# Cistus incanus

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/cistus-incanus
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-02
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Pink rock-rose, Cistus creticus, Cretan rockrose, Mediterranean rock rose, Cistus creticus herba, Rock rose, Labdanum, Crete rockrose

## Overview

Cistus incanus is a Mediterranean shrub rich in polyphenolic compounds, particularly monomeric and oligomeric proanthocyanidins and catechins, which drive its antioxidant and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties. Its primary mechanisms involve [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing and disruption of bacterial cell membrane integrity, with traditional use recognized by the European Medicines Agency for respiratory tract support.

## Health Benefits

• Traditional respiratory support for cough and cold symptoms (Traditional use only - EMA/HMPC assessment)
• In vitro antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria including S. aureus and MRSA (MIC 4 mg/mL) (Laboratory evidence only)
• Potential [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects through suppression of IL-6 and COX-2 mRNA expression (In vitro evidence only)
• Antioxidant pathway activation via Nrf2 nuclear translocation and HO-1 expression upregulation (In vitro evidence only)
• No significant effect on human [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) markers in 3-month supplementation study (MDA and AOPP unchanged)

## Mechanism of Action

The polyphenols in Cistus incanus, including myricetin, kaempferol, and proanthocyanidins, inhibit NF-κB signaling pathways, thereby suppressing downstream [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production including TNF-α and IL-6. Its antibacterial activity against Gram-positive organisms such as S. aureus and MRSA operates through disruption of bacterial lipid membrane integrity and inhibition of cell wall biosynthesis, with reported minimum inhibitory concentrations around 4 mg/mL in vitro. Additional [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects are mediated by direct superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging via the hydroxyl groups on its flavonoid backbone.

## Clinical Summary

The European Medicines Agency's HMPC has granted Cistus incanus a traditional use monograph for symptomatic relief of mild upper respiratory tract irritation, though this designation is based on historical use data rather than controlled clinical trials. Published in vitro studies demonstrate antibacterial activity against S. aureus and MRSA at MIC values of approximately 4 mg/mL, but these findings have not been replicated in adequately powered human randomized controlled trials. One small pilot study examined Cistus incanus extract in the context of influenza-like illness, reporting reduced symptom duration, but the study lacked sufficient sample size and blinding rigor to support definitive conclusions. Overall, the clinical evidence base remains preliminary, and efficacy in humans for infection management or [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) has not been established to regulatory standards.

## Nutritional Profile

Cistus incanus is consumed primarily as an herbal tea/tisane rather than a significant source of macronutrients or micronutrients. Macronutrient contribution from typical tea preparation is negligible (dried leaf/aerial parts yield <1g protein, <0.5g carbohydrates, and trace lipids per standard 2g tea serving). The nutritional significance lies almost entirely in its polyphenolic bioactive fraction. Key bioactive compounds include: (1) Polyphenols at exceptionally high concentrations — total polyphenol content reported at 40–65% dry weight of aerial parts, among the highest recorded for any European medicinal plant; (2) Proanthocyanidins (condensed tannins) — predominant fraction, estimated 15–30% dry weight, primarily catechin and epicatechin oligomers and polymers, responsible for astringency and much of the [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity; (3) Monomeric flavan-3-ols including (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin; (4) Flavonols — kaempferol, quercetin, and myricetin glycosides detected in leaf extracts; (5) Labdane-type diterpenes (labdanolic acid, cistusdiol) concentrated in leaf resin glands; (6) Phenolic acids including gallic acid, ellagic acid, and caffeic acid derivatives; (7) Volatile terpenes including camphene, α-pinene, and borneol in essential oil fraction (<0.1% of dry weight). Mineral content of the whole dried herb includes trace amounts of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron, but these are not nutritionally meaningful at typical herbal tea doses. Bioavailability notes: Proanthocyanidins have limited gastrointestinal absorption due to high molecular weight polymers; monomeric catechins are more bioavailable with estimated intestinal absorption of 20–30%. Tannin content may reduce iron bioavailability from co-consumed foods if taken with meals. Aqueous tea infusion (standard preparation) extracts primarily water-soluble polyphenols and phenolic acids; lipophilic diterpenes are poorly extracted in hot water and remain largely in spent plant material.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied as daily herbal tea infusion following commercial product instructions (exact dosage unspecified, yielding MIC 4 mg/mL infusions). EMA draft monograph recommends comminuted herba as herbal tea (decoction) for oral use without specific quantified dosage ranges. No data available on powder or standardized extract forms. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Cistus incanus is generally considered well tolerated at typical herbal tea or standardized extract doses, with no serious adverse events reported in traditional use literature reviewed by the EMA. Due to its significant polyphenol content, there is a theoretical risk of interaction with iron absorption; it should not be consumed simultaneously with iron supplements or iron-rich meals. No adequately studied drug interactions exist in the clinical literature, but caution is warranted with anticoagulants such as warfarin, as high-dose polyphenols may affect platelet aggregation. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, and use is not recommended in these populations per the EMA traditional use monograph.

## Scientific Research

Clinical evidence is limited to one 3-month human supplementation study showing no significant changes in [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) markers (MDA 15±4.9 vs 15±4.5 μmol/L; AOPP 53±17 vs 54±16 μmol/L). No large-scale RCTs, meta-analyses, or PubMed PMIDs were identified in the available research. Most evidence comes from in vitro studies demonstrating antibacterial and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Cistus creticus herba has traditional use in European Mediterranean herbal medicine systems for treating cough and cold symptoms. This traditional application was formally assessed by EMA/HMPC under Article 16d(1) of Directive 2001/83/EC and finalized on 28/01/2014.

## Synergistic Combinations

Echinacea, Elderberry, Vitamin C, Zinc, Propolis

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Cistus incanus used for?

Cistus incanus is primarily used as a traditional herbal remedy for mild upper respiratory tract irritation, including cough and cold symptoms, a use recognized by the European Medicines Agency's HMPC monograph. It is also being investigated in laboratory settings for antibacterial activity against resistant organisms like MRSA, though human clinical evidence for infection treatment remains insufficient.

### Does Cistus incanus kill bacteria including MRSA?

In vitro laboratory studies have shown Cistus incanus polyphenol extracts inhibit growth of Gram-positive bacteria including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus at minimum inhibitory concentrations of approximately 4 mg/mL. However, these are cell culture findings only, and no published human clinical trials have demonstrated equivalent antibacterial efficacy in vivo, meaning it cannot be recommended as a substitute for established MRSA treatments.

### What are the active compounds in Cistus incanus?

The primary bioactive compounds in Cistus incanus are polyphenols, including proanthocyanidins, catechins, and flavonoids such as myricetin, kaempferol, and quercetin derivatives. These compounds are concentrated in the aerial parts of the plant and are responsible for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities observed in laboratory studies.

### What is the recommended dosage of Cistus incanus?

The EMA traditional use monograph for Cistus incanus typically references dried herbal preparations used as an infusion, with common commercial preparations standardized to polyphenol content ranging from 200 to 500 mg extract per dose taken two to three times daily. No universally established therapeutic dose exists for clinical indications since controlled efficacy trials are lacking, and dosing guidance is primarily derived from traditional use practices.

### Is Cistus incanus safe during pregnancy?

The safety of Cistus incanus during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been evaluated in clinical studies, and the EMA HMPC explicitly states that use cannot be recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to insufficient data. Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid Cistus incanus supplements and consult a healthcare provider before use.

### Does Cistus incanus interact with antibiotics or other medications?

While Cistus incanus demonstrates in vitro antibacterial activity, there is limited clinical evidence regarding potential interactions with prescription antibiotics or other medications. As with any herbal supplement, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before combining Cistus incanus with medications, particularly antimicrobials or anti-inflammatory drugs, to avoid potential additive or antagonistic effects. No major drug interactions have been formally documented in clinical studies to date.

### What is the difference between Cistus incanus tea and extract supplements?

Cistus incanus is available as dried leaf tea, standardized extracts, and tinctures, with extracts typically offering higher polyphenol concentration per dose compared to traditional tea infusions. Tea preparations allow for flexible dosing and hydration, while extracts provide more consistent active compound levels and easier standardization for research purposes. The bioavailability and efficacy between these forms have not been directly compared in clinical trials, so individual preference and tolerance may guide selection.

### Who should avoid Cistus incanus, and are there any special populations that need caution?

Cistus incanus is generally considered safe for most adults, but individuals with polyphenol sensitivity, tannin intolerance, or those taking anticoagulant medications should exercise caution due to the plant's high tannin content. Pediatric and geriatric use lacks substantial clinical safety data, so medical guidance is recommended for these populations. Individuals with estrogen-dependent conditions should consult healthcare providers, as some in vitro evidence suggests mild estrogenic activity.

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