Rose hip extract 'effective' against osteoarthritis pain
Powder made from rose hips may be better at tackling the joint pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA) than paracetamol, scientists have found.
An international research team combined the results of clinical trials conducted since the 1950s to determine whether rose hip extract was an effective painkiller.
Analysis revealed that the pain relief obtained from rose hip extract was significant compared with that obtained from paracetamol, and patients on rose hip extract were also able to reduce their intake of pharmaceutical drugs such as opioids.
The findings are published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, and inflammation specialist Dr Kaj Winther claimed that they provide conclusive evidence of the benefits of rose hip extract.
Dr Winther, of Frederiksberg Hospital in Copenhagen, commented: "This is very exciting news for arthritis sufferers, especially for those who rely heavily on strong, potentially dangerous, pain relieving medications.
"Some of the main advantages of taking an alternative medication such as rose hip to reduce pain are that, firstly, it is readily available over-the-counter and, secondly, unlike traditional painkillers, it does not produce unpleasant side effects."
Powder made from rose hips may be better at tackling the joint pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA) than paracetamol, scientists have found.
