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What is Rose Hip?

Rose hip is the fruit (specifically the accessory fruit, called a 'hip') of the rose plant, most commonly Rosa canina (dog rose). After the rose petals fall, the hip develops and ripens to a bright red or orange colour, typically harvested after the first frost when its sugar content is highest. Rose hips are one of the richest plant sources of vitamin C, alongside a complex profile of naturally occurring bioflavonoids, carotenoids (including lycopene and beta-carotene), phenolic compounds, and pectin.

The relationship between rose hip and vitamin C is historically significant — during World War II, when citrus imports were severely restricted in the United Kingdom, rose hip syrup became the primary source of vitamin C for children, supplied through the government's national wild rose hip collection programme. This heritage reflects a key principle: nature typically provides nutrients within a matrix of complementary compounds that can influence absorption and activity. The bioflavonoids in rose hip, for example, may support vitamin C utilisation and stability.

Traditional use

Rose hip has a long tradition of use in European herbal medicine as a natural source of vitamin C and bioflavonoids. The whole-fruit profile of rose hip provides vitamin C alongside its naturally occurring complementary compounds.

Why we use Rose Hip in Nutri-Leaf formulas

Nutri-Leaf Immune Complex uses rose hip as a natural source of vitamin C, providing the nutrient within its whole-food profile alongside bioflavonoids and other naturally occurring compounds. The rose hip complements the added zinc, selenium, echinacea, and ginger in the Immune Complex formula. This reflects our belief that nutrients from whole-food sources can offer a broader phytochemical profile than isolated vitamins alone.

Products containing Rose Hip

The Nutri-Leaf product featuring rose hip is Immune Complex, where it provides natural vitamin C alongside zinc, selenium, echinacea, and ginger in one daily capsule. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.

Explore how Immune Complex combines botanical and nutrient ingredients on our Immune Support guide. Learn more about our approach to whole-food ingredients on the Ingredient Philosophy page.

Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle.