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The Spotlight is on Rosehip and the Remedy Litozin
In these uncertain times, it seems that there are still some things that remain stable and will not let us down.
One of these is Rosehip - it’s almost like a classic Hollywood beauty: timeless and extraordinary in its versatility.
On top of the array of health benefits that this humble herb provides it was reported this week that research have shown that Rosehip can bring relief to Crohn’s Disease sufferers.
Arthritis: Promising a ‘rose garden’
Rosehips, known also as the rose haws have been cultivated for many centuries and not without reason: roses were used as medicine and food, as well as revered for their beauty. Rosehips of some species are a potent source of Vitamin C and
are used as herbal tea, blended with hibiscus. They can also be used as ingredients in marmalade, jelly and jam.
Rosehips have been widely used in medicine due to their numerous health benefits. First and foremost it has proven effective in preventing bladder infections, boosting kidney function, solving urinary tract problems, easing headaches, soothing
and serving as an antioxidant, antidepressant, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory.
More recently, a rosehip extract has been shown to reduce pain and improve movement in patients with osteoporosis. Researchers now believe the same rosehip ingredient may combat rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and even heart disease.
All are conditions in which inflammation plays an important role. Biochemist Dr Kaj Winther, from Frederiksberg Hospital in Copenhagen, Denmark, who has a special interest in rosehips, said: "There's emerging evidence that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in rosehips might have quite a wide therapeutic effect. The preliminary findings are very exciting."
Arthritis relief
In the latest trial by Dr Winther it was shown that a herbal remedy called LitoZin, made from the seeds and shells of hips
from the dog rose, Rosa canina, had a big impact on pain suffered by osteoarthritis patients.
More than 80 per cent of the 94 Danish men and women with arthritic hips, knees or hands who took part in the study reported a significant reduction in pain after taking the supplement for three weeks.They also cut their consumption of standard painkillers by 50 per cent.
The findings were published in the Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology and followed a Norwegian study which found that
restricted movement caused by osteoarthritis was reduced by 40 per cent in patients taking LitoZin. Dr Winther is also completing a trial in Berlin and Denmark
looking at the effects of LitoZin on 100 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The results are expected in the New Year.
Speaking at the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) World Congress meeting in Prague, Dr Winther said: "It was more positive than I expected. I had phone calls from
patients with rheumatoid arthritis who told me it had helped them. "The pain of their sore joints was reduced, but since rheumatoid arthritis is a more serious disease it was six
months before it started to work."
Arthritis: Relief for Crohn’s disease
In another preliminary study in Denmark involving about 26 patients, LitoZin was found to alleviate the symptoms of Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disorder. Its anti-inflammatory effect might also prove helpful against
heart disease, although this was less certain, said Dr Winther.
Inflammation is now known to be a key element of the process that leads to hardening and narrowing of the arteries.
Studies had shown that taking LitoZin can reduce levels of C-reactive protein, an inflammation marker linked to
cardiovascular disease. Other diseases that involve inflammation include asthma and psoriasis.
The active anti-inflammatory agent in LitoZin is a patented compound called GOPO. Laboratory tests have shown that it
inhibits the migration of white blood cells to sites of tissue damage, which fuels inflammation.
Antioxidants in the rosehip powder may also neutralise toxic substances released by the white blood cells.
LitoZin has been sold in Denmark since 1984 and became available in the UK in February 2006.
Arthritis - Related Reading:
Litozin can help in the battle against osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis: Aching joints? Find relief with ginger and glucosamine
How to alleviate pain caused by osteoarthritis of the knee
Vioxx lawsuits: The Vioxx saga continues
Pharmaceutical industry: More shocking tactics used by drug giants
Natural Pain Relief: The Herbs That Can Put A Stop To Chronic Pain
Arthritis Drugs: Safe Alternatives To Harmful Drugs
Could painkillers be triggering your dyspepsia?
Osteoarthritis Update: New Ways To Promote Healthy Joints And Alleviate Crippling Pain
Natural Treatments For Back Pain To Try Before Agreeing To Surgery
Sources:
‘The benefits of Rosehip oil’ , published online 05/11/08, blog.goodnessdirect.co.uk
‘Health benefits of Rosehips’, published online 05/16/06, syl.com
‘Rosehips could help tackle inflammatory diseases’ published online 17/12/06, dailymail.co.uk
‘Another dietary strategy for bone loss’, published online, drweil.com
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