# Damask Rose (Rosa damascena) **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/damask-rose **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-20 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Middle Eastern **Also Known As:** Rosa damascena, Damask Rose, Rose of Castile, Bulgarian Rose, Gole Mohammadi, Wardh, Rosa de Damasco, Turkish Rose ## Overview Damask rose (Rosa damascena) contains bioactive compounds including citronellol, geraniol, and phenolic acids that may influence [neurotransmitter](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) systems. Preliminary research suggests potential mood-supporting and sleep-promoting effects, though human clinical evidence remains limited. ## Health Benefits • Potential antidepressant effects (evidence from animal/in vitro studies only) • Possible anticonvulsant activity (evidence from animal/in vitro studies only) • May support sleep as a hypnotic agent (evidence from animal/in vitro studies only) • Traditional use for digestive issues (historical evidence only) • Traditional use as a cardiac tonic (historical evidence only) ## Mechanism of Action Damask rose's volatile oils, particularly citronellol and geraniol, may modulate GABA receptors and influence [serotonin](/ingredients/condition/mood) pathways in the central nervous system. The phenolic compounds, including gallic acid and quercetin, demonstrate [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) that may protect neural tissue. These mechanisms could explain the observed sedative and mood-regulating effects in animal studies. ## Clinical Summary Current research on damask rose is limited to animal and in vitro studies, with no robust human clinical trials available. Animal studies have shown anxiolytic effects at doses of 100-400 mg/kg body weight in rodent models. In vitro studies demonstrate anticonvulsant activity against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures. The evidence quality is preliminary, requiring human studies to establish therapeutic efficacy and optimal dosing. ## Nutritional Profile Damask Rose petals and preparations contain a complex array of bioactive compounds with limited macronutrient significance in typical culinary quantities. Key constituents include: Essential oil (0.02–0.05% of fresh petal weight), dominated by citronellol (18–55%), geraniol (10–40%), nerol (5–10%), and rose oxide (trace amounts). Phenolic compounds are well-documented: flavonoids including kaempferol, quercetin, and anthocyanins (cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside) at approximately 1–5 mg/g dry weight. Tannins (hydrolysable gallotannins) at 2–8% dry weight. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) present in rosehips of Rosa damascena at 400–800 mg/100g dry weight, though petals contain significantly less (~10–30 mg/100g fresh weight). Beta-carotene and other carotenoids at 0.5–2 mg/100g in petals. Organic acids including citric and malic acid contribute to tartness. Monoterpene alcohols dominate the volatile fraction. Polysaccharides including pectin are present in moderate amounts (~3–6% dry weight). Mineral content per 100g dried petals includes trace amounts of potassium (~200 mg), calcium (~150 mg), and magnesium (~20 mg). Bioavailability note: Polyphenols from rose extracts show moderate intestinal absorption; lipophilic terpenoids in essential oil fractions are bioavailable via mucous membranes and skin; vitamin C bioavailability is comparable to other plant sources when consumed as rose water or petal preparations. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges have been established for Rosa damascena in any form (extract, powder, or standardized preparations) due to the absence of human clinical trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Damask rose is generally considered safe when used in traditional culinary amounts, with no serious adverse effects reported in available studies. Potential allergic reactions may occur in individuals sensitive to rose family plants. No specific drug interactions have been documented, though theoretical interactions with sedative medications are possible due to potential CNS depressant effects. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established through clinical research. ## Scientific Research The research dossier reveals a notable absence of human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses on Rosa damascena. Available sources focus on pharmacological reviews of animal and in vitro studies without detailing study designs, sample sizes, or clinical outcomes for human efficacy. ## Historical & Cultural Context Rosa damascena has been used in Persian, Indian Ayurvedic, and Unani traditional medicine systems for over 1,000 years, primarily for digestive issues, skin conditions, melancholy, and as a cardiac tonic. The flowers have been central to Middle Eastern herbalism and aromatherapy practices throughout history. ## Synergistic Combinations Lavender, Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Passionflower, Ashwagandha ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What compounds in damask rose provide health benefits? The primary bioactive compounds include volatile oils like citronellol and geraniol, plus phenolic compounds such as gallic acid and quercetin. These compounds work together to provide the plant's potential mood-supporting and antioxidant effects. ### How much damask rose extract should I take daily? No standardized human dosing exists since clinical trials are lacking. Animal studies used equivalent doses of 100-400 mg/kg body weight, but human applications require professional guidance due to limited safety data. ### Can damask rose help with anxiety and depression? Animal studies suggest potential anxiolytic and antidepressant effects through GABA and serotonin pathway modulation. However, human clinical evidence is absent, making these effects theoretical rather than proven for human use. ### Is damask rose safe to combine with sleep medications? Theoretical interactions may exist due to potential sedative effects observed in animal studies. Anyone taking sleep medications or sedatives should consult healthcare providers before using damask rose supplements to avoid additive effects. ### What's the difference between damask rose and regular rose hip supplements? Damask rose (Rosa damascena) focuses on flower extracts containing volatile oils and phenolics for mood support. Rose hips are fruit-based supplements from different rose species, primarily valued for vitamin C content rather than neurological effects. ### Is damask rose safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding? Clinical safety data for damask rose during pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited, and traditional use does not establish modern safety standards. Pregnant and nursing women should consult a healthcare provider before using damask rose supplements, as some traditional preparations may have uterine effects. Most evidence comes from animal studies rather than human trials in these populations. ### Does damask rose interact with common psychiatric or anticonvulsant medications? Damask rose may have potential additive effects with sedatives, antidepressants, or anticonvulsants based on animal research, but human interaction studies are absent. If you take medications for depression, anxiety, seizures, or sleep disorders, consult your healthcare provider before adding damask rose supplements. Current evidence is insufficient to establish definitive interaction risk in humans. ### How strong is the scientific evidence supporting damask rose's health claims? Most evidence for damask rose comes from animal and laboratory studies, with very limited human clinical trials currently available. Claims about antidepressant, anticonvulsant, and sleep-supporting effects are based on traditional use and preclinical research rather than robust human data. Larger, well-designed clinical studies are needed before making strong conclusions about its efficacy in humans. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*