Objective and design: The objective of this study was to investigate the leucocyte-related antiinflammatory properties of rose hip.
Materials and methods: The effect of rose hip on a number of inflammatory parameters was evaluated using the following models: (1) The effect of rose hip extract on chemotaxis and chemiluminescence of peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) from healthy subjects in vitro; (2) The effect of rose hip administered to healthy subjects on serum levels of creatinine and C-reactive protein and on chemotaxis and chemiluminescence of peripheral blood PMNs.
Results: Rose hip extract at concentrations higher than 500 micro/m1 inhibited the chemotaxis and chemiluminescence of peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leucocytes in vitro. Daily intake of rose hip powder at doses of 45 grams or lower by healthy subjects resulted in reduced chemotaxis of peripheral blood PMNs and reduced the level of serum creatinine and acute phase protein CRP.
Conclusions: These results indicate that rose hip possesses antiinflammatory properties and might be used as a replacement or supplement for conventional drug therapies in some inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.