Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Wild Cherry Bark 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
Wild Cherry Bark and Dog-rose: both belong to the Rosaceae family; they share 1 indicated use (cancer (anticancer research)); 1 pharmacological action in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Wild Cherry Bark | Dog-rose | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
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
Releases trace hydrogen cyanide that calms the cough reflex - the basis of both the antitussive action and the safety caution.
Astringent and aromatic supporting constituents.
Bio-guided fractionation of the bark identified naringenin and trimethoxy-benzene/benzoic-acid compounds; the bark extract also showed antiparasitic (cysticidal) activity in laboratory studies.
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
Antispasmodic for bronchial cough and bronchitis (eases spasm of the airways)
inferred from anticancer action
Antispasmodic for bronchial cough and bronchitis (eases spasm of the airways); Antitussive - calms a persistent dry, irritating cough (prunasin quietens the cough reflex)
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic 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
Contains cyanogenic compounds: use only properly dried, prepared bark and avoid large or prolonged doses (fresh bark has a higher toxic content). It suppresses the cough reflex, so it suits dry, unproductive coughs - not productive coughs where mucus needs clearing.
Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding because of the cyanogenic glycosides.
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
Deciduous tree (Rosaceae), 15-30 m tall, with dark, scaly, aromatic bark that has a distinctive bitter-almond smell when cut or crushed (from cyanogenic compounds). Leaves are glossy dark green, elliptical and finely toothed. Small white flowers are borne in drooping racemes, followed by small, dark purple-black cherries that are edible when fully ripe but otherwise bitter.[12]
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 eastern North America, growing in a wide range of woodland, forest-edge and open habitats on well-drained soils; widely naturalised and, in parts of Europe, considered an invasive tree.[12]
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 stripped from the trunk and larger branches, traditionally in autumn, and must be thoroughly dried before use - fresh bark has a much higher cyanogenic-glycoside content and is more toxic.[13]
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
Wild cherry bark has a long Native American and European settler tradition as a cough remedy, valued specifically for its unusual cough-suppressant action - from the cyanogenic glycoside prunasin, which releases a trace, sedating amount of cyanide that calms the cough reflex. It remains a classic ingredient of traditional cough syrups.[12, 13]
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
Traditional guidance suggests roughly 1-2 g dried bark per cup as a decoction, up to three times daily, using only properly dried bark; avoid large or prolonged doses given the cyanogenic-glycoside content, and avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. 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
Lookalikes Review
References & Sources
- Telichowska, A., Kobus-Cisowska, J. and Szulc, P (2020) 'Phytopharmacological Possibilities of Bird Cherry Prunus padus L. and Prunus serotina L. Species and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals', Nutrients, 12(7), pp. 1966. doi:10.3390/nu12071966 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12071966 - Luna-Vazquez, F.J., Ibarra-Alvarado, C., Rojas-Molina, A., Romo-Mancillas, A. and others (2016) 'Role of Nitric Oxide and Hydrogen Sulfide in the Vasodilator Effect of Ursolic Acid and Uvaol from Black Cherry Prunus serotina Fruits', Molecules, 21(1), pp. 78. doi:10.3390/molecules21010078 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21010078 - Palomares-Alonso, F., Rojas-Tome, I.S., Palencia Hernandez, G., Jimenez-Arellanes, M.A., Macias-Rubalcava, M.L. and others (2017) 'In vitro and in vivo cysticidal activity of extracts and isolated flavanone from the bark of Prunus serotina: A bio-guided study', Acta Tropica, pp. 1--7. doi:10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.02.023 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.02.023 - Robakowski, P., Bielinis, E., Stachowiak, J., Mejza, I. and Bulaj, B (2016) 'Seasonal Changes Affect Root Prunasin Concentration in Prunus serotina and Override Species Interactions between P. serotina and Quercus petraea', Journal of Chemical Ecology, 42(3), pp. 202-214. doi:10.1007/s10886-016-0678-y Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-016-0678-y - Gallardo-Rivera, C.T., Lu, A., Trevino-Garza, M.Z., Garcia-Marquez, E. and others (2021) 'Valorization of Capulin Almond (Prunus serotina) by Obtaining Bioactive Compounds', Frontiers in Nutrition, 8, pp. 663953. doi:10.3389/fnut.2021.663953 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.663953 - Sile, I., Videja, M., Makrecka-Kuka, M., Tirzite, D. and others (2020) 'Chemical composition of Prunus padus L. flower extract and its anti-inflammatory activities in primary bone marrow-derived macrophages', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 268, pp. 113678. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113678 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113678 - Olszewska, M.A. and Kwapisz, A (2011) 'Metabolite profiling and antioxidant activity of Prunus padus L. flowers and leaves', Natural Product Research, 25(12), pp. 1115-1131. doi:10.1080/14786410903230359 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786410903230359 - Santos Pimenta, L.P., Schilthuizen, M., Verpoorte, R. and Choi, Y.H (2013) 'Quantitative analysis of amygdalin and prunasin in Prunus serotina Ehrh. using 1H-NMR spectroscopy', Phytochemical Analysis, 25(2), pp. 122-126. doi:10.1002/pca.2476 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/pca.2476 - Rivero-Cruz, B (2014) 'Simultaneous quantification by HPLC of the phenolic compounds for the crude drug of Prunus serotina subsp. capuli', Pharmaceutical Biology, 52(8), pp. 1015-1020. doi:10.3109/13880209.2013.876054 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3109/13880209.2013.876054 - Yamaguchi, K., Liggett, J.L., Kim, N.C. and Baek, S.J (2006) 'Anti-proliferative effect of horehound leaf and wild cherry bark extracts on human colorectal cancer cells', Oncology Reports, 15(1), pp. 275-281. doi:10.3892/or.15.1.275 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3892/or.15.1.275 - Alvarez-Suarez, J.M., Carrillo-Perdomo, E., Aller, A., Giampieri, F., Gasparrini, M., Gonzalez-Perez, L., Beltran-Ayala, P. and Battino, M (2017) 'Anti-inflammatory effect of Capuli cherry against LPS-induced cytotoxic damage in RAW 264.7 macrophages', Food and Chemical Toxicology, 102, pp. 46-52. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2017.01.024 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2017.01.024 - Herbal Reality (n.d.) 'Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina): Benefits, Uses, Research'. Available at: https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/wild-cherry/ Traditional / reference
https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/wild-cherry/ - The Herbal Medic (n.d.) 'Wild Cherry Bark (Prunus serotina) - Soothing Herb for Coughs & Lungs'. Available at: https://theherbalmedic.co.uk/wild-cherry-prunus-serotina Traditional / reference
https://theherbalmedic.co.uk/wild-cherry-prunus-serotina
- 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.