Rosehip reduces joint pain in RA patients

Danish scientists believe that a key ingredient contained in a sub-species of rosehip could help reduce the joint tenderness experienced by rheumatoid athritis patients.

In the recent the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, patients with RA received either 5g daily of a rose hip extract called GOPO or placebo for six months, in addition to usual care. The patients were initially examined by a physician and assessed again after three and six months. During the trial, the overall tenderness of painful joints was significantly reduced and overall quality of life was improved.

Speaking at the annual meeting of the European League Against Rheumatism, held last month in Barcelona, Spain, lead author Kaj Winther, said that "the trial was more positive than we had ever expected and the findings are incredibly exciting. This new evidence shows that the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant compounds in rose hip have quite a wide therapeutic effect. Rose hip could potentially make a huge difference towards improving patients' lives."