The dog rose is a climbing plant found in Europe, Africa and Asia, with pale pink or white flowers. The plant is known to possess medicinal effects because of the phytochemicals it contains, and is particularly high in antioxidants, including vitamin C. This may explain some of the medicinal effects of the plant. The plant produces red berries that are called rose hips and these are often used to make vitamin C supplements. Evidence suggests that dog rose may have mood elevating properties, which is not surprising because it contains high amounts of antioxidants. For example, in mice, administration of extracts of dog rose significantly reduced the depressive-like behaviour, suggesting that the plant may have antidepressant effects. Whilst dog rose can be taken as a medicinal plant, it is also considered a food, and the berries are used to make a number of foods and drinks which are consumed in many parts of the world. Eating vitamin C rich rose hip extract is therefore a good way to improve health.
The characteristic pink flowers of the dog rose.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
