Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Dog-rose vs Chia
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
Dog-rose and Chia: they share 4 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, inflammation (general), metabolic support, …); 2 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Dog-rose | Chia | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 10/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Dog-rose |
| Inflammation (general) | 8/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Dog-rose |
| Metabolic support | 7/10 | 6/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 7/10 | 5/10 | 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
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.
The dominant fatty acid of chia oil, one of the richest plant sources of omega-3 known.
Responsible for the seed's characteristic gel-forming property when soaked.
Contribute to the seed's antioxidant activity.
Chia is a complete plant protein source and exceptionally high in dietary fibre.
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
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.
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
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).
Never swallow a spoon of dry chia seeds and “chase” with water. They can swell fast and (rarely) cause a blockage, especially if someone already has swallowing problems (American College of Gastroenterology, 2014) Blood pressure / diabetes meds: if you’re on medication for blood pressure or blood sugar, chia as a major daily addition may slightly add to the effect for some people—monitor and talk to your clinician (Saadh et al., 2024) (Pam et al., 2024).
External Ids
Botanical Description
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]
Annual herb (Lamiaceae), 1-1.5 m tall, with square stems. Leaves are opposite, ovate to oblong with a toothed margin. Small purple to white, two-lipped flowers are borne in dense terminal spikes, followed by small oval seeds (grey-brown, mottled, or occasionally white) - the part used.[1]
Habitat
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]
Native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala, historically a staple crop of Aztec and Mayan agriculture; now cultivated commercially in warm subtropical and tropical regions worldwide (notably South America and Australia) as a food crop.[1]
Harvesting
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]
Seed heads are harvested once dry, typically in autumn, and threshed to release the small seeds.[1]
Traditional Uses
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]
Chia seed has an ancient Mesoamerican food-medicine tradition as an energy-sustaining staple food for Aztec warriors and runners. Its modern popularity centres on its dense nutrient profile - fibre, omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) fatty acids, protein and antioxidants - studied for metabolic, cardiovascular and digestive support.[1]
Preparations
Dosage
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
- 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
- Khalid, W., Arshad, M.S., Aziz, A., Rahim, M.A. and others (2023) 'Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.): A therapeutic weapon in metabolic disorders', Food Science & Nutrition, 11(1), pp. 3-16. doi:10.1002/fsn3.3035 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.3035 - Enes, B.N., Moreira, L.P.D., Silva, B.P., Grancieri, M. and others (2020) 'Chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) effects and their molecular mechanisms on unbalanced diet experimental studies: A systematic review', Journal of Food Science, 85(2), pp. 226-239. doi:10.1111/1750-3841.15003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.15003 - Silva, L.A., Verneque, B.J.F., Mota, A.P.L. and Duarte, C.K (2021) 'Chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) consumption and lipid profile: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Food & Function, 12(19), pp. 8835-8849. doi:10.1039/d1fo01287h Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1039/d1fo01287h - Valdivia-Lopez, M.A. and Tecante, A (2015) 'Chia (Salvia hispanica): A Review of Native Mexican Seed and its Nutritional and Functional Properties', Advances in Food and Nutrition Research, 75, pp. 53-75. doi:10.1016/bs.afnr.2015.06.002 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.afnr.2015.06.002 - Teoh, S.L., Lai, N.M., Vanichkulpitak, P., Vuksan, V. and others (2018) 'Clinical evidence on dietary supplementation with chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.): a systematic review and meta-analysis', Nutrition Reviews, 76(4), pp. 219-242. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nux071 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nux071 - de Souza Ferreira, C., de Sousa Fomes, L.F., da Silva, G.E. and Rosa, G (2015) 'Effect of chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) consumption on cardiovascular risk factors in humans: a systematic review', Nutricion Hospitalaria, 32(5), pp. 1909-1918. doi:10.3305/nh.2015.32.5.9394 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3305/nh.2015.32.5.9394 - Knez Hrncic, M., Ivanovski, M., Cor, D. and Knez, Z (2019) 'Chia Seeds (Salvia hispanica L.): An Overview-Phytochemical Profile, Isolation Methods, and Application', Molecules, 25(1), pp. 11. doi:10.3390/molecules25010011 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25010011 - Oliva, M.E., Ferreira, M.D.R., Vega Joubert, M.B. and D'Alessandro, M.E (2020) 'Salvia hispanica L. (chia) seed promotes body fat depletion and modulates adipocyte lipid handling in sucrose-rich diet-fed rats', Food Research International, 139, pp. 109842. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109842 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109842 - Vega Joubert, M.B., Degrave, V., Ingaramo, P., Oliva, M.E. and others (2022) 'Salvia hispanica L. (chia) seed improves liver inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in an experimental model of metabolic syndrome', Food & Function, 13(21), pp. 11249-11261. doi:10.1039/d2fo02216h Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1039/d2fo02216h - Grancieri, M., Martino, H.S.D. and Gonzalez de Mejia, E (2019) 'Chia Seed (Salvia hispanica L.) as a Source of Proteins and Bioactive Peptides with Health Benefits: A Review', Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 18(2), pp. 480-499. doi:10.1111/1541-4337.12423 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.12423 - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Vuksan, V., Jenkins, A.L., Dias, A.G., Lee, A.S., Jovanovski, E., Rogovik, A.L. and Hanna, A (2010) 'Reduction in postprandial glucose excursion and prolongation of satiety: possible explanation of the long-term effects of whole grain Salba (Salvia hispanica L.)', 64(4), pp. 436--438. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2009.159 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2009.159 - Chandalia, M., Garg, A., Lutjohann, D., von Bergmann, K., Grundy, S.M. and Brinkley, L.J (2000) 'Beneficial effects of high dietary fiber intake in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus', 342(19), pp. 1392--1398. doi:10.1056/nejm200005113421903 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1056/nejm200005113421903 - 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.