Plant Comparison
Bitter Melon vs Dog-rose
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Bitter Melon and Dog-rose: they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cancer (anticancer research), inflammation (general), …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Bitter Melon | Dog-rose | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 5/10 | 10/10 | Stronger for Dog-rose |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 9/10 | 2/10 | Stronger for Bitter Melon |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Dog-rose |
| Metabolic support | 5/10 | 7/10 | Stronger for Dog-rose |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 7/10 | Stronger for Dog-rose |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Now regarded as the main antidiabetic principles.
A mixture of two sterol glucosides, historically credited with the hypoglycaemic effect.
An insulin-like polypeptide of the fruit and seed.
A pyrimidine glycoside that can trigger favism in G6PD-deficient people.
The hip is exceptionally rich in vitamin C and carotenoids, underpinning its traditional tonic use. Quantified in commercial dried fruit at beta-carotene 7.25 mg/100 g and lycopene 2.34 mg/100 g fresh weight.
A specific galactolipid fraction studied as the likely active anti-inflammatory constituent in osteoarthritis trials of standardised rosehip powder.
Contribute to antioxidant activity. Leaves carry a higher total phenolic, flavonoid and phenolic-acid content than the hips, and leaf infusions were the only preparation to show antibacterial activity in vitro.
Cold-pressed rose hip seed oil is high in linolenic acid, with phytosterols up to 6485 mg/kg, tocopherols up to 1125 mg/kg and carotenoids up to 108 mg/kg; p-coumaric acid methyl ester predominates among its phenolics.
Pharmacological Actions
Antidiabetic / blood-sugar lowering (improves glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation)
Bitter digestive / stomachic (traditional use for poor digestion); mild laxative
Bitter digestive / stomachic (traditional use for poor digestion); mild laxative
Bitter digestive / stomachic (traditional use for poor digestion); mild laxative
In vitro, the lipophilic (n-hexane and dichloromethane) rose hip extracts inhibited COX-1, COX-2 and 5-LOX-mediated leukotriene B4 formation; the aqueous and methanol extracts were inactive.
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from bitter-tonic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Antidiabetic / blood-sugar lowering (improves glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation)
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antidiabetic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Two placebo-controlled crossover RCTs of standardised rosehip powder (5 g/day) report reduced WOMAC pain and reduced rescue-medication use in knee/hip osteoarthritis, consistent with the existing meta-analysis.
inferred from anticancer action
Animal evidence only. In high-fat-diet/streptozotocin diabetic rats, R. canina ethanol extract (250 mg/kg) improved recall and long-term memory and reduced hippocampal insulin resistance, amyloid-beta and acetylcholinesterase activity. No human data; the effect is reported in a diabetes model, not in healthy or cognitively impaired people.
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
One triple-blind placebo-controlled RCT (n=400) found that 500 mg R. canina fruit capsules twice daily for 20 days after caesarean section reduced the incidence of urinary tract infection. The incidence of cystitis specifically did not differ significantly between groups. Prevention in a post-surgical population; not evidence for treating an established UTI.
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Avoid in pregnancy: bitter melon can stimulate the uterus and has been associated with miscarriage; also avoid during breastfeeding.
Strong blood-sugar-lowering action: used with insulin or other diabetes medicines it can cause hypoglycaemia - monitor blood glucose and seek medical advice.
People with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency should avoid the seeds, which contain vicine and can cause favism (haemolytic anaemia). Excessive intake may cause abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
Rosa canina (dog rose) hips are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for consumption, widely used in teas, jams, and supplements. They are highly nutritious but may cause minor digestive upset (nausea, diarrhea) in some users. The small, irritating hairs around the seeds should be removed before consumption.
Duke (2002) rates dog rose hips as +++ with clinical evidence (score 2) for astringent activity and experimental support for antioxidant and diuretic effects. Dog rose hips are exceptionally rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids. They are traditionally used for cold and influenza prevention, urinary tract health, and mild diarrhea. Duke notes the diuretic (score 1) and lipoxygenase-inhibitory activities as experimentally documented. The fruit is considered food-grade safe (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Climbing or trailing annual vine (Cucurbitaceae) that climbs by simple tendrils, typically 2-5 m long. Leaves are alternate, long-stalked and palmately lobed with 5-7 deep, toothed lobes. Flowers are small, yellow and five-petalled, male and female flowers separate on the same plant. The fruit is an oblong, warty-skinned gourd that ripens from green to orange-yellow and splits open to reveal seeds coated in a bright red aril; the unripe green fruit is the part used medicinally and as food.
Scrambling, thorny deciduous shrub (Rosaceae), 1-5 m, with arching, prickly stems bearing hooked thorns. Leaves are pinnate with 5-7 oval, toothed leaflets. Pale pink to white, five-petalled flowers are followed by bright red-orange, egg-shaped hips (the fleshy hip is an accessory fruit; the true fruits are small hairy achenes inside it) that ripen in autumn and often persist into winter.[2]
Habitat
Likely native to tropical Asia (possibly the Indian subcontinent), now widely cultivated across tropical and subtropical Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and increasingly the Americas as a vegetable and medicinal crop; needs warmth, full sun and a trellis or support to climb.[11]
Native throughout Europe, north-west Africa and western Asia, common in hedgerows, woodland edges, scrub and roadside verges on a wide range of soils.[2]
Harvesting
The fruit is harvested unripe, while still green and firm, before it yellows and splits, for use as a vegetable and in traditional antidiabetic preparations; leaves are also traditionally gathered.[11]
Hips are picked in autumn once fully coloured, then dried for tea or powder, or processed fresh for syrup. The fine, irritant hairs surrounding the seeds inside the hip must be removed before consumption.[5]
Traditional Uses
Bitter melon has a long history in Asian, African and Caribbean traditional medicine as a bitter digestive tonic and mild laxative, and most notably as a remedy for diabetes and its complications; this traditional antidiabetic use is now the most scientifically supported of its properties, with numerous studies on its blood-glucose- and lipid-lowering effects.[4, 11]
Rosehip has a long European folk tradition as a vitamin-C-rich tonic for colds and general immunity, and as a mild diuretic and astringent for urinary and digestive complaints. Modern clinical trials on standardised rosehip powder show a modest, reproducible benefit for osteoarthritis pain and stiffness.[1, 2]
Preparations
The form used in osteoarthritis clinical trials.
Dosage
Clinical trials studying bitter melon for blood-sugar support have used standardised fruit extract or juice preparations taken daily over several weeks; dosing varies by product. Because it can lower blood glucose, monitor levels closely if combining with diabetes medication. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Clinical trials for osteoarthritis have most often used around 5 g/day of standardised rosehip powder. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Lookalikes Review
References & Sources
- Kim, S.K., Jung, J., Jung, J.H., Yoon, N. and others (2020) 'Hypoglycemic efficacy and safety of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus', Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 52, pp. 102524. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102524 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102524 - Fang, E.F., Froetscher, L., Scheibye-Knudsen, M., Bohr, V.A. and others (2019) 'Emerging Antitumor Activities of the Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)', Current Protein & Peptide Science, 20(3), pp. 296-301. doi:10.2174/1389203719666180622095800 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2174/1389203719666180622095800 - Raina, K., Kumar, D. and Agarwal, R (2016) 'Promise of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) bioactives in cancer prevention and therapy', Seminars in Cancer Biology, 40-41, pp. 116-129. doi:10.1016/j.semcancer.2016.07.002 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semcancer.2016.07.002 - Basch, E., Gabardi, S. and Ulbricht, C (2003) 'Bitter melon (Momordica charantia): a review of efficacy and safety', American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 60(4), pp. 356-359. doi:10.1093/ajhp/60.4.356 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1093/ajhp/60.4.356 - Bora, A.F.M., Kouame, K.J.E., Li, X., Liu, L. and others (2023) 'New insights into the bioactive polysaccharides, proteins, and triterpenoids isolated from bitter melon (Momordica charantia) and their relevance for nutraceutical and food application: A review', International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 231, pp. 123173. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123173 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123173 - Soo May, L., Sanip, Z., Ahmed Shokri, A., Abdul Kadir, A. and others (2018) 'The effects of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) supplementation in patients with primary knee osteoarthritis: A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial', Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 32, pp. 181-186. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.06.012 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.06.012 - Elekofehinti, O.O., Ariyo, E.O., Akinjiyan, M.O., Olayeriju, O.S. and others (2018) 'Potential use of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) derived compounds as antidiabetics: In silico and in vivo studies', Pathophysiology, 25(4), pp. 327-333. doi:10.1016/j.pathophys.2018.05.003 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pathophys.2018.05.003 - Leung, L., Birtwhistle, R., Kotecha, J., Hannah, S. and others (2009) 'Anti-diabetic and hypoglycaemic effects of Momordica charantia (bitter melon): a mini review', British Journal of Nutrition, 102(12), pp. 1703-1708. doi:10.1017/S0007114509992054 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114509992054 - Krawinkel, M.B. and Keding, G.B (2006) 'Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia): A dietary approach to hyperglycemia', Nutrition Reviews, 64(7 Pt 1), pp. 331-337. doi:10.1301/nr.2006.jul.331-337 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1301/nr.2006.jul.331-337 - Fang, E.F. and Ng, T.B (2011) 'Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) is a cornucopia of health: a review of its credited antidiabetic, anti-HIV, and antitumor properties', Current Molecular Medicine, 11(5), pp. 417-436. doi:10.2174/156652411795976583 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2174/156652411795976583 - Cicek, S.S (2022) 'Momordica charantia L. - Diabetes-Related Bioactivities, Quality Control, and Safety Considerations', Frontiers in Pharmacology. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.904643 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.904643 - WebMD (n.d.) 'Bitter Melon: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions'. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-795/bitter-melon Traditional / reference
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-795/bitter-melon - Yedjou, C.G., Grigsby, J., Mbemi, A., Nelson, D., Mildort, B., Latinwo, L. and Tchounwou, P.B (2023) 'The Management of Diabetes Mellitus Using Medicinal Plants and Vitamins', International Journal of Molecular Sciences. doi:10.3390/ijms24109085 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24109085 - Kim, S.K., Jung, J., Jung, J.H., Yoon, N., Kang, S.S., Roh, G.S. and Hahm, J.R (2020) 'Hypoglycemic efficacy and safety of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus', Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 52, pp. 102524. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102524 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102524 - Zhang, X., Zhao, Y., Song, Y. and Miao, M (2024) 'Effects of Momordica charantia L. supplementation on glycemic control and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials', Heliyon, 10(10), pp. e31126. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31126 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31126
- Christensen, R., Bartels, E.M., Altman, R.D., Astrup, A. and Bliddal, H (2008) 'Does the hip powder of Rosa canina (rosehip) reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients? - a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials', Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 16(9), pp. 965-972. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2008.03.001 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2008.03.001 - Gruenwald, J., Uebelhack, R. and More, M.I (2019) 'Rosa canina - Rose hip pharmacological ingredients and molecular mechanics counteracting osteoarthritis - A systematic review', Phytomedicine, 60, pp. 152958. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2019.152958 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2019.152958 - Sanz-Lamora, H., Nicola-Llorente, M., Torres-Oteros, D., Perez-Marti, A. and others (2024) 'The Antiobesity Effects of Rosehip (Rosa canina) Flesh by Antagonizing the PPAR Gamma Activity in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice', Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 68(5), pp. e2300539. doi:10.1002/mnfr.202300539 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.202300539 - Tumbas, V.T., Canadanovic-Brunet, J.M., Cetojevic-Simin, D.D., Cetkovic, G.S. and others (2011) 'Effect of rosehip (Rosa canina L.) phytochemicals on stable free radicals and human cancer cells', Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 92(6), pp. 1273-1281. doi:10.1002/jsfa.4695 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.4695 - Pena, F., Valencia, S., Tereucan, G., Nahuelcura, J. and others (2023) 'Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in the Fruit of Rosehip (Rosa canina L. and Rosa rubiginosa L.)', Molecules, 28(8), pp. 3544. doi:10.3390/molecules28083544 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28083544 - Hendrysiak, A., Brzezowska, J., Nicolet, N., Bocquel, D. and others (2023) 'Juice Powders from Rosehip (Rosa canina L.): Physical, Chemical, and Antiglycation Properties', Molecules, 28(4), pp. 1674. doi:10.3390/molecules28041674 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28041674 - Igual, M., Garcia-Herrera, P., Camara, R.M., Martinez-Monzo, J. and others (2022) 'Bioactive Compounds in Rosehip (Rosa canina) Powder with Encapsulating Agents', Molecules, 27(15), pp. 4737. doi:10.3390/molecules27154737 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27154737 - Truong, V.L. and Jeong, W.S (2023) 'Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) Seed Oil in C57BL/6 Mice', Preventive Nutrition and Food Science, 28(4), pp. 411-417. doi:10.3746/pnf.2023.28.4.411 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3746/pnf.2023.28.4.411 - Michalska-Ciechanowska, A., Brzezowska, J., Nicolet, N., Haladyn, K. and others (2025) 'Valorization of Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) Pomace Using Unconventional Carbohydrate Carriers for Beverage Obtainment', Molecules, 30(1), pp. 141. doi:10.3390/molecules30010141 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30010141 - Vlaicu, P.A., Untea, A.E., Turcu, R.P., Panaite, T.D. and Saracila, M (2022) 'Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) Meal as a Natural Antioxidant on Lipid and Protein Quality and Shelf-Life of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Enriched Eggs', Antioxidants (Basel), 11(10), pp. 1948. doi:10.3390/antiox11101948 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11101948 - Phetcharat, L. and Wongsuphasawat, K. and Winther, K (2015) 'The effectiveness of a standardized rose hip powder, containing seeds and shells of Rosa canina, on cell longevity, skin wrinkles, moisture, and elasticity', Clinical Interventions in Aging, 10, pp. 1849--1856. doi:10.2147/CIA.S90092 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S90092 - Golsorkhi, H. and Montazerlotfelahi, H. and Abniki, E. and Vafaee-Shahi, M. and Kamalinejad, M. and Qorbani, M. and Bahrami, M. and Dadmehr, M (2025) 'Efficacy and safety of Rosa canina L. and a traditional polyherbal formulation syrup in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a factorial randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial', Phytotherapy Research, 39(9), pp. 4116--4125. doi:10.1002/ptr.70061 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.70061 - Miljkovi\'c, V. M. and Nikoli\'c, L. and Mrmo\v sanin, J. and Gaji\'c, I. and Mihajilov-Krstev, T. and Zvezdanovi\'c, J. and Miljkovi\'c, M (2024) 'Chemical profile and antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Rosa canina L. dried fruit commercially available in Serbia', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(5), pp. 2518. doi:10.3390/ijms25052518 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25052518 - Polumackanycz, M. and Kaszuba, M. and Konopacka, A. and Marzec-Wr\'oblewska, U. and Wesolowski, M. and Waleron, K. and Buci\'nski, A. and Viapiana, A (2020) 'Phenolic composition and biological properties of wild and commercial dog rose (Rosa canina L.) fruits and leaves', Molecules, 25(22), pp. 5272. doi:10.3390/molecules25225272 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25225272 - Grajzer, M. and Prescha, A. and Korzonek, K. and Wojakowska, A. and Dziadas, M. and Kulma, A. and Grajeta, H (2015) 'Characteristics of rose hip (Rosa canina L.) cold-pressed oil and its oxidative stability studied by the differential scanning calorimetry method', Food Chemistry, 188, pp. 459--466. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.05.034 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.05.034 - Chrubasik, C., Roufogalis, B.D., Müller-Ladner, U. and Chrubasik, S (2008) 'A systematic review on the Rosa canina effect and efficacy profiles', 22(6), pp. 725--733. doi:10.1002/ptr.2400 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2400 - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Wenzig, E. M. and Widowitz, U. and Kunert, O. and Chrubasik, S. and Bucar, F. and Knauder, E. and Bauer, R (2008) 'Phytochemical composition and in vitro pharmacological activity of two rose hip (Rosa canina L.) preparations', Phytomedicine, 15(10), pp. 826--835. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2008.06.012 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2008.06.012 - Winther, K. and Apel, K. and Thamsborg, G (2005) 'A powder made from seeds and shells of a rose-hip subspecies (Rosa canina) reduces symptoms of knee and hip osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial', Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, 34(4), pp. 302--308. doi:10.1080/03009740510018624 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1080/03009740510018624 - Rein, E. and Kharazmi, A. and Winther, K (2004) 'A herbal remedy, Hyben Vital (stand. powder of a subspecies of Rosa canina fruits), reduces pain and improves general wellbeing in patients with osteoarthritis: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial', Phytomedicine, 11(5), pp. 383--391. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2004.01.001 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2004.01.001 - Ertas, B. and Hazar-Yavuz, A. N. and Topal, F. and Keles-Kaya, R. and Karakus, \"O. and Ozcan, G. S. and Taskin, T. and Cam, M. E (2023) 'Rosa canina L. improves learning and memory-associated cognitive impairment by regulating glucose levels and reducing hippocampal insulin resistance in high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 313, pp. 116541. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2023.116541 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2023.116541 - Seifi, M. and Abbasalizadeh, S. and Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi, S. and Khodaie, L. and Mirghafourvand, M (2017) 'The effect of Rosa (L. Rosa canina) on the incidence of urinary tract infection in the puerperium: a randomized placebo-controlled trial', Phytotherapy Research, 32(1), pp. 76--83. doi:10.1002/ptr.5950 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5950 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.