Ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) of the colon is an inflammatory condition that leads to tissue injury where reactive oxygen species play a central role. Rose hip is rich in biologically active polyphenols with antioxidative properties, which may be important in prevention of lipid peroxidation. L. plantarum DSM 9843 possesses enzymatic activity towards polyphenols. The objective of this study was to define the effect of oral administration of L. plantarum and rose hip in I/R injury. Administration of rose hip and L. plantarum significantly decreased MDA levels in caecum tissue and Enterobacteriaceae counts in caecum stool. A positive correlation between MDA levels and Enterobacteriaceae counts was found. The results support a synergistic/additive role of rose hip and L. plantarum in reducing lipid peroxidation. Therefore rose hip and L. plantarum may be used as a pretreatment to tissue injuries, e.g. colonic surgery, organ transplantation and vascular surgery.