Let's look inside: GOPO Joint Health

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• What is GOPO?

GOPO is a galactolipid compound derived from specially cultivated rose-hip (Rosa canina), found in GOPO Joint Health. GOPO Joint Health is the only product of its kind to contain a uniquely high level of the galactolipid, GOPO.

• What are the benefits and how does it work?

Laboratory studies have demonstrated that GOPO can 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.ⁱ

Extensive studies involving over 400 patients with chronic pain conditions, such as osteoarthritis, have shown that GOPO produces significant and consistent pain relief and improved joint function. In one study, eight out of 10 patients reported a significant reduction in pain after just three weeks of GOPO.ⁱⁱ

• Can you tell us about the caregivers’ survey?

Unpaid carers play a vital role in our economy, communities, and the lives of those they support. However, our research reveals that many neglect their own health:

• Over half (54 per cent) of caregivers reported weekly back, joint or muscle painⁱⁱⁱ
• One in five (19 per cent) experience daily stress or anxietyⁱⁱⁱ
• Almost half (47 per cent) frequently endure persistent aches, stiffness or pain that lingers long after caregiving tasksⁱ
• One third (32 per cent) rely heavily on pain medication to cope with the physical demands of caregiving.ⁱ

With one in 10 (11 per cent) caregivers concerned that their declining physical health will affect their ability to provide care within the next five to 10 years,ⁱ it’s never been more important for pharmacies to promote practices which improve the health and well-being of caregivers.

In fact, pharmacy teams have a key opportunity to step in and provide support by initiating conversations about caregivers’ well-being. By assessing their physical and mental health needs, they can offer guidance and practical advice, helping them manage the demands of caregiving more effectively.

• Where can pharmacy teams find out more?

For more information visit the GOPO® website: gopo.co.uk.

References

i. Schwager J, Richard N, Wolfram S. Anti-inflammatory and chondro-protective effects of rosehip powder and its constituent galactolipids GOPO Poster presentation at the World Congress of Osteoarthritis (OARSI) 2008

ii. Winther, K et al. “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 vol. 34,4 (2005)

iii. GOPO® Joint Health survey on 1,001 caregivers in the UK. January 2025.