Rosehip is a plant valued for its health properties. Its fruits are a rich source of vitamin C and numerous bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and carotenoids. These ingredients have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting the body in its fight against free radicals. These harmful molecules can damage cells and accelerate the ageing process, as well as chronic inflammation. Increasingly, attention is also being paid to their beneficial effects on metabolism and weight control.
Many overweight people struggle with excessive fat storage in the abdominal area, known as visceral fat. This type of fat accumulates around internal organs and can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Although dietary changes and physical activity remain the basis of treatment, increasing attention is being paid to natural substances that support these processes, including rosehip extract.
One example is a study conducted by a group of Japanese scientists led by Dr Masashi Nishimura. It involved 74 overweight or obese individuals who took rosehip extract daily for 12 weeks. The effects were assessed using specialised imaging methods that allowed for accurate measurement of visceral fat.
The results of the study clearly showed that participants taking rosehip extract experienced a significant reduction in visceral fat accumulated in the abdominal area compared to those in the placebo group who did not receive the active substance. Importantly, this effect was visible after just a few weeks of regular supplementation, indicating that the extract works relatively quickly. The reduction in visceral fat persisted throughout the 12-week study, suggesting that the extract may have long-term benefits in weight control and improving metabolic health. In addition, the absence of significant adverse effects during the study emphasises the safety of using the extract as a natural aid in the fight against excess visceral fat. These changes are substantial because visceral fat is associated with an increased risk of developing many chronic diseases, i.e., those that grow slowly and last for years, such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Therefore, its reduction can bring measurable health benefits.
The mechanism of action of rosehip extract is related to the presence of natural antioxidants and other bioactive substances. They support the body by, among other things, improving fat metabolism and reducing inflammation, which often accompanies excess weight and can hinder its reduction. As a result, rosehip can help reduce the body’s tendency to accumulate fat, especially in the abdominal area. Regular supplementation with the extract can therefore provide valuable natural support in reducing visceral fat and contribute to improving metabolic health, without replacing a healthy diet and physical activity, but merely enhancing their effects.
Based on: Nagatomo, A., Nishida, N., Fukuhara, I., Noro, A., Kozai, Y., Sato, H., & Matsuura, Y. (2015). Daily intake of rosehip extract decreases abdominal visceral fat in pre-obese subjects: a randomised, double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity: targets and therapy, 8, 147–156. https://doi.org/10.2147/DMSO.S78623
