Key findings:
Immune system:
Rose hip powder significantly improved horses’ immune response and antioxidant capacity, and it reduced oxidative stress in the body. The study showed improved immune biomarkers in horses receiving rose hip, which suggests a stronger and more responsive immune system.
Work capacity and performance:
The work capacity and endurance of horses supplemented with rose hip improved. Rose hip’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties likely contributed to better muscle recovery and overall performance.
Behavioural improvements:
The study observed positive changes in behaviour, including reduced signs of discomfort and stress. This is due to anti-inflammatory effects that likely reduce pain and discomfort.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects:
Rose hip contains numerous compounds, including a (mono- and diglyceride glycoside), which has been scientifically proven to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the accumulation of white blood cells around inflamed tissue. This helps break the inflammatory cycle and protect cartilage.
Oxidative stress during exercise:
In horses, oxidative stress commonly occurs during exercise, and it is associated with various exertion-related equine conditions such as recurrent airway obstruction, joint issues, muscle damage, and exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage. Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage can be prevented by using rose hip as a feed additive.
General health benefits:
In addition to supporting joint function, rose hip supplements supported overall health, including improved coat quality and increased appetite.
STUDIES
- There has been a study in horses and dogs on rose hip, in which rose hip was found to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. In addition, the group that received rose hip showed better recovery after exertion, better coat quality, and improved performance compared to the control group. Studies* have also found that rose hip reduces the risk and incidence of gastric ulcers.
The role of rose hip (Rosa canina L) powder in alleviating arthritis pain and inflammation – part II animal and human studies
Clinical studies have shown that rose hip powder (RHP) alleviates osteoarthritis (OA).
- The results of the study below suggest that natural vitamin C from rose hip is absorbed sufficiently to increase serum vitamin C levels and reduce the release of oxidative anions in horses.
The absorption of natural vitamin C in horses and anti-oxidative capacity: a randomised, controlled study on trotters during a three-month intervention period
- The study examined the benefits of rose hip for immune defence, tolerance to exertion, and behaviour in heavily trained horses. The study included 44 trotters over a three-month period. According to the results, rose hip reduces inflammatory status in the body, has antioxidant effects, and improves horses’ vitamin C levels.
A randomised placebo controlled double blind study on the effect of subspecies of rose hip (Rosa canina) on the immune system, working capacity and behaviour of horses. Winther et al. 2010.
