Clinical efficacy of rose hip powder in patients with arthrosis—A systematic review

Objective The aim of this systematic review was to describe and summarize available evidence on the clinical efficacy of powder made from rose hip ( Rosa canina ) in patients suffering from arthrosis. Methods A systematic search of the literature was performed in February 2006 in Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Collaboration Library with the following search terms: (“Rosehip” or “Rose Hip” or “ Rosa Canina ” or “Hagebutte”) and (“Ostheoarthritis” or “Arthritis” or “Arthrose”). Identified publications were critically assessed by standardized checklists. Results Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials were included in the review. Both studies were rather small in size ( N =100 and 112), each reaching a Jadad score of 5. Both trials used Lito-Zin ® as the interventional rose hip powder. One trial (parallel design, outcome at 4 months) showed a clinically minor but significantly better hip flexion ( p p Conclusion Clinical trials showed that rose hip powder has moderate effects compared to placebo in patients with arthrosis.