The evidence for clinical efficacy of rose hip and seed: a systematic review

Rosehip extract and wound healing: A review

BACKGROUND

Each year, over 100 million patients are afflicted with new scars from medical procedures worldwide. Natural compounds have shown promise in the treatment of scars and skin disorders. Rosehip oil (RO), produced from the pressed fruit of the rosehip (Rosa canina L.) plant, is used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. The use of this plant in the treatment of scars has yet to be reviewed.

AIMS

This review aims to analyze the current findings on the use of RO in the treatment of postsurgical scars.

METHODS

This literature search considered published journal articles (clinical trials or literature reviews). Studies were identified by searching electronic databases (PubMed and MEDLINE) and reference lists of respective articles. Additional articles were identified through Google Scholar. Only articles available in English were included in this review.

RESULTS

There is a scarcity of high-quality studies assessing the therapeutic potential of RO. From the two human clinical trials using RO, there is some evidence to suggest its potential as an active ingredient in topical formulations for the treatment of wounds. Topical treatments containing RO extract may reduce the size and erythema of postsurgical scars through the polarization of macrophages and the inhibition of inflammatory cytokines.

CONCLUSIONS

Some evidence suggests that RO may improve postsurgical scars. At present, there is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of RO for the treatment of wounds. Further investigation is required to establish its therapeutic effects on human skin and its potential use as an ingredient in topical formulations.

Formulation of Phytosomes with Extracts of Ginger Rhizomes and Rosehips with Improved Bioavailability, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects In Vivo

The poor water solubility of natural antioxidants restricts their bioavailability and therapeutic use. We aimed to develop a new phytosome formulation with active compounds from extracts of ginger (GINex) and rosehips (ROSAex) designed to increase their bioavailability, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The phytosomes (PHYTOGINROSA-PGR) were prepared from freeze-dried GINex, ROSAex and phosphatidylcholine (PC) in different mass ratios using the thin-layer hydration method. PGR was characterized for structure, size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency. Results showed that PGR comprises several different populations of particles, their size increasing with ROSAex concentration, having a zeta potential of ~-21mV. The encapsulation efficiency of 6-gingerol and β-carotene was >80%. 31P NMR spectra showed that the shielding effect of the phosphorus atom in PC is proportional to the amount of ROSAex in PGR. PGR with a mass ratio GINex:ROSAex:PC-0.5:0.5:1 had the most effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in cultured human enterocytes. PGR-0.5:0.5:1 bioavailability and biodistribution were assessed in C57Bl/6J mice, and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated after administration by gavage to C57Bl/6J mice prior to LPS-induced systemic inflammation. Compared to extracts, PGR induced a 2.6-fold increase in 6-gingerol levels in plasma and over 40% in the liver and kidneys, in parallel with a 65% decrease in the stomach. PGR treatment of mice with systemic inflammation increased the sera antioxidant enzymes paraoxonase-1 and superoxide dismutase-2 and decreased the proinflammatory TNFα and IL-1β levels in the liver and small intestine. No toxicity was induced by PGR either in vitro or in vivo. In conclusion, the phytosome formulation of GINex and ROSAex we developed resulted in stable complexes for oral administration with increased bioavailability, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of their active compounds.

Metabolite and Elastase Activity Changes in Beach Rose (Rosa rugosa) Fruit and Seeds at Various Stages of Ripeness

Rose hips are the fruits of the beach rose (Rosa rugosa). To determine the optimal harvest time and to obtain the maximum functional compounds, rose hips at various stages of ripeness (immature, early, mid, and late) were harvested, and the flesh tissue and seeds were separated. The rose hip flesh showed the highest total phenolic content at the mid-ripeness stage (8.45 ± 0.62 mg/g gallic acid equivalent concentration (dry weight)). The early-, mid-, and late-ripeness stages of rose hip flesh did not show significantly different 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl antioxidant capacities. The elastase inhibitory activity of the 95% ethanol extract from the rose hip seeds was highest at the mid-ripeness stage; however, the elastase inhibitory activity of the rose hip tissue was not significantly different from that of the seeds. Pathway analysis using MetaboAnalyst showed that sucrose, fructose, and glucose gradually increased as the fruit ripened. Ursolic acid was detected in the seeds but not in the flesh. Of the fatty acids, linoleic acid concentrations were highest in rose hip seeds, followed by linolenic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid. Fatty acids and ursolic acid might be the active compounds responsible for elastase inhibitory activity and can be utilized as a functional cosmetic material.

Carotenoids, Polyphenols, and Ascorbic Acid in Organic Rosehips (Rosa spp.) Cultivated in Lithuania

Carotenoids, polyphenols, and ascorbic acid are valuable and important biologically active compounds that contribute to the health benefits of different foods, and rosehips are known for their high biologically active substance contents. The aim of this research is to identify and compare the contents of carotenoids, polyphenols, and ascorbic acid in the flesh and seeds of different rosehip species grown organically. A field experiment was conducted during the period 2017–2018 on an organic farm in Lithuania. Rose fruits were collected at full ripening in September. The quantitative and qualitative determinations of polyphenols and carotenoids in rosehips flesh and seeds were conducted by HPLC methods. The following polyphenolic compounds were identified: five different flavonoids (rutin, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, luteolin, quercetin, and quercetin-3-O-glucoside) and five phenolic acids (gallic, chlorogenic, caffeic, p-coumaric, and ferulic) from different rose fruit fleshes and seeds species. In addition, six carotenoids (β-carotene, α-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, cis-lycopene, and trans-lycopene) in rosehip flesh and five different carotenoids in rosehip seeds (α-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, cis-lycopene, and trans-lycopene) were identified. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that the highest content of total phenolic acid is in rosehip seeds, while higher concentrations of carotenoids, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid are present in rosehip flesh.

Preclinical and clinical results regarding the effects of a plant-based antidiabetic formulation versus well established antidiabetic molecules

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex syndrome with debilitating long-term complications, comprising alterations of carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolisms, along increased oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation. Diet management and plant-based formulations can improve the metabolic status of patients, being used as adjuvants of classic antidiabetic therapy. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the impact of a plant-based antidiabetic formulation (PBAF), containing Vaccinium myrtillus, Ribes nigrum, Rosa canina and Capsicum annuum, on the increased oxidative burden found in diabetes mellitus, comparing it with the effects of metformin and gliclazide. Firstly, we characterized the individual plant-derived components of this formulation and also assessed their in vitro radical scavenging capacity. We devised a preclinical study protocol to examine the impact of the PBAF, along metformin and gliclazide, on tissue histology as well as on the redox status of tissue, mitochondria, serum and serum lipoproteins of alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Subsequently, we assessed their long-term impact on the redox status of serum and isolated serum lipoproteins of type 2 DM (T2DM) patients, taking into consideration their cardiometabolic profile. In the preclinical stage, we found that PBAF was able to enhance total serum antioxidant defense, while metformin yielded the best results regarding the advanced glycation and protein/lipid oxidation of serum and of serum lipoproteins. The latter also improved overall serum redox status and HDL redox function. Also, antidiabetic treatment seemed to increase mitochondrial redox activity, without overturning overall tissue redox balance. Histologically, liver and brain tissues of treated diabetic rats were fairly similar to those of non-diabetic rats. In T2DM patients, the most striking results involved the effects on serum lipoproteins. The tested PBAF exerted protective antioxidant effects on low-density and, especially, on high density lipoproteins. We conclude that this formulation might constitute a good addition to the well-established pharmacological approach of DM, contributing to the reduction of overall oxidative burden.

Anti-prediabetic effect of rose hip (Rosa canina) extract in spontaneously diabetic Torii rats

BACKGROUND

Prediabetes, a high-risk state for developing diabetes showing impaired glucose tolerance but a normal fasting blood glucose level, has an increasing prevalence worldwide. However, no study investigating the prevention of impaired glucose tolerance at the prediabetic stage by anti-diabetic functional foods has been reported. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the anti-prediabetic effect of rose hip in a prediabetic rat model.

RESULTS

Spontaneously diabetic Torii (SDT) rats were supplemented with hot-water extract of rose hip at a dose of 100 mg kg^-1 body weight day^-1 for 12 weeks. The results obtained showed that the supplementation of rose hip extract improved impaired glucose tolerance, promoted insulin secretion, preserved pancreatic beta-cell function and suppressed plasma advanced glycation end-products formation of methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone (MG-H1) residue and N^ϵ -carboxymethyl-lysine residues (e.g. MG-H1, control: 465.5 ± 43.8 versus rose hip: 59.1 ± 13.0 pmol mg protein^-1 , P < 0.05) in SDT rats at the prediabetic stage (12-20 weeks old).

CONCLUSION

The present study provides the first evidence showing that a hot-water extract of rose hip could exert an anti-prediabetic effect in a rat model. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Rosehip inhibits xanthine oxidase activity and reduces serum urate levels in a mouse model of hyperuricemia

Rosehip, the fruit of Rosa canina L., has traditionally been used to treat urate metabolism disorders; however, its effects on such disorders have not been characterized in detail. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of hot water, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts of rosehip on xanthine oxidase (XO) activity in vitro. In addition, the serum urate lowering effects of the rosehip hot water extract in a mouse model of hyperuricemia (male ddY mice, which were intraperitoneally injected with potassium oxonate) were investigated. Furthermore, the influence of rosehip hot water extract on CYP3A4 activity, which is the most important drug-metabolizing enzyme from a herb-drug interaction perspective, was investigated. Rosehip extracts of hot water, ethanol and ethyl acetate inhibited XO activity [half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values: 259.6±50.6, 242.5±46.2 and 1,462.8±544.2 µg/ml, respectively]. Furthermore, the administration of 1X rosehip hot water extract significantly reduced the levels of serum urate at 8 h, which was similar when compared with the administration of 1 mg/kg allopurinol. Rosehip hot water extract only marginally affected CYP3A4 activity (IC50 value, >1 mg/ml). These findings indicate that rosehip hot water extract may present as a functional food for individuals with a high urate level, and as a therapeutic reagent for hyperuricemic patients.

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY AND A-AMYLASE INHIBITORY POTENTIAL OF ROSA CANINA L

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrinal disorders and medicinal plants continue to play an important role in the management of this disease. In this study, Rosa canina was investigated for the antioxidant and α-amylase inhibition activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Methanolic extract of Rosa canina was investigated for its potential antioxidant activity. The extracts' total phenolic and flavonoid contents and scavenging capacity for free radicals were evaluated. The α-amylase inhibition assay was also carried.

RESULTS

Rosa canina extract exhibits a total Phenolic and flavonoid levels respectively (21.918 mg GAE/g and 2.647mg ER/g). The free radical scavenging activity was found to be prominent against DPPH with an IC50 of 0.668 mg/ml and against ABTS with an IC50 of 0.467 mg/ml. Extract showed a significant ferric ion reducing activities with an IC50 of4.962 mg/ml.

CONCLUSION

Rosa canina exerted a higher inhibitory activity against α-amylase. The obtained results support the antidiabetic use of rosa canina.

Efficacy and safety of pomegranate medicinal products for cancer

Preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate potent effects of pomegranate preparations in cancer cell lines and animal models with chemically induced cancers. We have carried out one systematic review of the effectiveness of pomegranate products in the treatment of cancer and another on their safety. The PubMed search provided 162 references for pomegranate and cancer and 122 references for pomegranate and safety/toxicity. We identified 4 clinical studies investigating 3 pomegranate products, of which one was inappropriate because of the low polyphenol content. The evidence of clinical effectiveness was poor because the quality of the studies was poor. Although there is no concern over safety with the doses used in the clinical studies, pomegranate preparations may be harmful by inducing synthetic drug metabolism through activation of liver enzymes. We have analysed various pomegranate products for their content of anthocyanins, punicalagin, and ellagic acid in order to compare them with the benchmark doses from published data. If the amount of coactive constituents is not declared, patients risk not benefiting from the putative pomegranate effects. Moreover, pomegranate end products are affected by many determinants. Their declaration should be incorporated into the regulatory guidance and controlled before pomegranate products enter the market.

Petroleum ether extractive of the hips of Rosa multiflora ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The hip of Rosa multiflora Thunb. (HRM) has been traditionally used as a dietary supplement and a herbal remedy for the treatment of various diseases, including inflammation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic pain, in China. The current study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the petroleum ether extractive of HRM (PEE) on type II collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis (CIA) in male Wistar rats. In addition, the anti-inflammatory mechanism(s) of PEE on type II CIA was explored.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was induced by intradermal injection of bovine type II collagen on Day 1 and Day 8. Starting from Day 13, normal rats were treated with vehicle (serving as the control group); the CIA rats were treated with vehicle (CIA group), dexamethasone (0.25mg/kg bw per day, p.o.) (a positive control), lei-gong-teng (LGT: 10mg/kg bw per day, p.o.) (a clinically used Chinese patent medicine in RA therapy) or PEE (12, 36 or 120mg/kg bw per day, p.o.) for 28 days.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

PEE (120mg/kg bw per day) efficiently attenuated the severity of arthritis in the CIA rats by reducing the mean arthritis severity scores and the fore/hind paw swelling as well as reduced histological changes by decreasing the cartilage surface erosion and cartilage proteoglan depletion. PEE׳s therapeutic effect in RA may involve the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, in serum and/or the elevation of the activities of hepatic anti-oxidative enzymes including SOD, CAT and GSH-Px. However, the detailed anti-inflammatory mechanism, the main effective components and the interaction between different ingredients in PEE are still not clear and require more studies.

Effect of Different Terpene-Containing Essential Oils on the Proliferation of Echinococcus granulosus Larval Cells

Human cystic echinococcosis remains a major public health problem on several countries and the treatment strategies are not solved. The aim of the present work was to determine the in vitro effect of thymol and Mentha piperita, M. pulegium, and Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils on the proliferation of E. granulosus larval cells. Isolated cells and cellular aggregates were obtained from hydatid cyst's germinal layer and exposed to 1, 5, and 10 μg/ml of thymol and the different essential oils for 7 days. Drug effect was evaluated using test viability and scanning electron microscopy. Control cell culture viability was 2.1 x 10⁶ (100%) after 7 days of incubation. At day 7, thymol 5 μg/ml caused a reduction in cell viability of 63% and the essential oils of M. piperita 10 μg/ml, M. pulegium 10 μg/ml, and R. officinalis 10 μg/ml produced a reduction in the viability of 77, 82, and 71%, respectively. Moreover essential oils caused reduction in cell number, collapsed cells, and loss of normal tridimensional composition of the aggregates. Due to the inhibitory effect caused by essential oils on E. granulosus cells we suggested that it would be an effective means for suppression of larval growth.

In Vitro Cestocidal Activity of Thymol on Mesocestoides corti Tetrathyridia and Adult Worms

Nothing is known about the possible effect of thymol or other compounds of essential oils against the adult worms of cestodes. The aim of the present work was to determine in vitro cestodicidal activity of thymol against Mesocestoides corti adult worms. Moreover, the in vitro effect on tetrathyridia was also demonstrated. Tetrathyridia exposed to different concentrations of thymol showed a concentration and time-dependent effect. At lower concentrations, the main change observed was mainly in morphology, with larvae exhibiting an elongation of the body. When tetrathyridia were exposed to higher concentrations, increased surface alterations and damage were detected. The body appeared elongated and flattened, and a complete loss of morphology and microtriches was observed. Thymol was able to kill M. corti tetrathyridia, since following inoculation of treated parasites in mice no parasites could be recovered. The effect on M. corti adult worms was dose and time-dependent. Changes in motility coincide with the tissue damage were observed at the structural and ultrastructural level. Thymol caused severe damages to both developmental stages analyzed. Damages were more significant in fully segmented worms. The data reported in this paper demonstrate a clear in vitro effect of thymol against M. corti tetrathyridia and adult worms.

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of Rosa canina L. biotypes from spontaneous flora of Transylvania

Background

The theoretical, but especially the practical values of identifying the biochemical compounds from the Rosa canina L. fruits are of present interest, this aspect being illustrated by the numerous researches. It was reported that the Rosa canina L. fruit, with its high ascorbic acid, phenolics and flavonoids contents, have antioxidant, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic effects.

This study was performed on order to evaluate the amount of the main phytochemicals (vitamin C, total polyphenols, and total flavonoids) content and their antioxidant activity.

Results

The results obtained revealed that the average amounts of vitamin C within the studied genotypes were: 360.22 mg/100 g frozen pulp (var. transitoria f. ramosissima, altitude 1250 m) and 112.20 mg/100 g frozen pulp (var. assiensis, altitude 440 m), giving a good correlation between the vitamin C content of the rosehip and the altitude. The total polyphenols content varied from 575 mg/100 g frozen pulp (var. transitoria f. ramosissima) to 326 mg/100 g frozen pulp (var. lutetiana f. fallens). The total flavonoids content showed the highest value for var. assiensis variant 163.3 mg/100 g frozen pulp and the lowest value attributed to var. transitoria f. montivaga 101.3 mg/100 g frozen pulp. The antioxidant activity of eight rose hip extracts from wild Transylvania populations was investigated through DPPH method. The antioxidant activity revealed a good correlation only with vitamin C content and total polyphenols.

Conclusion

Eight Rose hip fruit species were compared taking into consideration the ascorbic acid, total polyphenols, total flavonoids contents and their antioxidant activity. Based on these results, two of the rosehip genotypes that were analysed could be of perspective for these species’ amelioration, due to their content of phytochemicals mentioned above. These varieties are var. transitoria f. ramosissima (Bistrita-Nasaud, Agiesel) and var. transitoria f. montivaga (Bistrita-Nasaud, Salva) which can be used as a potential source of natural antioxidants.

Triterpene acids from rose hip powder inhibit self-antigen- and LPS-induced cytokine production and CD4⁺ T-cell proliferation in human mononuclear cell cultures

A triterpene acid mixture consisting of oleanolic, ursolic and betulinic acid isolated from a standardized rose hip powder (Rosa canina L.) has been shown to inhibit interleukin (IL)-6 release from Mono Mac 6 cells. The present study examined the effects of the triterpene acid mixture on the cytokine production and proliferation of CD4⁺ T cells and CD19⁺ B cells induced by a self-antigen, human thyroglobulin and by lipopolysaccharide in cultures of normal mononuclear cells. The triterpene acid mixture inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-6 with estimated IC₅₀ values in the range 35-56 µg/mL, the Th1 cytokines interferon-γ and IL-2 (IC₅₀ values 10-20 µg/mL) and the antiinflammatory cytokine IL-10 (IC₅₀ values 18-21 µg/mL). Moreover, the mixture also inhibited CD4⁺ T-cell and CD19⁺ B-cell proliferation (IC₅₀ value 22 and 12 µg/mL, respectively). Together, these data demonstrate that oleanolic, ursolic and betulinic acid are active immunomodulatory constituents of the standardized rose hip powder. However, since the estimated IC₅₀ values are in the µg/mL range, it is questionable whether the content of the triterpene acids in the standardized rose hip powder, alone, can explain the reported clinical effects.

Erythrocyte antioxidant protection of rose hips (Rosa spp.)

Rose hips are popular in health promoting products as the fruits contain high content of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate whether health benefits are attributable to ascorbic acid, phenols, or other rose-hip-derived compounds. Freeze-dried powder of rose hips was preextracted with metaphosphoric acid and the sample was then sequentially eluted on a C₁₈ column. The degree of amelioration of oxidative damage was determined in an erythrocyte in vitro bioassay by comparing the effects of a reducing agent on erythrocytes alone or on erythrocytes pretreated with berry extracts. The maximum protection against oxidative stress, 59.4 ± 4.0% (mean ± standard deviation), was achieved when incubating the cells with the first eluted meta-phosphoric extract. Removal of ascorbic acid from this extract increased the protection against oxidative stress to 67.9 ± 1.9%. The protection from the 20% and 100% methanol extracts was 20.8 ± 8.2% and 5.0 ± 3.2%, respectively. Antioxidant uptake was confirmed by measurement of catechin by HPLC-ESI-MS in the 20% methanol extract. The fact that all sequentially eluted extracts studied contributed to protective effects on the erythrocytes indicates that rose hips contain a promising level of clinically relevant antioxidant protection.

Antinociceptive activity of Mentha piperita leaf aqueous extract in mice

Background

Mentha piperita L. (Labiatae) is an herbaceous plant, used in folk medicine for the treatment of several medical disorders.

Methods and Results

In the present study, the aqueous extract of Mentha piperita leaf, at the i.p doses 200 and 400 mg/kg, showed significant analgesic effects against both acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate-induced thermal stimulation in mice, with protection values of 51.79% and 20.21% respectively. On the contrary, the Mentha piperita leaf aqueous extract did not exhibit anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan induced paw oedema.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that Mentha piperita has a potential analgesic effect that may possibly have mediated centrally and peripherally, as well as providing a pharmacological evidence for its traditional use as a pain reliever.

Anti-inflammatory activities and mechanisms of action of the petroleum ether fraction of Rosa multiflora Thunb. hips

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The hip of Rosa multiflora Thunb. has been traditionally used as a dietary supplement and a herbal remedy for the treatment of various diseases including cold, flu, inflammation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic pain in China.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

To explore the anti-inflammatory ingredient of the hip of R. multiflora Thunb. and its mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ethanol extract of the hip of R. multiflora Thunb. was fractioned with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and water, and each fraction was screened for anti-inflammatory activity in xylene-induced mouse ear edema model. Three more models, acetic acid-induced mouse vascular permeation, cotton pellet-induced rat granuloma, and carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema were also employed to verify the anti-inflammatory effect of the identified fraction. To explore the mechanism of action, the activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the level of nitric oxide (NO) in sera, as well as mRNA expression level of cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) in inflammatory tissues of rats with carrageenan-induced hind paw edema were measured. GC-MS technology was applied to identify the active components in the active fraction.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The petroleum ether fraction (PEF) was identified to be the active fraction in inflammation animal models (i.e., oral administration of PEF (168.48, 42.12 and 10.53 mg/kg) evoked a significantly (P<0.001) dose-dependent inhibition of the xylene-induced mice ear edema). Down-regulating COX-2 expression (P<0.001) and reducing NO production (P<0.05) through inhibiting iNOS activity (P<0.001) may be the partial mechanism of action of PEF. GC-MS analysis indicated that unsaturated fatty acids are enriched in PEF and may be responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity of PEF and this herb. The results of this study provide pharmacological and chemical basis for the application of the hip of R. multiflora Thunb. in inflammatory disorders.

In vivo anti-inflammatory effect of Rosa canina L. extract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rosa canina L. is a medicinal plant largely used in traditional folk medicine. Several compounds from rose hip extracts were reported to display in vitro anti-inflammatory activities.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The in vivo effects of Rosa canina extracts are still poorly investigated. In the present study the anti-inflammatory and the gastroprotective effects of a hydroalcoholic crude extract of Rosa canina fruits were tested in rat.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-inflammatory activity of the extract was tested on the carrageenin-induced rat paw edema assay. The gastroprotective effect was investigated on the ethanol-induced gastric damage model. The in vitro antioxidant activity of this extract was also quantified using the Briggs-Rauscher oscillating reaction, the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity method, and the Total Phenolic Content.

RESULTS

Data show that the Rosa canina extract inhibits the development of carrageenin-induced edema; the anti-inflammatory power is similar to that of indomethacin. The antiedema effect was more significant using a higher dose of the extract. The total score expressing gastric damage was lower in Rosa canina pre-treated stomachs with respect to unpre-treated ones, although the antiulcerogenic effectiveness was not statistically significant. The antiulcerogenic effectiveness was not statistically detectable, even if the total score expressing gastric damage was lower in Rosa canina stomachs from pre-treated rats with respect to unpre-treated ones. Chemical analysis revealed that the extract owns a good antioxidant activity that may also contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects observed in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Altogether, the present data demonstrate the anti-inflammatory property of Rosa canina suggesting its potential role as adjuvant therapeutic tool for the management of inflammatory-related diseases.

Anthelmintic effect of Mentha spp. essential oils on Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces and metacestodes

The aim of the present work was to determine the in vitro effect of Mentha piperita and Mentha pulegium essential oils against Echinococcus granulosus and to compare the effectiveness of both oils according to the exposure time and concentration. Although both treatments had a protoscolicidal effect, M. pulegium had a considerably stronger effect than M. piperita. Essential oil of M. pulegium produced dose- and time-dependent effects. Maximal protoscolicidal effect was observed after 12 days of incubation and reached 0% after 18 days. This lack of viability was proved during the determination of infectivity into mice. Essential oil of M. piperita produced only a time-dependent effect. At 24 days p.i., the viability of protoscoleces decreased to approximately 50%. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) demonstrated the drug-induced ultrastructural damage. On the other hand, a loss of turgidity was detected in all M. pulegium-treated cysts respective of the drug concentration. There was a correlation between the intensity of damage and the concentration of the essential oil assayed. Studies by SEM revealed that the germinal layer of treated cysts lost the feature multicellular structure. M. pulegium essential oil showed piperitone oxide as main compound in their composition, and we suggest that this component could be responsible of the markedly anthelmintic effect detected. Our data suggest that essential oils of Mentha spp. can be a promising source of potential protoscolicidal agents. The isolation of active anthelmintic constituents is in progress and may lead to the discovery of compounds with improved therapeutic value.

Isolation of immunomodulatory triterpene acids from a standardized rose hip powder (Rosa canina L.)

A previously published systematic review and a metaanalysis have concluded that the consumption of standardized rose hip powder (Rosa canina L.) can reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients. Synovial inflammation has been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and mainly to involve infiltration of the synovial membrane by macrophages. Therefore, the immunomodulatory effect of standardized rose hip powder of Rosa canina L. was investigated and active principles isolated using the Mono Mac 6 cell line as a model for human macrophages. Treatment of Mono Mac 6 cells with the residue of a crude dichloromethane extract of rose hip powder significantly and concentration dependently inhibited the lipopolysaccharide induced interleukin-6 release. Through bioassay-guided fractionation the immunomodulatory effect of the dichloromethane extract was correlated to a mixture of three triterpene acids; oleanolic acid, betulinic acid and ursolic acid (IC(50) 21 ± 6 µm). Further studies revealed that only oleanolic acid and ursolic acid, but not betulinic acid, could inhibit the lipopolysaccharide induced interleukin-6 release from Mono Mac 6 cells when tested separately. Combination of either oleanolic acid or ursolic acid with betulinic acid enhanced the immunomodulatory effect of the two triterpene acids.

The clinical effectiveness of chokeberry: a systematic review

Products derived from the black chokeberry, Aronia melanocarpa, are claimed to be beneficial in disorders or diseases associated with oxidative stress. The claims are based on evidence from in vitro studies and animal experiments. The active principle--a mixture of procyanidins, anthocyanins and phenolic acids--constitutes one of the most potent natural antioxidants. A systematic review was carried out of the quality of the clinical trials on chokeberry products that had been published up to December 2009, and conventionally established criteria were used to assess the strength of the evidence for their clinical effectiveness. Thirteen studies were identified. The quality of most of the trials and, correspondingly, the evidence of effectiveness for Aronia products is poor. Though laboratory and clinical data indicate that chokeberry products may well be useful as 'functional food' for disorders or diseases related to oxidative stress, these promising indications need to be confirmed in more rigorous studies before putative therapeutic uses can be confidently recommended for chokeberry products.

Antifungal constituents isolated from the seeds of Aegle marmelos

Antifungal constituents, 2-isopropenyl-4-methyl-1-oxa-cyclopenta[b]anthracene-5,10-dione and (+)-4-(2'-hydroxy-3'-methylbut-3'-enyloxy)-8H-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-h]chromen-8-one in addition to known compounds imperatorin, beta-sitosterol, plumbagin, 1-methyl-2-(3'-methyl-but-2'-enyloxy)-anthraquinone, beta-sitosterol glucoside, stigmasterol, vanillin and salicin were isolated during phytochemical investigation on seeds of Aegle marmelos Correa.

Bibliographical investigation of complementary alternative medicines for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

A variety of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments are provided to the elderly. We investigated the efficacy and safety of CAM substances that are available to patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), both in Japan and overseas.

METHODS

Information on CAM products was collected from the World Wide Web, using the keywords "arthritis" and "supplement" in five languages (Japanese, English, French, Italian and German) using a popular search engine for each of the languages. References to published work on the products were researched using PubMed with the keywords of "arthritis", "anti-inflammatory" and "analgesics". Such published work was classified according to the evidence levels established by the Cochrane Library.

RESULTS

Two-hundred and sixty CAM products for OA or RA were available in Japan, of which 41 CAM products had been tested in randomized controlled trials (RCT); there was no scientific evidence for the remaining 219 CAM products. Most of the previous RCT suggested that CAM was effective in OA or RA. Herein, we confirmed the significant OA relieving effects of chondroitin sulfate through a meta-analysis. Effectiveness was assessed using subjective scores, not disease-specific immunological or serological markers for assessment. Toxicological investigations had only been performed for a few CAM products.

CONCLUSION

Some CAM products that are effective against RA may be used together with biological therapy. However, some of the CAM products available in Japan should be tested using objective markers. Some CAM products for OA could be used for the relief of pain.

A systematic review on the effectiveness of willow bark for musculoskeletal pain

Since ancient times preparations from Salix species have been used to alleviate pain. The aim of this study was to update the evidence of the effectiveness of willow bark products in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. OVID(MEDLINE), PUBMED, Silverplatter, and CENTRAL and manual searches were used to identify clinical trials investigating Salix preparations. Authors SC and JEV extracted the data independently and discussed disagreements. Seven manuscripts were identified, reporting four trials with confirmatory and four with exploratory study designs. Three manuscripts presented the same trial data: repetitious reports were excluded. One confirmatory and two exploratory studies indicate a dose-dependent analgesic effect not inferior to rofecoxib in patients with low back pain. In one exploratory and one confirmatory study conflicting results were achieved in participants with osteoarthritis. No significant effect was seen in a confirmatory study in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, but this study was grossly underpowered. All studies investigated ethanolic extracts with daily doses up to 240 mg salicin over periods of up to six weeks. Minor adverse events occurred during treatment. The review provides moderate evidence of effectiveness for the use of ethanolic willow bark extract in low back pain. Further studies are required to find out if treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis requires extract with higher doses than 240 mg salicin per day.

A one-year survey on the use of a powder from Rosa canina lito in acute exacerbations of chronic pain

This pilot surveillance included 152 patients with acute exacerbations of chronic pain, 124 (Back group) with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP), 20 with NSLBP overridden by osteoarthritic pain (Knee-Hip group), and eight with specific LBP (included in the safety analysis). Patients were recommended the rose hip and seed powder Litozin at a dose providing up to 3 mg of galactolipid/day for up to 54 weeks. Clinical symptoms and well-being were assessed every 6 weeks. The patients also kept a diary of their pain and the requirement for rescue medication. Data were analysed by intention to treat with last observation carried forward. Only 77 patients completed the year of surveillance. Multivariate analysis suggested an appreciable overall improvement during the surveillance, irrespective of group, and this was reflected for most of the individual measures in repeated measures ANOVA. The degree and time-course of improvement echoed that seen in similar surveillances of patients receiving an aqueous extract of Harpagophytum. Multiple regression analyses indicated that percentage changes from baseline tended to be greater in patients with greater degrees of pain and disability, but were otherwise largely unrelated to the patients' characteristics. There were no serious adverse events. The rose hip and seed powder, Litozin, seems to deserve further, more definitive studies as a possible option in long-term management of NSLBP with or without osteoarthritic pain.

NIR-FT-Raman spectroscopic analytical characterization of the fruits, seeds, and phytotherapeutic oils from rosehips

In this study nondestructive Raman spectroscopic analysis of rosehips has been conducted by laser excitation at 1064 nm, with the objective of direct measurement of different parts of the fruit, including the inside and outside of the seeds, while preserving the integrity of the more representative chemicals. Carotenoid substances are responsible for the major Raman features in the spectra of the fruit parts; analysis of the nu(1) mode (1520 cm(-1)) strongly indicates the presence of a C(9) carotene, and analysis of the main characteristic carotene band set (C=C, C-C, and C-CH(3) stretching modes at 1520, 1157, and 1007 cm(-1), respectively) suggests the presence of beta-carotene as the main constituent. Raman spectra of the seed parts show the presence of unsaturated fatty acids, which are predominant inside the seed; these spectra also reveal the fatty products content comprises cis isomers. Analysis of the CH-stretching region bands and comparison with those in the spectra obtained from linoleic acid and commercial rosehip oil indicate that the relative band intensity of the CH-stretching mode is strongly affected by the chemical environment of the fatty acid esters present in both parts (inside and outside) of rosehips seeds.

Phytochemical composition and in vitro pharmacological activity of two rose hip (Rosa canina L.) preparations

The aim of the present study was to compare powdered rose hip with and without fruits (Rosae pseudofructus cum/sine fructibus, Rosa canina L., Rosaceae) with regard to their phytochemical profile and their in vitro anti-inflammatory and radical-scavenging properties. The two powders were subsequently extracted with solvents of increasing polarity and tested for inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1, COX-2) and of 5-LOX-mediated leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) formation as well as for DPPH-radical-scavenging capacity. While the water and methanol extracts were inactive in the COX-1, COX-2 and LTB(4) inhibition assays, the n-hexane and the dichloromethane extracts inhibited all three enzymes. In the active extracts, the triterpenoic acids ursolic acid, oleanolic acid and betulinic acid were identified, although only in minute amounts. Furthermore, oleic, linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid were identified apart from several saturated fatty acids. Even though unsaturated fatty acids are known to be good inhibitors of COX-1, COX-2 and LT formation, no clear correlation between their concentration in the extracts and their activity was found. We suggest that other, yet unidentified, lipophilic constituents might play a more important role for the observed in vitro inhibitory activity on arachidonic acid metabolism. Some of the extracts also showed considerable DPPH radical scavenging activity, the methanolic extracts being most potent. The radical scavenging activity of the extracts correlated very well with their total phenolic content, while ascorbic acid contributes only little to the radical-scavenging activity due to its low concentration present in the extracts. In summary, extracts derived from powdered rose hip without fruits were more effective in all assays carried out compared with extracts derived from powdered rose hip with fruits.

Does the hip powder of Rosa canina (rosehip) reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients?--a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs)--of a hip powder of Rosa canina (rosehip) preparation for symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis (OA), in order to estimate the empirical efficacy as a pain reducing compound.

METHOD

RCTs from systematic searches were included if they explicitly stated that OA patients were randomized to either rosehip or placebo. The primary outcome was reduction in pain calculated as effect size (ES), defined as the standardized mean difference (SMD). As secondary analysis the number of responders to therapy was analyzed as Odds Ratios (OR), and expressed as the Number Needed to Treat (NNT). Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) methods were applied for the meta-analyses using mixed effects models.

RESULTS

The three studies (287 patients and a median trial-duration of 3 months)--all supported by the manufacturer (Hyben-Vital International)--showed a reduction in pain scores by rosehip powder (145 patients) compared to placebo (142 patients): ES of 0.37 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.13-0.60], P=0.002. Test for homogeneity seemed to support that the efficacy was consistent across trials (I(2)=0%). Thus it seems reasonable to assume that the three studies were measuring the same overall effect. It seemed twice as likely that a patient allocated to rosehip powder would respond to therapy, compared to placebo (OR=2.19; P=0.0009); corresponding to a NNT of six (95% CI: 4-13) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Although based on a sparse amount of data, the results of the present meta-analysis indicate that rosehip powder does reduce pain; accordingly it may be of interest as a nutraceutical, although its efficacy and safety need evaluation and independent replication in a future large-scale/long-term trial.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the ethanol extract of Rosa multiflora Thunb. hips

This study aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Fructus Rosae Multiflorae (FRM, hips of Rosa multiflora Thunb.). FRM was extracted with 75% ethanol and the dried extract (FRME) was administered intragastrically (i.g.) at 100, 200 and 400mg/kg. The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated in four experimental animal models and analgesic effect in two animal models. Pretreatment with a single dose of FRME produced significant dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effects on carrageenin-induced rat hind paw edema, xylene-induced mouse ear edema and acetic acid-induced mouse vascular permeation. In a 7-day study, daily administration of FRME suppressed cotton pellet-induced rat granuloma formation. Pretreatment with a single dose of FRME also produced dose-dependent anti-nociceptive effects in thermally- and chemically induced mouse pain models. In addition, a single dose of FRME at 2.4g/kg body weight (equivalent to 87.6g of dried hips per kg body weight) produced no observable acute toxicity in mice within seven days. These results demonstrate that FRME possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and has no obvious acute toxicity, which advanced our understanding of the folk use of FRM in treating various inflammatory disorders.

COX-1 and -2 activity of rose hip

The objective of this study was to investigate whether the clinically observed efficacy of rose hip in the treatment of osteoarthritis is due to inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 and -2. Water, methanol, dichloromethane and hexane extracts of rose hip were tested for in vitro COX-1 and 2 activity. The organic solvent extracts showed good inhibition of both COX-1 and 2. The methanol extract was most active in both assays with IC(50) values of 12 microg/mL for COX-1 and 19 microg/mL for COX-2. The clinically observed effect might be due to inhibition of cyclooxygenase.

Evidence of effectiveness of herbal antiinflammatory drugs in the treatment of painful osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain

Treatment with herbal medicines is very popular in Europe. In order to get information on the evidence of effectiveness of oral herbal medicines in the treatment of pain in the joints or lower back, OVID(MEDLINE), PUBMED and COCHRANE COLLABORATION LIBRARY were searched back to 1985 for systematic reviews. The level of evidence of effectiveness was defined as strong - at least two confirmatory studies demonstrating a clinical relevant effect, moderate - one confirmatory study with a clinical relevant effect and/or multiple exploratory studies of good quality; otherwise the evidence was insufficient or conflicting in the case of inconsistent findings. Fifteen systematic reviews were identified. The evidence of effectiveness was strong for a proprietary unsaponifiable avocado soybean fraction and Harpagophytum preparations containing > 50 mg harpagoside in the daily dosage, moderate for ginger and a proprietary rose hip and seed powder, insufficient for Boswellia serrata gum resin and other herbal preparations and inconsistent for a proprietary willow bark extract. Further rigorous studies are required to confirm the usefulness of herbal medicines in the treatment of osteoarthritic complaints and chronic low back pain in order to enable acceptance of the herbal medicines into the treatment guidelines.