Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Pygeum 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
Pygeum and Dog-rose: both belong to the Rosaceae family; they share 4 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, inflammation (general), skin irritation, …); 1 pharmacological action in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Pygeum | Dog-rose | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 5/10 | 10/10 | Stronger for Dog-rose |
| Inflammation (general) | 2/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Dog-rose |
| Skin irritation | 5/10 | 7/10 | Stronger for Dog-rose |
| Urinary tract infection (UTI) | 9/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Pygeum |
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
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
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 anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Supports lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - a Cochrane meta-analysis of 18 RCTs (1562 men) found a moderate improvement in urinary symptoms and flow versus placebo, but the trials were small, short and methodologically weak, so the evidence remains uncertain
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Supports lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - a Cochrane meta-analysis of 18 RCTs (1562 men) found a moderate improvement in urinary symptoms and flow versus placebo, but the trials were small, short and methodologically weak, so the evidence remains uncertain
Supports lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - a Cochrane meta-analysis of 18 RCTs (1562 men) found a moderate improvement in urinary symptoms and flow versus placebo, but the trials were small, short and methodologically weak, so the evidence remains uncertain
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
Lower urinary tract / prostate symptoms must be medically assessed first to exclude prostate cancer. The evidence is mixed and rests on small, short, methodologically weak trials, so men with moderate or severe BPH should not rely on it instead of proven treatment.
Generally well tolerated, with mild gastrointestinal effects the most common report.
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
Evergreen tree (Rosaceae), 10-30 m tall, with dark, fissured, red-brown bark (the source of the common name 'red stinkwood', from its unpleasant smell when cut). Leaves are glossy dark green, leathery, oblong with finely toothed margins. Small white, five-petalled flowers are borne in axillary racemes, followed by small reddish-brown, two-lobed fruit.
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
Native to montane forests of central and southern Africa (and Madagascar), growing at moderate to high altitude (roughly 900-3400 m). The species is CITES-listed and conservation-threatened owing to over-harvesting of bark for the pharmaceutical trade.
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
Bark is traditionally stripped from mature trees. Unsustainable stripping - especially removing bark all the way round the trunk - kills the tree and has driven population decline, so sustainable, partial and rotational bark harvesting or cultivated sources are recommended.
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
Prunus africana bark has a traditional use in East and Central African ethnomedicine for urinary complaints, and its extract (marketed as Pygeum) became one of the most widely used European phytotherapy remedies for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms in the 20th century. Clinical evidence for symptom benefit is moderate but drawn from small, methodologically weak trials.[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
Dosage
Clinical trials have most often used around 100-200 mg/day of standardised lipophilic bark extract, divided into two doses. Educational reference only, not a prescription; any prostate or urinary symptom should be medically assessed first.
Clinical trials for osteoarthritis have most often used around 5 g/day of standardised rosehip powder. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
References & Sources
- Thompson, R.Q., Katz, D. and Sheehan, B (2019) 'Chemical comparison of Prunus africana bark and pygeum products marketed for prostate health', Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 163, pp. 162-169. doi:10.1016/j.jpba.2018.10.004 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpba.2018.10.004 - Dvorkin, L. and Song, K.Y (2002) 'Herbs for benign prostatic hyperplasia', The Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 36(9), pp. 1443-1452. doi:10.1345/aph.1A228 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1345/aph.1A228 - Keehn, A. and Lowe, F.C (2015) 'Complementary and alternative medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia', The Canadian Journal of Urology, 22(Suppl 1), pp. 18-23. Meta-analysis / review
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Complementary%20and%20alternative%20medications%20for%20benign%20prostatic%20hyperplasia - Kim, T.H., Lim, H.J., Kim, M.S. and Lee, M.S (2012) 'Dietary supplements for benign prostatic hyperplasia: an overview of systematic reviews', Maturitas, 73(3), pp. 180-185. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2012.07.007 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2012.07.007 - Cambronero, J., Osca-Garcia, J.M., Merino-Salas, S., Miguel, J.M. and others (2022) 'Effectiveness of treatment with Pygeum africanum in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostatic hyperplasia: a cross-sectional study in the real-world clinical practice in Spain (The PROFIT Study)', Archivos Espanoles de Urologia, 75(3), pp. 219-227. Clinical study
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Effectiveness%20of%20treatment%20with%20Pygeum%20africanum%20in%20patients%20with%20lower%20urinary%20tract%20symptoms%20and%20benign%20prostatic%20hyperplasia%3A%20a%20cross-sectional%20study%20in%20the%20real-world%20clinical%20practice%20in%20Spain%20%28The%20PROFIT%20Study%29 - Quiles, M.T., Arbos, M.A., Fraga, A., de Torres, I.M. and others (2010) 'Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of the herbal agent Pygeum africanum on cultured prostate stromal cells from patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)', The Prostate, 70(10), pp. 1044-1053. doi:10.1002/pros.21138 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/pros.21138 - Salinas-Casado, J., Esteban-Fuertes, M., Carballido-Rodriguez, J. and Cozar-Olmo, J.M (2020) 'Review of the experience and evidence of Pygeum africanum in urological practice', Actas Urologicas Espanolas, 44(1), pp. 9-13. doi:10.1016/j.acuro.2019.08.002 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acuro.2019.08.002 - Villar, A., Silva-Fuentes, F., Mula, A. and Zangara, A (2024) 'Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Prunus africana Bark Extract: An In Vitro Study of Cytokine Release by Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(15), pp. 8298. doi:10.3390/ijms25158298 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25158298 - Larre, S., Camparo, P., Comperat, E., Boulbes, D. and others (2012) 'Biological effect of human serum collected before and after oral intake of Pygeum africanum on various benign prostate cell cultures', Asian Journal of Andrology, 14(3), pp. 499-504. doi:10.1038/aja.2011.132 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1038/aja.2011.132 - Rubegeta, E., Makolo, F., Kamatou, G., Enslin, G. and others (2023) 'The African cherry: A review of the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities of Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 305, pp. 116004. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2022.116004 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2022.116004 - Keehn, A. and Lowe, F.C (2015) 'Complementary and alternative medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia', The Canadian Journal of Urology. Randomized trial
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Complementary%20and%20alternative%20medications%20for%20benign%20prostatic%20hyperplasia - Dedhia, R.C. and McVary, K.T (2008) 'Phytotherapy for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia', The Journal of Urology, 179(6), pp. 2119--2125. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2008.01.094 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2008.01.094 - Wilt, T. and Ishani, A. and Mac Donald, R. and Rutks, I. and Stark, G (2002) 'Pygeum africanum for benign prostatic hyperplasia', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001044 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001044
- 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.