Wild rose – how it affects health, properties, effects

European traditional medicine abounds in valuable herbal raw materials. An excellent example of this is the rose family, which includes over 100 species, and more specifically, one particular representative – Rosa canina, or wild rose. Although roses are usually associated with cut flowers given to partners, daughters or mothers on Women's Day, in the context of health, it is the fruit that deserves the spotlight.

1. Properties of rosehip
2. The effects of rosehip
3. The impact of rosehip on health

Properties of rosehip

One of the special properties of rosehip is its high content of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C. Over 420 mg of this compound can be found in 100 g of fruit, which makes it several times richer than citrus fruits or peppers. From this point of view, rosehip fruit ranks among the world's leading foods rich in vitamin C, alongside exotic acerola cherries and kakadu plums. Interestingly, the higher above sea level the rose is grown, the more ascorbic acid it produces. Other nutrients that are important in rosehip include vitamin A and potassium.

In addition, it is worth noting the abundance of antioxidants other than the vitamins mentioned above. Rosehip fruits contain both water-soluble and fat-soluble antioxidants. In the first group, quercetin, rutin and catechin are particularly valuable. In the second group, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin are appreciated.

The effects of rosehip

Due to their high concentration of health-promoting substances, rosehips and their effects were already appreciated in traditional pharmacopoeias. Centuries ago, preserves (e.g. jams) and extracts were used to help combat colds, kidney stones, high blood pressure and anaemia.

Currently, thanks to advanced research methods, the molecular basis for the effects of rosehip is being discovered. So far, therapeutic and/or protective potential has been indicated, among others, for stomach ulcers, as well as certain kidney, liver and heart diseases. In addition, there is considerable evidence from preclinical studies that the substances contained in rosehip have a beneficial effect on the immune system and protect against certain types of cancer.

The impact of rosehip on health

The health benefits of rosehip have been appreciated for hundreds of years, and current research seems to confirm this. It is undoubtedly worth ensuring daily consumption of fruit, especially if you have access to good quality preserves or fresh rosehip.

There are few sources of vitamin C in the world that are as concentrated, and it should be remembered that this is not the only compound that deserves attention here. Currently, rosehips are even used in the production of dietary supplements, which aim to provide the highest possible dose of active substances in the smallest possible portion, while ensuring the longest possible release from the digestive tract.