C Chrubasik

A systematic review on the Rosa canina effect and efficacy profiles

Rose hip, rose hip and seed and rose hip seed, all were negatively monographed by the German Commission E due to insufficient evidence of effects and effectiveness. Therefore a comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to summarize the pharmacological and clinical effects of Rosa canina L. to reevaluate its usefulness in traditional medicine.

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 LitozinR 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.

An observational study and quantification of the actives in a supplement with Sambucus nigra and Asparagus officinalis used for weight reduction

The aim of the study was to obtain information on the content of co‐active compounds of a food supplement recommended as a weight reduction diet and on its short‐term effectiveness and safety as a starter for lifestyle change. Eighty participants completed the protocol. The Sambucus nigra L. berry juice enriched with flower extract and tablets containing berry powder and flower extract provided a total of 1 mg anthocyanins, 370 mg flavonol glycosides and 150 mg hydroxycinnamates per day; the Asparagus officinalis L. powder tablets provided 19 mg saponins per day. After the diet, the mean weight, blood pressure, physical and emotional well‐being and the quality of life had significantly improved (ITT analysis). The effectiveness and tolerability of the regimen were rated as very good or good by most of the completers. It remains to be established if any particular compounds contribute to the efficacy of the diet. Copyright

A Pilot Study on the Effectiveness of a Rose Hip Shell Powder in Patients Suffering from Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

We carried out a 3‐month preliminary investigation on the effectiveness of a rose hip shell powder and its mechanism of action. Of 52 patients suffering from acute exacerbations of low back pain (n = 39) or knee pain (n = 13), 29 had participated earlier in the pilot study with the pseudofruit powder Litozin®. After assessing the baseline values, patients were offered up to 20 g of a rose hip shell powder per day. Patients were encouraged to adjust the daily dose upwards or downwards according to their symptoms for the period of 3 months. The examination for possible effectiveness was by intention‐to‐treat analysis with last observation carried forward. There was no difference in any generic or disease‐specific outcome variables between the patients consuming the rose hip shell powder and those consuming the pseudofruit powder Litozin® in the previous surveillance study. A human protein array system and fractions from the rose powders were used to study their effect on cytokine expression in vitro. The data indicate that lipophilic rose hip fractions from the shell and the pseudofruit inhibit cytokine expression and that the shell powder may be the better starting material for a future rose hip extract prepared with a lipophilic solvent. Copyright