Many curse the invasive nature of this tenacious plant, and with good reason, for it can and does indeed spread rapidly and prolifically. However, there are multiflora rose medicinal uses and benefits worth knowing and putting to use.

Rosa multiflora, commonly known as multiflora rose, is a plant species native to Eastern Asia. Known for its aesthetic appeal and adaptable nature, it is often considered a problematic invasive species in various parts of the world.

We have it all around us, especially at the edge of woodlands, pathways and narrow driveways, where the access to sunlight and disrupted fertile soil suits it well. Naturally, with all plants I always ask: “Is it edible and/or medicinal?” And most often the answer is “yes” to both.

Especially when it comes to invasive species. I’m always looking for uses that can term a fiend into a foe!

When it comes to multiflora rose medicinal and edible uses, these are lesser known in North American, though utilized in Asian traditional practices for centuries. This article delves into the scientifically proven benefits of Rosa multiflora in culinary and medicinal contexts as well as the traditional uses.

Discovering the Rosa Multiflora Edible & Medicinal Uses

Multiflora Rose Medicinal Uses & Benefits

The rose hips from the multiflora rose plant, scientifically referred to as Rosae Multiflorae fructus (RMF), are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. Some of the other studies reveal powerful compounds in the R. multiflora roots and bark that are beneficial for the skin.

1. Digestive Health: Traditional use of Rosa multiflora in herbal teas is known for aiding digestion and relieving stomach discomfort.
2. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Studies have shown that the extract from Rosa multiflora hips exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial in treating arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.^[1]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26297845/
3. Antioxidant: The leaves, flowers and rosehips are rich in compounds having antioxidant properties.^[2]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6165473/
4. Osteoporosis^[3]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32190609/
5. Periodontitis^[4]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32190609/
6. Rheumatoid arthritis^[5]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32190609/
7. Skin Health: The astringent qualities of the plant are utilized in skincare. Rosa multiflora extracts are found in various cosmetic products, aiding in skin tightening and toning. Rosa multiflora extract found to be beneficial for:
   • atopic dermatitis^[6]https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/18/6/1137
   • sun damaged skin^[7]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10758878/^[8]https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/18/6/1137
   • moisturizer
   • collagen enhancer
8. Vitamins A, C & E, plus flavonoids as active compounds
   • High in Vitamin C Source: Rose hips are exceptionally high in vitamin C, making them a valuable resource in preventing and treating colds, flu, and vitamin C deficiencies.

Traditionally in Eastern Asia, these rosehips have been used to treat inflammation-related diseases like arthritis due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.^[9]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6165473/^[10]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32190609/

Uses for Multiflora Rose Leaves, Flowers, and Fruit

This homely weed plant has many amazing proven benefits worth knowing.^[11]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6165473/

LEAVES: Multiflora Rose Leaves Uses

Edible Uses of Multiflora Rose Leaves

On my daily walks, I always pluck a sprig or two of multiflora rose leaves to nibble on year round.

• Culinary: The leaves of Multiflora Rose are edible, especially when they are young and before they develop thorns on the underside, although you can easily snip off the thorny base. The leaves can be a unique addition to salads and other dishes, and sprinkled on top of just about any food, similar to how you would use microgreens.
  See healthiest microgreens to grow.
• Teas: Both the flower petals and leaves of the Multiflora Rose can be prepared for use in teas. These teas can offer a range of health benefits and are a traditional way to enjoy the flavors of the plant.
• Survival Food: These are even a potential survival food because the leaves remain green even through the winter. Though growth will be more sparse, the leaves are green and viable, with fresh leaves growing even with winter temperature down in the teens in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a.

The leaves of the Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) offer several uses, particularly in the realm of culinary and health benefits. Here are some of the ways these leaves can be utilized:

Medicinal Uses of Multiflora Rose Leaves

• Known for their antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.
• Possess anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial in reducing inflammation.

Similar to rose hips, the leaves of the Rosa multiflora are also rich in vitamin C. This makes them not only nutritious but also potentially beneficial for boosting the immune system and for general health.

FLOWERS: Multiflora Rose Flowers Uses

Edible Uses of Multiflora Rose Petals

The R. multiflora petals are edible and often used in salads, desserts, and as garnishes, imparting a subtle, floral flavor.

• Desserts
• Jams
• Salads
• Garnish

Medicinal Uses of Rosa Multiflora Flowers

• Antibacterial effects, useful in combating bacterial infections.
• Astringent qualities, making them effective in skin and oral care.
• Serve as a tonic, promoting overall health and well-being.
• Also noted for their antioxidant effects, similar to the leaves.

FRUITS: Uses for Multiflora Rose hips

Edible Uses of Rosa Multiflora Rosehips

Commonly consumed fresh or used in various preparations, including:

• herbal tea
• jam
• jelly
• syrup
• wine

Medicinal Uses of Rosa Multiflora Rosehips

Traditionally utilized for their wide range of biological activities, including:

• Immunomodulatory effects, helping to regulate the immune system.
• Antioxidant properties, aiding in cellular protection.
• Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic benefits, alleviating joint pain and inflammation.
• Analgesic effects, providing relief from pain.
• Anti-diabetic properties, potentially aiding in blood sugar regulation.
• Cardioprotective qualities, contributing to heart health.
• Antimicrobial actions, effective against various microorganisms.
• Gastroprotective effects, supporting digestive health.
• Skin ameliorative properties, improving skin health and appearance.

NOTE: That image above is from Lean6Life.com where you will also find very helpful information on look-alike red berries to avoid, such as Amur honeysuckle berries (Lonicera maackii), and oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus).

The Role of Multiflora Rose Hips and Osteoporosis, Periodontitis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis

The specific effects of multiflora rose rose hips on osteoclasts were not as well known or understood. Osteoclasts are specialized cells that break down bone, and they are crucial in conditions where bone breakdown becomes excessive, such as in osteoporosis.

The Role of Osteoclasts

To clarify, osteoclasts are essential for normal bone maintenance as they help in bone remodeling by breaking down old or damaged bone. However, when they become overactive, as in certain diseases, they cause more harm than good by excessively breaking down bone, leading to conditions like osteoporosis.

One study investigated the impact of Rosa multiflora rosehips on osteoclasts. The findings were significant in that the rosehips effectively inhibited the formation and activity of osteoclasts.

This is particularly beneficial in conditions where osteoclasts are overactive and causing harm, such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and periodontitis. Thus, these rosehips could potentially be a natural way to counteract the excessive bone breakdown in these diseases.

Here’s a nutrient chart for Rosa multiflora rosehips.

Rosa Multiflora Rose Hips Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount (Unit)	% US RDA
Protein (from Nitrogen)	1.6 g	3.2%
Total lipid (fat)	0.34 g	0.5%
Carbohydrate	38.2 g	12.7%
Fiber, total dietary	24.1 g	80.4%
Calcium, Ca	169 mg	16.9%
Iron, Fe	1.06 mg	5.9%
Magnesium, Mg	69 mg	17.3%
Phosphorus, P	61 mg	8.7%
Potassium, K	429 mg	9.1%
Vitamin C	426 mg	473.0%
Vitamin A, RAE	217 µg	24.1%
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)	5.84 mg	38.9%
Vitamin K (phylloquinone)	25.9 µg	2.9%

High Nutrient Content in Rosehips

All rose hips are renowned as rich sources of vitamin C. Rosa multiflora rosehips are rich in certain nutrients:

1. Vitamin C: With an astounding 426 mg per serving, rosehips provide an impressive 473% of the US RDA for Vitamin C. This makes them an excellent source for boosting immunity and skin health.
2. Fiber: At 24.1 g, rosehips offer a significant amount of dietary fiber, covering 80.4% of the US RDA. Fiber is essential for digestive health and can aid in weight management.
3. Vitamin E: Providing 38.9% of the US RDA, Vitamin E in rosehips is key for maintaining healthy skin and eyes, as well as strengthening the body’s natural defense against illness.
4. Vitamin A, RAE: Rosehips provides 24% of the vitamin A RDA.

What is the RAE in Vitamin A?

“RAE” stands for “Retinol Activity Equivalents.” It is a measurement used to express the vitamin A activity of different forms of vitamin A in a way that accounts for their varying potencies. Vitamin A occurs in various forms in food, including retinol (the active form of vitamin A in animal foods) and provitamin A carotenoids like beta-carotene (found in plant foods).

The concept of RAE is important because not all forms of vitamin A have the same activity or effectiveness in the body. For example, it takes more beta-carotene from plant sources to achieve the same vitamin A activity as a smaller amount of retinol from animal sources.

The RAE unit helps to standardize the vitamin A content of foods, supplements, and requirements, allowing for a more accurate and meaningful comparison of vitamin A levels regardless of the source. This is particularly useful in dietary assessments and when setting dietary recommendations.

Benefits of the Key Nutrients Multiflora Rose

• Vitamin C:
  • Enhances immune system function.
  • Promotes healthy skin and collagen formation.
  • Acts as a powerful antioxidant.
• Dietary Fiber:
  • Supports digestive health.
  • Helps in regulating blood sugar levels.
  • Aids in achieving a healthy weight.
• Vitamin E:
  • Contributes to skin and eye health.
  • Protects cells from oxidative stress.
  • Supports immune function. ​
• Vitamin A, RAE:
  • Essential for maintaining good vision and eye health.
  • Enhances immune system function, aiding in resistance to infections.
  • Supports skin health through cell growth and repair.
  • Vital for reproductive health and proper fetal development.
  • Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.

However, You May not Want to Plant R. Multiflora!

BE CAUTIOUS: While Rosa multiflora offers various health benefits, it can be invasive, and its uncontrolled spread can disrupt local ecosystems, so you may not want to plant it. However, if—like us—you find it growing around you, you will now know some of the benefits of making good use of it.

BE CAREFUL: Be careful though. It’s always important to properly identification plants before use. As with any herbal remedy, individuals should consult healthcare professionals before using Rosa multiflora for medicinal purposes, especially those with existing health conditions or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

You may also be interested in the Rugosa Rose and also the Knockout Roses. While the Rugosa rose is also tends to grow rapidly and takeover the areas wherever it is planted, it produces one of the largest rosehips. And the Knockout rose blooms prolifically and the petals, leaves and rosehips are useful.