What is oxidative stress?

Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s ability to neutralise them. Over time, this imbalance can contribute to cellular damage, inflammation, and the development of chronic conditions.

Rosehip (Rosa canina) has gained scientific attention as a rich source of bioactive compounds that help counteract oxidative stress through multiple biological pathways (Negrean et al., 2024).

A natural source of antioxidants

Rosehip is naturally rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids such as β-carotene and lycopene. These compounds play a key role in neutralising free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative damage.

Scientific reviews show that the antioxidant activity of rosehip is largely driven by the synergistic interaction between these compounds, rather than a single active ingredient alone.

This makes rosehip a particularly interesting functional ingredient for supporting the body’s natural defence systems (Kowalska & Olejnik, 2024).

Supporting the body’s oxidative balance

Studies show that rosehip can reduce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhance the body’s own antioxidant defence systems, including enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX).

By lowering oxidative stress at a cellular level, rosehip may help maintain normal physiological function and reduce the impact of oxidative damage associated with modern lifestyles, including physical stress and environmental exposure (Negrean et al., 2024).

Linked to reduced inflammation

Oxidative stress and inflammation are closely connected biological processes. When oxidative stress increases, it can trigger inflammatory responses in the body.

Rosehip has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity, partly through its content of galactolipids and polyphenols, which may help modulate inflammatory pathways.

This dual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory profile makes rosehip particularly relevant in conditions where oxidative stress plays a role (Mármol et al., 2017).