Rose Hip

Rosae pseudofructus, rose hip.  

Rose hip consists of the ripe, fresh or dried seed receptacle of various species of the genus Rosa L.  [Fam.  Rosaceae], freed from seeds and attached trichomes, as well as preparations thereof.  

Preparations of rose hips are used for the prevention and treatment of colds, chills, and influenza-type infections, infectious diseases, for the prevention and treatment of vitamin C deficiencies, to increase resistance, gastric-juice deficiency, bowel disorders, to aid digestion, for gallstones, biliary complaints and colic, complaints and disorders of the lower urinary tract, edema, for "strengthening the kidneys," as a diuretic, for arthritis, rheumatic disorders, and as an eyewash.  

The activity in most of the aforementioned indications has not been substantiated.  The activity in treating or preventing possible vitamin C deficiency is questionable in view of the herb's low vitamin C content that rapidly declines with storage.  

None known.  

Since the effectiveness for some claims is not sufficiently documented and for others not at all, a therapeutic application cannot be recommended, if only because of the rapidly decreasing vitamin C content.  

The consumption of rose hip preparations as a vitamin C-containing food is primarily assigned to the food industry.  There is no objection to its use as a taste enhancer in tea mixtures.