Rosehip may help protect knee joints

A patented extract made from standardised Rosehip powder improves knee mobility and may prevent damage to knee cartilage and tissues - even in people without arthritis, according to a new UK clinical study.

Conducted by The Centre of Sport & Exercise Science at Sheffield Hallam University United Kingdom, the study found that regular ingestion of Rose-Hip Vital® with GOPO® decreased joint pain and joint resistance when knees extended and flexedi.

The study, presented at the recent European League Against Rheumatism 2013 in Madrid, suggested GOPO®, the patented compound activated during the unique drying process of the Rosehip, has the potential to reduce the stresses on the joint and prevent degeneration to cartilage and tissues.

The study stated "GOPO® has been evaluated in numerous rigorously-conducted, placebo-controlled clinical trials involving hundreds of arthritic patients."

GOPO® has natural anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties and is an effective component for the reduction of painii and improvement in joint mobilityiii iv in people with Arthritis.

The study involved 30 men aged between 35-60 who were randomly given standardised Rosehip powder with GOPO® or sugar pills.

Researchers scientifically measured the mobility and strength of the knee using an isokinetic dynamometer which measures performance of muscle and joints at different angles and speeds.

The study also examined body composition, hydration, physical activity and subjective aches and pains over a 12 week period.

Professor Marc Cohen, Head of Health Sciences at RMIT University explained "more than two thirds of the men who took Rosehip with GOPO® experienced an improvement in passive joint flexion and more than 90% recorded improvements in knee extension.

"Using a dynamometer which measures joint movement, it was found that men who took Rosehip with GOPO® recorded improvements in knee flexibility while men who took sugar pills showed no improvement.

"Men who were given Rosehip with GOPO® also reported reduced aches and pains suggesting that regular ingestion of this preparation helps reduce stress on the joint and possibly prevents degeneration to cartilage and tissues."

The clinical study adds to the mounting scientific evidence, over 30 scientific studies unique to Rose-Hip Vital® with GOPO® including four double-blind placebo controlled clinical trials, supporting standardised Rosehip as a natural anti-inflammatory which may help relieve the pain of arthritis and help increase joint mobility.

Rosehip (generic) was added for the second year to Arthritis Australia's Complementary Therapies Information Sheet with moderate evidence for osteoarthritis.

A recent review in the respected Cochrane Library suggests there is evidence in favour of the natural anti-inflammatory standardised Rosehip for Osteoarthritis.

This scientific research review has focused on a specific Rosehip powder available in Australia under the trade name Rose-Hip Vital® with GOPO®.

Rose-Hip Vital is the only product worldwide that contains the patented GOPO® compound.

For more informtaion go to www.rosehipvital.com.au