GLOUCESTER, England, September 22 /PRNewswire/ --

- More Evidence of the Unique Joint-Protection Properties of GOPO(R)

The latest evidence for the unique joint-protection properties of a patented rose-hip powder - which is proving increasingly popular with sufferers of joint conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA) - was announced this weekend (18-21 September 2008) at the OARSI (Osteoarthritis Research Society International) World Congress of Osteoarthritis in Rome. Scientists and doctors from around the world heard the latest results from two major studies exploring the mechanism of action of GOPO(R) - the active ingredient found in only one proprietary brand of rose-hip powder (LitoZin(R)) available in the UK.

Clinical studies have shown that GOPO(R)-containing rose-hip powder can reduce joint pain and stiffness in individuals with OA, reduce their consumption of potentially dangerous pain-relieving medications, and improve their overall mood, energy and sleep quality. The latest studies - reported for the first time in Rome - have attempted to explain how GOPO(R) exerts its beneficial effects on joint health and have highlighted the compound's ability to protect, or even potentially regenerate, joint tissues.

Protecting cartilage, reducing inflammation

In the first study reported,(1) scientists measured the effects of different doses of rose-hip powder and pure GOPO(R) on human cartilage cells (chrondrocytes). They found that GOPO(R), in particular, had the unique ability to switch off certain genes responsible for producing proteins and enzymes that have been implicated in inflammatory joint destruction, and switch on genes that help to produce collagen and cartilage, which are essential components of a healthy joint.

The group also measured the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) (both important mediators of inflammation) in activated immune cells and found that rose-hip powder and GOPO(R) inhibited the production of both. According to the study investigators, GOPO(R) not only demonstrated a broad range of anti-inflammatory properties, it also appeared to have the unusual potential to protect cartilage cells from inflammatory assault and self-destruction.

Reducing inflammation, increasing exercise tolerance

In the second study reported,(2) Danish researchers used a GOPO(R)-containing rose-hip preparation to investigate its effects on the immune system and exercise capacity in horses, which are prone to developing OA early in life. Seventy-four race horses were given either the rose-hip powder or a placebo with their food for 3 months; their blood was monitored for markers of inflammation and their exercise tolerance was assessed during strenuous exercise.

The GOPO(R)-containing rose-hip powder works as an anti-inflammatory agent and enhanced the performance of the horses compared with placebo. Horses that received GOPO(R) shortened their time to run 1000 metres by over 1 second and were considered to be more lithe after strenuous exercise than the horses that received placebo, which slightly increased their time to run the same distance.

Dr Kaj Winther, who has been extensively involved in much of the Rose-hip research and works at the Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, and one of the investigators involved in the second study believes these two studies, when taken together, support earlier studies indicating that the present rose-hip powder and, in particular, GOPO have anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to the clinical benefits seen in patients.

"We have little doubt that certain rose-hip preparations, and GOPO(R) in particular, have an important role to play in reducing the pain and disability associated with some joint conditions," he said. "The results of these new studies suggest that the primary mechanism of action of rose-hip is to reduce inflammation and protect the joint tissues from damaging substances produced by an over-active immune system."

"We were pleased with the level of interest our new research generated and suspect that more people will be turning to the power of rose-hip for joint pain relief."

References

1. Schwager J, Richard N, Wolfram S. Anti-inflammatory and chondro-protective effects of rose hip powder and its constituent galactolipids GOPO. Poster presentation at the World Congress of Osteoarthritis (OARSI), Rome, 18-21 September 2008.

2. Winther K, Falk-Rønne J, Kharazmi A et al. Does LitoVet, a herbal remedy made from Rosa Canina, act as an anti-inflammatory agent in horses exposed to strenuous exercise - a randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel, double-blinded study on the immune system of horses, their working capacity and behaviour. Poster presentation at the World Congress of Osteoarthritis (OARSI), Rome, 18-21 September 2008.

Notes to Editors:

LitoZinâ Joint Health is available in Boots, Tesco, independent pharmacies and health food stores, and is priced at GBP19.99 for 120 capsules. For more information on LitoZinâ Joint Health, please see http://www.litozin.co.uk

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