# Rosa gallica

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/rosa-gallica
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-28
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** French rose, Gallic rose, Rosa gallica extract, RPE, Gul Gulaab, Rosa gallica petals, French rose extract, Rosa gallica petal extract

## Overview

Rosa gallica, the Gallic rose, contains bioactive polyphenols including gallic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol that drive its therapeutic effects. These compounds modulate matrix metalloproteinase activity, stimulate hyaluronic acid synthesis, and exert [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects across skin and cellular health applications.

## Health Benefits

• Improves skin hydration by increasing hyaluronic acid levels (human clinical trial evidence)
• Prevents UV-induced skin aging and wrinkles by inhibiting MMP-1 expression (animal study evidence)
• Shows anti-proliferative effects against lung and colon cancer cells (in vitro evidence only)
• Protects against collagen loss through c-Raf/MEK pathway inhibition (preclinical evidence)
• Enhances skin barrier function via GLK-MAP2K-MAPK signaling (preliminary human evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Rosa gallica's polyphenols, particularly gallic acid and quercetin, inhibit matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), the collagen-degrading enzyme upregulated by UV radiation, thereby reducing photoaging-related wrinkle formation. Kaempferol and quercetin upregulate hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS) gene expression in dermal fibroblasts, increasing extracellular hyaluronic acid deposition and improving skin moisture retention. Additionally, the ellagitannins and flavonoids in Rosa gallica scavenge [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (ROS) and modulate NF-κB signaling, contributing to [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and potential anti-proliferative activity in cancer cell lines.

## Clinical Summary

A human clinical trial demonstrated that Rosa gallica extract significantly increased skin hyaluronic acid levels and improved hydration metrics in participants following topical or oral administration, though exact sample sizes from available data are limited. Animal studies in UV-exposed models confirmed suppression of MMP-1 expression and a measurable reduction in wrinkle depth and skin roughness scores. In vitro studies show dose-dependent anti-proliferative effects against A549 lung cancer cells and HT-29 colon cancer cells, with IC50 values reported in the low-to-mid microgram-per-milliliter range, but these findings have not been replicated in human trials. Overall, evidence for skin benefits is the strongest, while cancer-related claims remain preliminary and require clinical validation.

## Nutritional Profile

Rosa gallica (Gallic Rose) petals and hips contain a diverse array of bioactive compounds. Polyphenols are the dominant class, with total phenolic content ranging from 15–45 mg GAE/g dry weight depending on plant part. Key flavonoids include quercetin (0.5–2.1 mg/g dry weight), kaempferol (0.3–1.4 mg/g dry weight), and anthocyanins such as cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside and pelargonidin derivatives (collectively 1.5–8 mg/g in petals). Gallic acid and ellagic acid are prominent hydrolyzable tannins (0.8–3.2 mg/g dry weight). Rose hips are notably rich in Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), with concentrations of 200–400 mg/100g fresh weight, though this degrades significantly with heat processing. Carotenoids including beta-carotene and lycopene are present at 0.5–2 mg/100g. Tocopherols (Vitamin E) are found at approximately 25–50 mg/100g in hip seed oil. Essential fatty acids in seed oil include linoleic acid (omega-6, ~44%) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3, ~33%), with notable trans-retinoic acid (~0.01–0.04%). Terpene alcohols such as geraniol, citronellol, and nerol are present in essential oil fractions (30–75% of volatile fraction). Fiber content in dried hips reaches 24–30g/100g, predominantly pectin and cellulose. Protein content is modest at 1.6–3.5g/100g dry weight. Mineral content includes potassium (~430 mg/100g), calcium (~169 mg/100g), magnesium (~69 mg/100g), and iron (~1.1 mg/100g). Bioavailability note: polyphenol absorption is limited (typically 5–10% of ingested dose) due to intestinal [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management); topical application bypasses this limitation, which is relevant to the observed skin-related clinical benefits. Vitamin C is highly bioavailable when consumed fresh but degrades rapidly upon oxidation or thermal processing.

## Dosage & Preparation

Human clinical dosages are not clearly specified in available research. Preclinical studies used 50-1,000 μg/mL for in vitro applications and oral administration in mice without specified mg/kg doses. No standardized extract dosages have been established for human use. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Rosa gallica is generally well-tolerated when used as directed, with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recognizing its traditional use, primarily for mild skin [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and supportive gastrointestinal applications. High-dose supplementation may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its tannin content, including ellagitannins, which can have astringent effects on the gut mucosa. Rosa gallica's polyphenols may theoretically interact with anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin by inhibiting platelet aggregation, and caution is advised when combining it with iron supplements, as tannins can chelate non-heme iron and reduce absorption. Safety data during pregnancy and lactation is insufficient, and use during these periods should be avoided unless supervised by a healthcare provider.

## Scientific Research

Limited human clinical evidence exists, with one double-blinded trial (PMID: 36573713) demonstrating RPE's effects on skin hydration through increased HAS2 and hyaluronic acid levels in keratinocytes. Most research remains at the preclinical level, including mouse studies on UV protection and in vitro cancer cell studies, with no RCTs or meta-analyses identified for other health indications.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Rosa gallica petals have historical use in traditional European and Persian medicine as 'Gul Gulaab' for skin conditions and stress relief, often prepared as a hydrosol. Modern extracts build on this traditional use for [anti-aging](/ingredients/condition/longevity) nutraceutical applications.

## Synergistic Combinations

Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, Collagen peptides, Green tea extract, Resveratrol

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Rosa gallica used for in supplements?

Rosa gallica is primarily used in supplements targeting skin health, where its gallic acid and quercetin content stimulates hyaluronic acid production and inhibits MMP-1-driven collagen breakdown. It is also traditionally recognized by the EMA for mild anti-inflammatory support of skin and mucous membranes, and is under investigation for antioxidant and anti-proliferative effects.

### Does Rosa gallica actually improve skin hydration?

Yes, human clinical trial evidence supports Rosa gallica's ability to improve skin hydration by increasing hyaluronic acid levels in the dermis. The mechanism involves upregulation of hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS) gene expression in fibroblasts, driven by kaempferol and quercetin found in the plant's petals and hips.

### Can Rosa gallica prevent wrinkles caused by sun exposure?

Preclinical animal studies indicate that Rosa gallica extract can reduce UV-induced wrinkle formation by suppressing MMP-1 expression, the enzyme responsible for degrading type I collagen in sun-damaged skin. While these results are promising, human clinical trials specifically validating this anti-wrinkle mechanism have not yet been published, so claims should be interpreted cautiously.

### Is Rosa gallica safe to take daily?

Rosa gallica is considered safe for short-to-medium-term daily use based on its EMA traditional-use status, particularly in standardized extracts or herbal teas made from petals. However, its tannin content, including ellagitannins, can inhibit dietary iron absorption and may cause stomach upset at high doses, so it should be taken separately from iron-rich meals or iron supplements.

### What active compounds in Rosa gallica have anti-cancer properties?

In vitro studies identify gallic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol as the primary compounds responsible for Rosa gallica's anti-proliferative effects against A549 lung and HT-29 colon cancer cell lines. These compounds appear to induce apoptosis and inhibit cell cycle progression, but all findings are currently limited to laboratory cell studies and should not be interpreted as evidence of clinical cancer treatment efficacy.

### What is the difference between Rosa gallica extract and rose hip oil for skin health?

Rosa gallica petals contain polyphenols and flavonoids that boost hyaluronic acid synthesis and inhibit collagen-degrading enzymes, while rose hip oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamins that primarily nourish the skin barrier. Rosa gallica extract shows stronger evidence for anti-aging effects through MMP-1 inhibition, whereas rose hip oil is better established for general skin conditioning and scar reduction. Both can complement each other in a skincare regimen, but they work through different mechanisms.

### Is Rosa gallica safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Rosa gallica is listed in WHO and EMA monographs as traditionally used, but specific safety data for pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited. Pregnant and nursing women should consult a healthcare provider before using Rosa gallica supplements, as systemic absorption and effects on fetal development or milk composition have not been comprehensively studied. Topical application of rose water or petal extracts in cosmetic doses is generally considered lower-risk than oral supplementation during these periods.

### How strong is the clinical evidence supporting Rosa gallica's skin benefits compared to animal and lab studies?

Rosa gallica has human clinical trial evidence demonstrating improved skin hydration through increased hyaluronic acid levels, which is the strongest level of support for topical efficacy. However, its anti-wrinkle benefits against UV damage are primarily supported by animal studies showing MMP-1 inhibition, and anti-cancer effects are only demonstrated in laboratory cell cultures without human data. This means hydration claims are more robustly proven, while anti-aging and disease-prevention claims require further human clinical validation before definitive health statements can be made.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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