About
Rosehip extract is a botanical extract derived from the fruit (hips) of Rosa species, primarily Rosa canina, valued for its exceptionally high vitamin C content, antioxidant polyphenols, and anti-inflammatory compounds such as galactolipids. It is used as a functional ingredient in food supplements, nutraceuticals, beverages, and functional foods for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and nutritive properties.
Safety summary
Rosehip extract is generally well-tolerated at typical food and supplement doses, with no established ADI and a broad consensus of safety for the general adult population. At high doses (as a concentrated vitamin C source), it may cause gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, diarrhea, or stomach cramps; excessive vitamin C intake may also increase oxalate excretion, raising theoretical risk of kidney stones. No IARC classification exists; no bans in any major regulatory jurisdiction have been identified.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Rosehip (Rosa canina) is included in the EFSA Compendium of Botanicals as a recognized botanical ingredient for use in food supplements; not assigned an E number as a food additive. Regulated as a botanical food supplement ingredient under EU Directive 2002/46/EC. EFSA has not issued a specific safety opinion restricting use at normal dietary levels.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Rosehip extract (in combination with Devil's claw extract and Boswellia serrata extract) approved under Food Safety and Standards (Approval for Non-Specified Food and Food Ingredients) Regulations, 2017 (Ref: 25/Std/PA/FSSAI/2022). Used in capsule format as a health supplement/nutraceutical. Prior FSSAI product-level approval required for non-specified food ingredient applications.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Listed in the FDA Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS) inventory as 'rose hips, extract (rosa spp.)'; recognized as a flavoring/functional ingredient with FEMA GRAS assessment; no specific CFR regulation mandating maximum use level for general food use.source |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1FDA. Rose hips, extract (Rosa spp.) — Substances Added to Food Inventory (formerly EAFUS). hfpappexternal.fda.gov
- 2EFSA. Compendium of Botanicals — EFSA Open-Source Database. efsa.europa.eu
- 3FDA. Understanding How the FDA Regulates Food Additives and GRAS Ingredients. fda.gov
- 4FSSAI. List of product(s)/ingredient(s) applications Approved under Food Safety and Standards (Approval for Non-Specified Food and Food Ingredients) Regulations, 2017 — as on 5 February 2023, 2023. fssai.gov.in
- 5EFSA. Safety assessment of botanicals and botanical preparations intended for use as ingredients in food supplements — EFSA Scientific Committee Guidance (2009), 2009. efsa.europa.eu
