A new refined Rose hip extract and its anti-arthritic potential

Known as typical foodstuff, Rose hips (Rosae Pseudofructus Ph.Eur.) were eaten as jam or drunk as fruit tea for centuries. In 2004 a study was published, where dried powdered drug, standardized in ppm-units to a labile substance called Galactolipid „GoPo“, shows pain reducing activity, as well could reduce symptoms like stiffness [1] or medication [2].

A new manufacturing process (enzymatic pretreatment/ultrafiltration), patent application pending, results to a refined aqueous rose hip extract FB9440, characterized with native Drug: Extract Ratio (DER) of 4: 1, but without aforementioned substance „GoPo“ (<<5 ppm) and no significant Vitamin-C content.

LPS induced cytokine release on peripheral human monocytes, let show dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity on cytokines, e.g. TNF-α, PGE₂. Matrix metalloproteases (MMP) were involved in degradation of cartilage collagens and if immune regulation is faulty, it could be responsible for destructive pathologic diseases. FB9440 could show a dose dependency for MMP-1 and MMP-3 release inhibition in IL-1β stimulated human chondrocytes.

These results encourage further investigations as nutritional ad-on, possibly in combination with other cartilage protective substances (e.g. collagen hydrolysate).

References: [1] Rein E et al. Phytomedicine 2004; 11: 383–389

[2] Chrubasik C et al. Phytother Res 2006; 20: 1–3