave 5 g of the powder daily for 3 months. Pain scores fell versus placebo at 3 weeks, and other symptom scores fell by 3 months. [4] | Promising but limited | Seed-and-shell powder, adults |
| Cholesterol and blood sugar | A 2023 systematic review reported mixed effects on lipids and blood glucose, with some studies showing significant benefits. [5] | Mixed | Various rose hip extracts |
| Skin (as a cosmetic ingredient) | A cosmetic ingredient safety panel concluded 12 Rosa canina-derived ingredients were safe in current use when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing. [6] | Safety review, not a benefit finding | Cosmetic products, not supplements |
Joint pain more broadly is covered in Herbs for Joint Pain and Arthritis. We searched PubMed for rose hip osteoarthritis, rose hip cholesterol and rose hip safety. We found no larger, independent trial that we read in full, so Proper evidence not found for long-term benefit or safety beyond the studies above.
Vitamin C: what we can and cannot say
Rose hips are often described as rich in vitamin C. In ten Rosa canina and Rosa rubiginosa samples from southern Chile, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) measured 6.0 to 8.2 mg per gram of fresh fruit. [2] That is one study of fresh fruit from one region. We did not read a source comparing the vitamin C in rose hip tea, powder or capsules with a vitamin C supplement, or measuring how much survives drying and storage, so we make no comparison. For nutrient facts, see Vitamin C and Foods High in Vitamin C.Forms and why the form matters
Studies used a powder (including seeds and shells) or extracts. [4][5] A cosmetic safety review covers skin products only. [6] Teas and syrups were not tested in the sources we read. See Herb Forms and Preparations.Safety and who should ask first
- Medicines: the sources we read did not describe medicine interactions for rose hips. Not described is not the same as none. See How Interactions Work.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding, children, older adults, liver and kidney disease: not described in the sources we read. See Pregnancy and Breastfeeding and ask a clinician.
- Iron and kidney stones: some readers ask about iron overload and kidney stones in relation to vitamin C. We did not read a rose hip source that addresses either, so we cannot confirm or rule them out. If you have a kidney stone history or an iron condition, ask your clinician, and see High-Dose Vitamin C and Iron.
- Allergy: not described in the sources we read. Stop and seek care for hives, swelling or trouble breathing.
- Before surgery: no rose hip specific advice was found. Tell the surgical team about every supplement. See Supplements Before Surgery.
- Quality: content varies between products. See Quality Testing and Certifications.
Official statements
We did not find a readable regulator page on rose hip for this review (EMA, Health Canada or NCCIH). Proper evidence not found for an official position in the sources we read.Frequently asked questions
Do rose hips help arthritis?
A meta-analysis of three trials of one rose hip powder found less osteoarthritis pain than placebo, but the data were sparse and manufacturer-supported. [1]
Are rose hips high in vitamin C?
One study of fresh rose hips from Chile measured 6.0 to 8.2 mg of vitamin C per gram. [2] We did not read a source on rose hip products compared with supplements.
Is rose hip tea or powder proven?
Studies tested a seed-and-shell powder and extracts, not tea. [4][5]
Are rose hips safe to take every day?
The sources we read did not establish long-term safety. The osteoarthritis meta-analysis said safety needed evaluation in a larger, longer trial. [1]
Is rose hip oil on skin safe?
A cosmetic safety panel found Rosa canina-derived ingredients safe as currently used when products are non-irritating and non-sensitizing. [6] Patch-test any new product and stop if skin reacts.
References
- Christensen R, et al. Does the hip powder of Rosa canina (rosehip) reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 2008. Read 2026-10-23.
- Peña F, et al. Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in the fruit of rosehip (Rosa canina L. and Rosa rubiginosa L.). Molecules, 2023. Read 2026-10-23.
- GBIF Secretariat. Rosa canina L., species match. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Read 2026-10-23.
- Winther K, Apel K, Thamsborg G. A powder made from seeds and shells of a rose-hip subspecies (Rosa canina) reduces symptoms of knee and hip osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, 2005. Read 2026-10-23.
- Belkhelladi M. Effects of daily intake of rosehip extract on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and blood glucose levels: a systematic review. Cureus, 2023. Read 2026-10-23.
- Johnson W, et al. Safety assessment of Rosa canina-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 2022. Read 2026-10-23.