Rosa spp.

Rose hip/Drug Interactions:

  • NoteNote: Secondary sources report several interactions between vitamin C and drugs, including aspirin, estrogens, fluphenazine, salicylates, and warfarin. It is not clear how much vitamin C remains in dried and stored rose hips, nor whether the remaining vitamin C would cause similar interactions. For more information on interactions between vitamin C and medications, please consult the Natural Standard monograph on vitamin C.
  • AntibioticsAntibiotics: There is in vitro evidence that the essential oil of Rosa damascena petals, an extract of Rosa canina seeds, an extract of petals of Rosa canina, and compounds isolated from Rosa canina extract (Tellimagrandin I and rugosin B) all have antibacterial activity (3; 4; 5). Theoretically, these preparations from Rosa spp. could have additive or synergistic effects with antibiotic agents when taken concomitantly.
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: Rugosin E, a constituent of Rosa rugosa Thunb., was the most potent platelet aggregating agent among nine ellagitannins tested in rabbit and in human platelets (10). Theoretically, Rosa rugosa Thunb. preparations or rugosin E could interfere with antiplatelet aggregating agents when taken concomitantly. However, Winther et al. tested the interaction between rose hips and warfarin and did not find any effect on coagulation and platelet aggregability (25)
  • Antilipemic agentsAntilipemic agents: In a clinical trial with a standardized rose hips powder extract (Hyben Vital?), an unexpected 8.5% decrease in total cholesterol was observed (9). Theoretically, rose hips preparations could have additive or synergistic effects with cholesterol-lowering medications.
  • Antineoplastic agentsAntineoplastic agents: The juice of Rosa rugosa Thunb. has strongly inhibited the proliferation of all cancer cell lines examined in vitro and strongly induced differentiation of HL-60 cells (13; 14). Theoretically, the juice of Rosa rugosa Thunb., and possibly other Rosa spp., could have additive or synergistic effects with anti-cancer medications when taken concomitantly. EquiguardT (containing Rosa laevigatae fruit extract and eight other Chinese herbs) has demonstrated anti-prostate cancer effects in vitro (19). Theoretically, EquiguardT could have additive or synergistic effects with anti-prostate cancer medications when taken concomitantly.
  • Antiretroviral agents, protease inhibitorsAntiretroviral agents, protease inhibitors: Extracts from the root of Rosa rugosa have been shown to have effects against HIV-1 protease in vitro (16). Theoretically, Rosa rugosa root extracts could have additive or synergistic effects with protease inhibitor agents when taken concomitantly.
  • AntiretroviralsAntiretrovirals: Oleanolic acid (a compound isolated from Rosa woodsii leaves) and its derivatives have been shown to inhibit HIV replication in vitro (17). Pomolic acid, isolated from Rosa woodsii, has also been identified as an anti-HIV agent. Theoretically, Rosa woodsii preparations could have additive or synergistic effects with other anti-HIV medications when taken concomitantly.
  • Anti inflammatory agentsAnti inflammatory agents: Hyben Vital? has been shown to reduce serum C-reactive protein levels in humans (25). This rose hips preparation has also reduced the rate of migration of polymorphonucleated leucocytes in vitro (9; 25). Extracts or fractions obtained from Rosa canina roots have demonstrated inhibitory activity in vitro against one of the following models of inflammation: interleukin-1 (IL-1alpha, IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) biosynthesis (23). Theoretically, rose hip preparations could have additive or synergistic effects with anti-inflammatory medications when taken concurrently.
  • AspirinAspirin: Administration of 900mg of aspirin was found to block gastrointestinal absorption of a single oral dose of 500mg vitamin C in humans (34).
  • EstrogensEstrogens: Theoretically, the vitamin C in large amounts of Cherokee rose hips might increase absorption and effects of estrogen (35).
  • ImmunosuppressantsImmunosuppressants: In a randomized controlled trial, natural killer (NK) cell activity increased significantly in the group that was supplemented with 'Long-Life CiLi' (2). Theoretically, this product could interact with either immune stimulating or immune system suppressing agents.
  • LaxativesLaxatives: Theoretically, rose hips may have additive effects when taken concomitantly with laxatives.
  • SalicylatesSalicylates: Concomitant use of rose hips and salicylates may theoretically increase urinary excretion of ascorbic acid and decrease the excretion of salicylates.

    • Rose hip/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • Aluminum-containing antacidsAluminum-containing antacids: The vitamin C found in rose hips may theoretically interact with aluminum and increase aluminum absorption.
  • AntibacterialsAntibacterials: There is in vitro evidence that the essential oil of Rosa damascena petals, an extract of Rosa canina seeds, an extract of petals of Rosa canina, and compounds isolated from Rosa canina extract (Tellimagrandin I and rugosin B) all have antibacterial activity (3; 4; 5). Theoretically, these preparations from Rosa spp. could have additive or synergistic effects with antibacterials when taken concomitantly.
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: Rugosin E, a constituent of Rosa rugosa Thunb., was the most potent platelet aggregating agent among nine ellagitannins tested in rabbit and in human platelets (10). Theoretically, Rosa rugosa Thunb. preparations or rugosin E could interfere with antiplatelet aggregating supplements when taken concomitantly. However, Winther et al. tested the interaction between rose hips and warfarin and did not find any effect on coagulation and platelet aggregability (25)."
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: In a clinical trial with a standardized rose hips powder extract (Hyben Vital?), an unexpected 8.5% decrease in total cholesterol was observed (9). Theoretically, rose hips preparations could have additive or synergistic effects with antilipemic herbs or supplements.
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: The juice of Rosa rugosa Thunb. has strongly inhibited the proliferation of all cancer cell lines examined in vitro and strongly induced differentiation of HL-60 cells (13; 14). Theoretically, the juice of Rosa rugosa Thunb., and possibly other Rosa spp., could have additive or synergistic effects with anti-cancer supplements when taken concomitantly.
  • EquiguardT (containing Rosa laevigatae fruit extract and eight other Chinese herbs) has demonstrated anti-prostate cancer effects in vitro (19). Theoretically, EquiguardT could have additive or synergistic effects with anti-prostate cancer supplements when taken concomitantly.
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: Oleanolic acid (a compound isolated from Rosa woodsii leaves) and its derivatives have been shown to inhibit HIV replication in vitro (17). Pomolic acid, isolated from Rosa woodsii, has also been identified as an anti-HIV agent. Theoretically, Rosa woodsii preparations could have additive or synergistic effects with other anti-HIV supplements when taken concomitantly.
  • Anti inflammatory herbsAnti inflammatory herbs: Hyben Vital? has been shown to reduce serum C-reactive protein levels in humans (25). This rose hips preparation has also reduced the rate of migration of polymorphonucleated leucocytes in vitro (9; 25). Extracts or fractions obtained from Rosa canina roots have demonstrated inhibitory activity in vitro against one of the following models of inflammation: interleukin-1 (IL-1alpha, IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) biosynthesis (23). Theoretically, rose hips preparations could have additive or synergistic effects with anti-inflammatory supplement when taken concurrently.
  • AntioxidantsAntioxidants: In a randomized trial, supplementation with 'Long-Life Cili' was associated with a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and GSH levels (2). Rosa roxburghii fruit juice extracts significantly enhanced plasma antioxidant capacity and blood GSH/GSSG ratios vs. placebo in healthy young subjects. In vitro research suggests that a variety of polyphenols from several Rosa spp. demonstrate DPPH free-radical scavenging activity, protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation, and inhibit reactive oxygen species in cellular systems (36; 12; 24; 37). Theoretically, these effects could result in additive or synergistic effects when Rosa spp. preparations are taken concomitantly with antioxidant supplements.
  • Immunosuppressants/ImmunostimulantsImmunosuppressants/Immunostimulants: In a randomized controlled trial, natural killer (NK) cell activity increased significantly in the group that was supplemented with 'Long-Life CiLi' (2). Theoretically, this product could interact with either immune stimulating or immune system suppressing herbs or supplements.
  • Iron supplementsIron supplements: Vitamin C promotes iron absorption in the small intestine and may increase the absorption of dietary iron (38).
  • LaxativesLaxatives: Theoretically, rose hips may have additive effects when taken concomitantly with laxatives.
  • Salicylate containing herbs and supplementsSalicylate containing herbs and supplements: Concomitant use of rose hips and salicylates may theoretically increase urinary excretion of ascorbic acid and decrease the excretion of salicylates.
  • Vitamin CVitamin C: Rose hips are believed to contain high amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C promotes iron absorption in the small intestine and may increase the absorption of dietary iron (38).

    • Rose hip/Food Interactions:

  • Iron-rich foodsIron-rich foods: Rose hips may interact with foods rich in iron. Vitamin C promotes iron absorption in the small intestine and may increase the absorption of dietary iron (38).
  • Vitamin C-rich foodsVitamin C-rich foods: Rose hips may interact with food rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C promotes iron absorption in the small intestine and may increase the absorption of dietary iron (38).

    • Rose hip/Lab Interactions:

  • NoteNote: Secondary sources report interactions between vitamin C and several lab tests including acetaminophen, AST, bilirubin, calcium/sodium, carbamazepine, creatinine, glucose, LDH, occult blood, theophylline, and uric acid. It is not clear how much vitamin C remains in dried and stored rose hips, nor whether the remaining vitamin C would cause similar interactions. For more information on interactions between vitamin C and lab tests, please consult the Natural Standard monograph on vitamin C.
  • Antioxidant capacityAntioxidant capacity: In a randomized trial, supplementation with 'Long-Life Cili' oral liquid was associated with a significant increase in SOD, catalase, and GSH levels (2). Rosa roxburghii fruit juice extracts significantly enhanced plasma antioxidant capacity and blood GSH/GSSG ratios vs. placebo in healthy young subjects. In vitro research suggests that a variety of polyphenols from several Rosa spp. demonstrate DPPH free-radical scavenging activity, protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation, and inhibit reactive oxygen species in cellular and a cellular systems (36; 12; 24; 37). Theoretically, consumption of preparations from Rosa spp. could affect antioxidant capacity.
  • Anti-prostate cancer agentsAnti-prostate cancer agents: EquiguardT (containing Rosa laevigatae fruit extract and eight other Chinese herbs) has demonstrated anti-prostate cancer effects in vitro (19). Theoretically, EquiguardT could have additive or synergistic effects with anti-prostate cancer medications when taken concomitantly.
  • Bacterial culturesBacterial cultures: There is in vitro evidence that the essential oil of Rosa damascena petals, an extract of Rosa canina seeds, an extract of petals of Rosa canina, and compounds isolated from Rosa canina extract (Tellimagrandin I and rugosin B) all have antibacterial activity (3; 4; 5). Theoretically, these preparations from Rosa spp. could affect the results of bacterial cultures. In a study that evaluated the effects of supplementation with Lactobacillus plantarum in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, there was an increase in Enterococci in the placebo group, which consumed a plain rose hips drink (39).
  • Cholesterol levelsCholesterol levels: In a clinical trial with a standardized rose hips powder extract (Hyben Vital?), an unexpected 8.5% decrease in total cholesterol was observed (9). Consumption of Hyben Vital? or other rose hips preparations may affect serum cholesterol levels.
  • Eosinophil countEosinophil count: Rose plant workers have been shown to have significantly higher eosinophil counts than control subjects (29).
  • IgE titersIgE titers: Rose plant workers have been shown to have significantly higher serum IgE levels than control subjects (29) and in other studies, the presence of IgE has been detected in rose workers and villagers living in rose cultivating areas (statistical significance not stated) (30; 32).
  • HIV viral titersHIV viral titers: Extracts from the root of Rosa rugosa have been shown to have effects against HIV-1 protease in vitro (16). Oleanolic acid (a compound isolated from Rosa woodsii leaves) and its derivatives have been shown to inhibit HIV replication in vitro (17). Pomolic acid, isolated from Rosa woodsii, has also been identified as an anti-HIV agent. Theoretically, consumption of these Rosa spp. preparations could decrease HIV viral titers.
  • Natural killer (NK) cell activityNatural killer (NK) cell activity: In a randomized controlled trial, NK cell activity increased significantly in the group that was supplemented with 'Long-Life CiLi' (2).
  • Platelet aggregationPlatelet aggregation: Rugosin E, a constituent of Rosa rugosa Thunb., was the most potent platelet aggregating agent among nine ellagitannins tested in rabbit and in human platelets (10). Theoretically, Rosa rugosa Thunb. preparations or rugosin E could interfere with antiplatelet aggregating supplements when taken concomitantly. However, Winther et al. tested the interaction between rose hips and warfarin and did not find any effect on coagulation and platelet aggregability (25)."
  • Prostate specific antigen (PSA)Prostate specific antigen (PSA): EquiguardT (containing Rosa laevigatae fruit extract and eight other Chinese herbs) has been shown to lower intracellular and secreted prostate specific antigen (PSA) in vitro (19). Theoretically, EquiguardT could affect PSA levels in human subjects.
  • Skin prick testSkin prick test: Workers in a rose processing plant showed 53.84% positive responses to a specifically prepared skin prick test using a rose allergen (Rosa domescena) (29).