Rose hips are the fruits produced by the
Rosa canina L (rose) plant. They are large (usually) red (also sometimes orange, purple or black), fleshy berry-like fruits which usually develop during late summer and autumn, after pollination. Rose hips have been used in traditional medicines for more than 2,000 years, due to the high amounts of bioactive compounds contained within the fruits, including over 4,500 known flavonoids, carotenoids, fatty acids (galactolipid, linoleic acid [Omega 6 PUFA], and omega 3 PUFA), vitamins (high in vitamin C, A, E, and B-complex) and minerals (calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, silicon, zinc, selenium, and phosphorous. The amount of bioactive compounds within the fruits varies with the seasons. Rose hips are used to treat a number of ailments including arthritic conditions, gout, sciatica, and diseases of the kidney and lower urinary tract.Specific applications in relation to poultry include:
- Protective Immunity: Rose hips has high amounts of vitamin C, which is beneficial for the immune system. It has been associated with its use for respiratory conditions.
