WO2016173995A1

WO2016173995A1 - Rose hip product comprising rose hip seeds

Info

Publication number: WO2016173995A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/059203
Authority: WO
Inventors: Otto Torbjørn HANSEN; Marianne Hansen
Original assignee: Hyben Vital Licens Aps
Priority date: 2015-04-28
Filing date: 2016-04-25
Publication date: 2016-11-03

Abstract

A method of preparing a rose hip product from rose hip fruits, said method comprising: drying the rose hip fruits to a water content of below 10%, optionally, separating the dried fruits into flesh and seeds, preparing a mixture containing more than 10% and up to 100% seeds, grinding the prepared mixture to provide the rose hip product comprising a particle size of less than 1.0 mm.

Description

ROSE HIP PRODUCT COMPRISING ROSE HIP SEEDS

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to rose hip products comprising rose hip seeds and a method for preparing said rose hip product. In particular the present invention relates to rose hip products comprising rose hip seeds which show beneficial effect against aging of a mammal.

Background of the invention

Even the fruit of the rose hip, e.g. dog rose (Rosa Canina L- Rosaceae), has been used for medical purposes for centuries new beneficial effects of the fruit or part of the fruit are of interest.

Rose hip fruits contain flesh, seeds, flower and stem and weighs approximately 1.25-3.25 g. Approximately, 70% (by weight) of the rose hip fruit is flesh/pericarp, while

approximately 30% is seeds, and a small part is flower and stem.

Rose hips were previously and are still mostly consumed as tea produced from the dried flesh, and was previously especially used against common cold. In the last 2 decades rose hip products have also been suggested as an herbal remedy to treat or alleviate arthritic symptoms and other inflammatory diseases and/or symptoms and other

diseases/symptoms, e.g. obesity.

Various rose hip formulations are known and have shown different levels of antiinflammatory effects. For example, in US 6,024,960, a rose hip formulation based on the shells of rose hips for use as an anti-inflammatory natural medicine is described. The daily dose is 20-200 g of the rose hip powder, and preferably about 45 g rose hip powder.

In EP 1 337 263 it was shown that a daily administration of a rose hip concentrate based on the shells of rose hips and fish oil may be used to treat and/or alleviate the symptoms associated with joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, especially joint pain and joint stiffness.

In WO 2011/113433 a formulation enriched with rose hip seeds for reducing and/or alleviating symptoms of inflammatory diseases was described. The method described for preparing the rose hip seeds involves separating the rose hip seeds from the flesh prior to or after drying. Drying is preferably performed at a temperature below 50 °C. The rose hip seeds are then ground into a powder and mixed with a rose hip composition in order to provide a product enriched with Rose hips seeds containing between 50%-85%, (by weight) of rose hip seeds. The formulation is described useful in the prophylaxis, treatment or alleviation of symptoms related to inflammatory diseases, in particular joint diseases, such as arthritis rheumatoid arthritis and/or osteoarthritis. In view of the compositions descri bed in the prior art and the indications described for the rose hip products, there are still a need for new rose hip products that may further improve the already described inflammatory effects, and rose hip products being effective against new indications and conditions. Hence, new and/or improved rose hip products would be advantageous, and in particular a more efficient and/or reliable rose hip products would be advantageous and rose hip products effective against new indications and conditions would be advantageous too.

Summary of the invention

Thus, an object of the present invention relates to a rose hip product comprising rose hip seeds which show beneficial effect against aging of a mammal.

Thus, one aspect of the invention relates to a rose hip product comprising more than 85% rose hip seeds.

Another aspect of the present i nvention relates to a rose hip product for treating, alleviating the symptoms of or prophylaxis of an inflammatory condition in a mammal comprising an effective amount of arose hip product comprising more than 85% rose hip seeds.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a rose hip product for treating or alleviating the symptoms of or prophylaxis of aging in a mammal, comprising up to 100% rose hip seeds.

Still another aspect of the present i nvention is to provide a method of preparing a rose hip product from rose hip fruits, said method comprising :

- dryi ng the rose hip fruits to a water content of below 10%, - optionally, separating the dried fruits into flesh and seeds,

- preparing a mixture containing up to 100% seeds,

- grinding the prepared mixture to provide the rose hip product comprising a particle size of less than 1.0 mm.

An even further aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the rose hip product according to the present invention in a food product, feed product or in a beverage; as well as to the food product, the feed product or the beverage as such. Brief description of the figures

Figure la shows the Visioscan index when determining the mean depth of crow's feet wrinkles of subjects in the Rose-hip powder group. Figure lb shows the Visioscan index when determining the mean depth of crow's feet wrinkles of subjects in the Astaxanthin group.

Figure 2a shows Corneometer units when determining the moisture content of the forehead of subjects in Rose-hip powder group.

Figure 2b shows Corneometer units when determining the moisture content of the forehead of subjects in Astaxanthin group.

Figure 3a shows the results from determining the skin elasticity of right cheek in subjects from the Rose-hip powder group.

Figure 3b shows the results from determining the skin elasticity of right cheek in subjects from the Astaxanthin group. The present invention will now be described in more detail in the following. Detailed description of the invention

To stay young, live a healthy life and to improve quality of life, longevity and stability of cell membranes both in the skin, and inside the body protecting the organs, e.g. protecting lever cells from degrading may be essential to aging. The aging process may be influenced by different factors various places in the mammal body. Aging may be split into two groups, the outside agning and the inside aging. The outside aging may be clear visual aging which may be apparent from wrinkles, skin moisture and/or skin elasticity, whereas inside aging may be aging of the interior mammal body happening inside the mammal body. Inside aging of the mammal body may be caused by stress of one of more organs inside the mammal body, preferably, stressed lever tissue.

An aspect of the present invention relates to a rose hip product for treating or alleviating the symptoms of or prophylaxis of aging in a mammal, comprising more than 10% and up to 100% of rose hip seeds or derivatives thereof (e.g. rose hip seed oil).

In the present context, the term "aging" relates to the outside aging with clear visual aging visible from the outside of the mammal and to inside aging demonstrating stress of one or more organs inside the mammal body.

In an embodiment of the present invention aging may be selected from the group consisting of stressed interior organ tissue, collagen degradation (i.e. by reduced MMP-1 activity or expression) and cholesterol metabolism in a mammal.

In an embodiment of the present invention, stress of one of more organs inside the mammal body, preferably stressed lever tissue, may be caused by age, genetic, illness, misuse, or exposure (overexposure) to harmful substances. Stressed lever tissue may be misused or ( overexposed to alcohol, drugs, bacteria, virus, which may stress and/or damage the lever tissue.

In the present context, the terms "interior organ tissue" and "organs inside the mammal body" may be used interchangeably. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the rose hip product according to the present invention may protect the lever tissue from stress. The stressed lever tissue may be a damaged lever tissue. Preferably, the rose hip product according to the present invention may protect the lever tissue from being damaged. In a further embodiment of the present invention the rose hip product according to the present invention may reduce wrinkles, increase skin moisture and/or increase skin elasticity. An embodiment of the present invention relates to a rose hip product for treating or alleviating the symptoms of or prophylaxis of aging in a mammal, comprising up to 100% rose hi p seeds or derivatives thereof (e.g. rose hip seed oil), e.g. more than 10%, such as more than 15%, e.g . at least 25%, such as more than 30%, e.g. more than 35%, such as more than 40%, e.g. more than 45%, such as more than 50%, e.g. more than 55%, such as more than 60%, e.g . more than 65%, such as more than 70%, e.g. more than 75%, such as more than 80%, e.g. more than 85%, such as more than 90%, e.g . more than 95%, such as more than 98%, e.g. more than 99%, such as 100%. Aging may relate to outside aging or inside aging. Inside aging relates to stressed interior organs, such as stressed lever tissue, collagen degradation (i.e. by reduced MMP-1 activity or expression), and/or cholesterol metabolism in a mammal . Outside aging relates to wrinkles, decreased skin moisture and/or decreased skin elasticity.

The aging process may relate to cell longevity, cell senescence, skin wrinkling, skin moisture and or skin elasticity.

The stressed interior organ tissue may relate to stress and/or damage of e.g. lever tissue.

Rose hip fruits are the fruits from the rose plant. The water content in fresh rose hip fruits may be up to 70% and is usually between 50 and 70%. Besides water, the rose hip fruits also contain flesh and seeds (as well as flower and possibly stem).

An aspect of the present invention relates to a rose hip product comprising more than 85% hose hip seeds.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the rose hip product comprising more than 85% rose hip seeds, such as more than 90%, e.g. more than 95%, such as more than 98%, e.g. more than 99%, such as 100%. The remaining of the rose hip product may be at most 15% flesh, such as at most 10% flesh, e.g. at most 5% flesh, such as at most 3% flesh, e.g. at most 1% flesh,, however, the rose hip product may also comprise small amount of other components like vitamins minerals and the like. The rose hip products according to the present invention may preferably be obtai ned from wild type rose bushes, preferably the rose hip seeds are obtained from rose hips of plants selected from the group consisti ng of Rosa canina, Rosa gallica, Rosa condita, Rosa rugosa, Rosa hugonis, Rosa nitida, Rosa pendulina, Rosa pimpinellifolia, and Rosa sericea. Preferably, the rose hip seeds are obtained from rose hi p plants selected from the group consisting of Rosa canina, Rosa Canina L and Rosa Canina L (Lito).

In an embodiment of the present invention the seeds in the product are concentrated, preferably strongly concentrated, which has turned out to provide a surprisingly good effect.

The rose hip product according to the present invention may also provide an effect towards loss of fat tissue. Actually it is believed that the rose hip product provides a conversion of fat tissue into muscle tissue. In this respect it is assumed that it is the trans-tiliroside content in the rose hips that primarily provides the fat-converting effect by converting it into muscle tissue. The trans-tiliroside content in the rose hips is primarily found in seeds and it is therefore assumed that the surprisingly good effect of the product according to the invention is due to the product's high content of rose hip seeds. In most rose hip products, the aim is to reduce the seed content as it has been preferred to primarily use the active ingredients present in the flesh and therefore in some cases dispose of the seeds.

Since trans-tiliroside is typically found i n the dry ingredients of the rose hip seeds, it may be advantageous to reduce the oil content in the seeds in order to concentrate the trans- tiliroside and optionally other i ngredients in the seeds.

The rose hip product according to the invention thus comprises embodiments where the rose hip seeds have a content of rose hip seed oil of no more than 8%, and preferably no more than 5%, e.g. less than 4% rose hip seed oil, such as less than 3% rose hip seed oil, e.g. less than 2% rose hip seed oil. It is also possible to specify embodiments where the content of rose hip seed oil is approx. 2-4% or 3-4%. The content of rose hip seed oil can be reduced by e.g. pressing the rose hip seeds. In an embodiment the method of preparing a rose hip product accordi ng to the present invention from rose hip fruits comprises:

- drying the rose hip fruits to a water content of below 10%,

- optionally, separating the dried fruits into flesh and seeds,

- preparing a mixture containing more than 10% and up to 100% seeds,

After the rose hip fruits are harvested, the hi ps may be frozen for storage until being further processed. Hence, the method of the present invention may comprise the further step of freezing the seeds or the mixture. Preferably, the mixture or the seeds are frozen for at least 24 hours.

The fresh or frozen rose hips may be chopped into pieces before further processing. In any event, the next step may be to dry the chopped Rose hips. In an embodiment of the present invention the rose hip fruits are dried below 50 °C to a water content of below 10%, preferably below 5% by weight. It is essential that the drying is conducted in a manner which preserves any of the vitamins and active ingredients present in the rose hip flesh and rose hip seeds and possibly the content of any presently unknown active compounds present in the rose hips.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, drying is conducted at a temperature below 50°C, preferably below 40 °C, with air and avoiding sunlight. It may be beneficial to utilize low pressure as well as low temperature to facilitate drying.

The dried, chopped rose hips may, optionally, pass through a separation step to separate the nuts/seeds and the dried flesh into two fractions while removing hairs, and other extraneous matter that may have accompanied the rose hips duri ng harvesting .

Alternatively, the seeds may be separated from the flesh prior to the drying step, while removing hairs and other extraneous matter may be performed simultaneously with separation the step or, alternatively, after drying. For example, the rose hip seeds can be separated from the flesh while the chopped rose hips are frozen. When the Rose hips are frozen they act similarly to dried rose hi p seeds and the rose hips are easily separated from the flesh, e.g . by sifti ng.

The frozen rose hips may, alternatively, be subjected to a gentle wet grinding step, in which the rose hip flesh is thawed and crushed during grinding, following which a mixture of rose hip seeds, hairs and semi liquid pulp of the flesh is produced. The seeds, including the hairs, can be easily removed from the pulp by sifting and the hairs may be removed from the seeds after drying of the rose hip seeds e.g. by suction. It is advantageous to separate the rose hip seeds from the flesh prior to the drying step, since the flesh contains more water than the rose hips and thus requires a prolonged drying. Separating the flesh from the seeds prior to drying shortens the drying time for the rose hip seeds

substantially, leading to a more gentle and uniform drying treatment of the rose hi p seeds and a reduced energy consumption.

In an embodiment of the present invention the method may further comprise the step of pressi ng the mixture in order to extract rose hip seed oil The dried rose hip seeds are then crushed in a grindi ng mill. A powder or granular material may be obtained having a particle size of below 1 mm. It is preferred that the rose hip seeds have been ground to a partide size of below 0.5 mm, preferably below 0.2 mm, particularly between 0.1 and 0.2 mm. The particle size is the average diameter of the partides. For ease in illustration, the term "powder" will be used to cover the full spectrum of the dried rose hip seeds i n whatever solid form it takes. It will be understood, of course, that the powder may be presented and used as a suspension.

In an embodiment of the present invention the rose hip may be in the form of a powder. Preferably, powder may be pelletized or incorporated i nto capsules, tablets, caplets, lozenges, a suspension or an extract.

The powder and the pellets, capsules, tablets, caplets, lozenges, suspensions or extracts may comprise a physiologically acceptable carrier for formulation into unit dosages.

Alternative methods for providing a rose hip product, form and dosages according to the present invention may be described in EP 1 071 439, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In an embodiment of the present invention a rose hi p product is provided for treating or alleviating the symptoms of or prophylaxis of an inflammatory condition in a mammal using a product accordi ng to the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rose hip product for treating or alleviating the symptoms of or prophylaxis of an inflammatory condition in a mammal may comprise more than 85% rose hip seeds, such as more than 90%, e.g. more than 95%, such as more than 98%, e.g. more than 99%, such as 100%.

In the present context the term "mammal" relates to both humans and animals. In an embodi ment of the present invention the animal is a pet, preferably selected from the group consisting of horse, dog, cat, hamster, birds and reptiles.

In an embodiment of the present invention the unit dosage may be presented in the form of a powder, preferably a powder incorporated into capsules, tablets, caplets, lozenges, a suspension an extract.

In a further embodiment of the present invention the composition may be in the form of a daily dose applicable for acute administration of about 0.015-0.57 g/kg bodyweight preferably 0.07-0.285 g/kg bodyweight and most preferred 0.115-0.171 g/kg bodyweight in unitary or multiple doses. Preferably, the daily dose for acute admi nistration to humans may be 1-40 g, preferably 5-20 g and more preferred 8-12 g rose hip seeds in daily unitary or multiple doses. In yet an embodiment of the present invention the composition may be in the form of a daily dose applicable for prophylactic admi nistration of about 0.015-0.07 g/kg bodyweight preferably 0.015-0.05 g/kg bodyweight and most preferred 0.021-0.036 g/kg bodyweight in unitary or multiple doses. Preferably, the daily dose for prophylactic administration to humans is therefore 1-5 g, preferably 1-3.5 g and more preferred 1.5-2.5 g of rose hip seeds i n daily unitary or multiple doses.

In order to further improve the effect of the rose hip product according to the present i nvention the acute administration and/or the prophylactic administration should be conti nued for at least 5 days, such as at least 10 days, e.g. at least 15 days, such as at least 20 days.

In an embodiment of the present invention the effect of the rose hip product should be achieved in less than 60 days of acute admi nistration and/or the prophylactic

administration of the rose hip product, such as in less than 50 days, e.g. in less than 40 days, such as in less than 30 days, e.g. in less than 25 days. Hence, the effect of the rose hip product should be achieved i n 5-60 days of acute administration and/or the prophylactic administration of the rose hip product, such as in 10-50 days, e.g. in 15-40 days, such as in 20-30 days. In an embodiment of the present invention the rose hip product according to the present invention, the rose hip product for treating, alleviating the symptoms of or prophylaxis of an inflammatory condition in a mammal according to the present invention, or the rose hip product for treating or alleviating the symptoms of or prophylaxis of aging in a mammal according to the present invention, does not comprise one or more of chicory (Cichorium intybus), pancy (Viola avensis), milk thistle (Siiybum marianum) or honey.

The rose hip material accordi ng to the present invention may form part of a food stuff product, a feed product or a beverage. It should be noted that embodiments and features descri bed in the context of one of the aspects of the present i nvention also apply to the other aspects of the i nvention.

All patent and non-patent references cited i n the present application, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. The invention will now be described in further details in the following non-limiting examples.

Examples

Example 1

200 kg of rose hip fruits from the rose hip plant rosa canina was finely divided and dried by way of air flow at a temperature of approx. 40°C.

Subsequent to drying, approx. 98 kg of dried rose hip fruits with a water content of approx. 5% had been obtained. The dried rose hip fruits were separated into a flesh portion and a seed portion.

The seed portion which almost exclusively consisted of seeds, but with traces of flesh and the like (e.g. flower and stem), were stored for a week in storage at about 16°C. The seed mixture was then frozen for approx. 48 hours and then thawed for approx. 24 hours before the seed mixture was pressed and yielded rose hip oil until the remaining content of rose hip oil was approx. 4%. The seed mixture was then ground to a particle size of between approx. 0.1 and 0.3 mm and packaged.

Experimental_, esults

In a scientific trial involving five women and four men with an average age of 56.8 years, 20g of rose hip seed powder prepared according to the invention was given for oral administration twice daily.

The registered data from the beginning of the trial and 3 months into the trial, respectively, are shown in the table below: Analysis Start 3 months

C P (mg/l 11.45 (1-29) 4.33 (1-10)

ALAT /U/l 32.56 (17-81) 25.70 (12-54)

LDH (U/l 182.00 (138-217) 189.00 (142-228)

Cholesterol (mmol/l) 5.15 (3.7 -6.6) 5.25 (3.6-6.8)

HDL Cholesterol (mmol/l) 1.41 (1.10-1.70) 1.65 (1.18-2.25)

LDL Cholesterol mmol/l 3.02 (2.10-4.30) 2.85 (1.60-4.30)

Triglyceride (mmol/l) 1.74 (0.87-2.61) 1.58 (0.72-2.57)

HgAlc (<48 mmol/mol) 36.82 (26.00-47.00) 36.87 (29.00-45.00)

Glucose (mmol/l) 6.36 (4.60-7.00) 6.26 (5.50-7.40)

Weight (kg) 88.36 (53-135) 86.60 (54-130)

It is clear from the table that the content of the inflammatory marker CRP has dropped significantly by 37% and thus that the seeds in the rose hip product has anti-inflammatory properties.

It is furthermore clear that the liver parameter ALAT has dropped by 21%. This shows that administration of rose hip seed powder results in a certain protection of the liver cells.

Finally, it is clear that cholesterol (HDL) shows an increase of 17%, just as a minor weight loss was detected where it is assumed that the fat tissue has been converted into muscle tissue as the test persons have detected reduced fat on particularly the stomach and under the chin.

The objective of the present example is to evaluate the effects of Rose-hip powder according to the present invention containing seeds and shells on the aging process, looking at cell senescence, skin wrinkling (crow's feet wrinkles), skin elasticity and skin moisture as compared to what was observed for patients treated for 8 weeks with astaxanthin, a well-known anti-wrinkle remedy.

In a double-blinded study the effect of Rose-hip on skin wrinkles in 34 subjects recruited from healthy male and female volunteers with mean age 44.5 years, range 35-65, who appeared to have crow's feet or well defined wrinkles of the face. Volunteers on botulinum toxin, collagen or fillers injection within 12 months before the study were also excluded. Furthermore, volunteers using facial products containing hydroquinone, steroids, or other creams to reduce wrinkles on the face or took vitamin supplements of various kinds within the period of less than 4 weeks prior to the study were also left out.

Capsules containing either 500 mg of FDA approved dietary supplement - Rose-hip powder (Trade Name : Hi-flex® Rose-hip powder) with seeds and shells produced under a method similar to the patented methodology in EP 1 071 439, without separation of seeds and flesh resulting in a rose hip product comprising approximately 50% rose hip seeds, OR Astaxanthin in capsule (Trade Name : Astawell®) containing Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae and rice bran oil (each capsule contained 2 mg of astaxanthin), was delivered to the study subjects in capsules of identical appearance and size.

The mean depth of crow'a feet wrinkles of the rose hip powder group and the astaxanthin group were determined by Visioscan index. The moisture content was determined by Corneometer units. Skin elasticity were determi ned on the right cheek of the subjects of each group.

Results

Rose hip powder group: Wri nkles, moisture content and elasticity.

Figures la, 2a and 3a shows changes of wri nkles, skin moisture, and elasticity evaluated at the 4th and 8th week of subjects from the rose hip powder group compari ng to the baseline initial values.

The results show a significant improvement on mean depth of crow's feet wrinkles at the 8th week (p = 0.034) (Fig. la). The moisture content of forehead area also showed significant changes at the 8th week (p = 0.003) (Fig. 2a) and the elasticity of right cheek area was observed as having significant improvement at the 8th week (p = 0.039) (Fig . 3a).

Astaxanthin group : Wrinkles, moisture content & elasticity.

Figures lb, 2b and 3b shows changes of wrinkles, skin moisture, and elasticity eval uated at the 4th and 8th week of subjects from the astaxanthin group compared to the baseline initial values.

Significant improvement on mean depth of crow's feet wrinkles were observed at both the 4th week (p = 0.009) and 8th week (p = 0.003) (Fig. l b). Moisture content of forehead area also showed significant differences at the 8th week (p <0.001) (Fig.2b), and the elasticity of right cheek area significantly improved at the 8th week (p = 0.014) (Fig. 3b). Conclusion

Compari ng the two groups (the rose hip powder group and the astaxanthin group), before treatment and after four and eight weeks of treatment, respectively, did not reveal any significant difference. The conclusion being, that rose hip powder showed to be as effective as astaxanthin on wrinkles, skin moisture and skin elasticity.

Example 3

The objective of this example is to evaluate the effects of Rose-hip powder accordi ng to the present invention containing seeds and shells on the aging process, looking at cell longevity.

For the study of the effect of Rose-hip on red blood cell longevity, 18 healthy volunteers represented by both sexes, mean age 47 years, (range 30 to 59 years) were included in the study. The volunteers were free from any known diseases and were not on vitamin or food supplementations for at least 3 month before enteri ng the study. They were also asked to refrain from taking any other vitamin supplementation during the enti re study period that was 28 days of treatment, followed by 5 weeks of follow-up. The volunteers were administered a daily dosage of 45 gram Hyben-Vital, Rose-hip powder, containing an eq ual amount of seeds and shells. Six controls, who were not receiving treatment, were included to serve as controls during the same time period.

For the study of the effects on cell longevity, Rose-hip powder containing approximately 50% rose hip seeds and shells was delivered by Hyben-Vital International, Langeland, Denmark directly to the study subjects. The product was dried usi ng a method similar to the patented methodology (EP 1 071 439), without separation of seeds and flesh and delivered in plastic bottles each containi ng 250 gram of powder.

Effect of the Rose-hip powder on cell longevity, was eval uated as the leak of hemoglobin from red cells drawn from volunteers previously treated with Rose-hip for four weeks. 17 volunteers completed the study.

The results showed a significant decline i n the leak of haemoglobin from red cells as a result of treatment with rose hip powder and when evaluated over time.

This was also evident after a stress test performed after 11 days and also when testing after the red cells had been stored in the blood bank for 5 weeks, p < 0.005 and p< 0.0013, respectively. The test results were confirmed when a similar pattern was observed, which was also statistical significant, when values were evaluated as haemolytical index, on an alternative equipment.

After treatment for a period of 21 days a significant change occurred in the stress test, whereas the leak of haemoglobin was significantly lowered after 14 days of treatment when testing cells stored for 5 weeks. No change was observed in the control group of the test.

Conclusions

The example shown demonstrate a dear stabilizing effects of the Rose-hip preparation on stored red blood cells may contribute to its positive effects in improving cell longevity and counteracting ageing of the skin

References

US 6,024,960 EP 1 337 263 WO 2011/113433 EP 1 071 439

Claims

1. A rose hip product comprising more than 85% rose hip seeds.

2. The product according to claim 1, wherein the product comprises less than 8% rose hip seed oil, such as less than 5% rose hip seed oil, e.g. less than 4% rose hip seed oil, such as less than 3% rose hip seed oil, e.g. less than 2% rose hip seed oil.

3. A rose hip product for treating, alleviating the symptoms of or prophylaxis of an inflammatory condition in a mammal comprising an effective amount of the rose hip product according to anyone of claims 1-2.

4. A rose hip product for treating or alleviating the symptoms of or prophylaxis of aging in a mammal, comprising more than 10% and up to 100% of rose hip seeds or derivatives thereof (e.g. rose hip seed oil).

5. The rose hip product according to claim 4, wherein aging is selected from the group consisting of stressed interior organ tissue, collagen degradation (i .e. by reduced MMP-1 activity or expression) and cholesterol metabolism in a mammal.

6. A method of preparing a rose hip product from rose hip fruits, said method comprising :

- drying the rose hip fruits to a water content of below 10%,

- optionally, separating the dried fruits into flesh and seeds,

- preparing a mixture containing more than 10% seeds and up to 100% seeds,

7. A method according to claim 6, said method comprising the further step of pressing the mixture in order to extract rose hip seed oil.

8. A method according to any of the claims 6 to 7, where the rose hip fruits are dried below 50 °C to a water content of below 10%, preferably below 5%.

9. A method according to any of the claims 6 to 8, said method comprising the further step of freezing the seeds or the mixture.

10. Use of the rose hip product according to anyone of claims 1-2 in a food product, feed product or in a beverage.