Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Rosa damascena contains phenolic compounds like gallic acid and quercetin that modulate inflammatory pathways and neurotransmitter systems. These bioactive compounds inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines while promoting serotonin release for mood enhancement.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Rosa damascena, commonly known as Damask rose, originates from the Middle East. It is cultivated for its fragrant flowers, which are used to produce rose oil and rose water.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Some studies suggest that Rosa damascena may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, more research, including randomized controlled trials, is needed to confirm these effects.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Rosa damascena petals contain approximately 80-85% water when fresh. On a dry weight basis: Carbohydrates ~60-65g/100g (primarily glucose, fructose, and sucrose), Dietary Fiber ~15-18g/100g (pectin-rich), Protein ~8-10g/100g (limited bioavailability due to tannin binding), Fat ~1.5-2g/100g. Key Vitamins: Vitamin C ~14-22mg/100g fresh weight (moderate bioavailability, sensitive to heat processing), Vitamin A precursors (beta-carotene ~0.3-0.5mg/100g), Vitamin E (tocopherols ~1.2mg/100g), Vitamin K (trace amounts ~2-4mcg/100g). Minerals: Potassium ~260mg/100g dry weight, Calcium ~180mg/100g dry weight, Magnesium ~45mg/100g dry weight, Iron ~2.5mg/100g dry weight (non-heme, low bioavailability ~5-8%, enhanced by co-consumption with Vitamin C), Zinc ~0.4mg/100g, Phosphorus ~90mg/100g. Primary Bioactive Compounds: Flavonoids total ~12-15mg/g dry weight including quercetin (~3.2mg/g), kaempferol (~2.8mg/g), and anthocyanins (~4-6mg/g cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside dominant); Phenolic acids including gallic acid (~1.8mg/g) and ellagic acid (~0.9mg/g); Terpene alcohols in essential oil fraction: geraniol (18-22% of volatile fraction), citronellol (15-19%), nerol (8-12%), and rose oxide (~2-4%); Tannins (hydrolyzable) ~8-12mg/g dry weight; Carotenoids total ~0.8-1.2mg/g including beta-carotene and lycopene traces. Bioavailability Notes: Polyphenol bioavailability is moderate (~15-25%), enhanced when consumed as aqueous extract (rose water) versus raw petals; tannins reduce iron and protein absorption when consumed in large quantities; lipophilic compounds including carotenoids and tocopherols require dietary fat for optimal absorption.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Rosa damascena's phenolic compounds, particularly gallic acid and quercetin, inhibit nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway activation, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production including TNF-α and IL-6. The aromatic volatile compounds, including citronellol and geraniol, interact with olfactory receptors and influence limbic system activity, promoting serotonin and dopamine release. Additionally, the antioxidant compounds neutralize reactive oxygen species through electron donation and metal chelation mechanisms.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Limited clinical studies exist for Rosa damascena supplementation. A small randomized controlled trial (n=60) showed 30% reduction in anxiety scores after 4 weeks of rose extract supplementation at 500mg daily. Topical studies demonstrate 25% reduction in skin inflammation markers within 2 weeks of application. Most evidence comes from in vitro and animal studies rather than large-scale human trials, indicating preliminary but promising therapeutic potential.
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