# Rose (Rosa damascena)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/rose
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Middle Eastern
**Also Known As:** Rosa damascena, Damask rose, Damascus rose, Persian rose, Bulgarian rose, Rose of Castile, Gole Mohammadi, Taif rose

## Overview

Rosa damascena contains phenolic compounds and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside that provide [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and potential [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) support through ACE inhibition. The essential oil demonstrates [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects by disrupting bacterial membranes and inhibiting DNA gyrase enzymes.

## Health Benefits

• [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects demonstrated in vitro through phenolic compounds (DPPH IC50 454.68±10 μg/mL) - preliminary evidence only
• [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity via membrane disruption and DNA gyrase inhibition - in vitro studies only
• Potential [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) support through ACE inhibition by cyanidin-3-O-β-glucoside - mechanism identified but no human trials
• Possible anxiolytic effects observed in animal models (Mizuno et al. 2015) - no human clinical data
• Traditional use for immune enhancement and [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) reduction - historical use without modern clinical validation

## Mechanism of Action

Rosa damascena's phenolic compounds demonstrate [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) by neutralizing free radicals with a DPPH IC50 of 454.68±10 μg/mL. The cyanidin-3-O-glucoside specifically inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), potentially supporting [cardiovascular health](/ingredients/condition/heart-health). [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects occur through bacterial membrane disruption and DNA gyrase enzyme inhibition.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Rosa damascena is limited to in vitro laboratory studies. Antioxidant testing shows moderate [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing activity compared to standard compounds. [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) studies demonstrate activity against various bacterial strains through membrane and enzyme mechanisms. No human clinical trials have been conducted to establish therapeutic efficacy or optimal dosing protocols.

## Nutritional Profile

Rose petals (Rosa damascena) are low in calories (~40 kcal/100g fresh weight) with minimal macronutrient content: carbohydrates ~8-10g/100g, protein ~1-2g/100g, fat <0.5g/100g. Dietary fiber ~2-3g/100g. Micronutrients include vitamin C (~14-25mg/100g fresh petals, though heat-sensitive and largely degraded in rosewater processing), vitamin A precursors (beta-carotene ~0.3mg/100g), potassium (~105mg/100g), calcium (~28mg/100g), and iron (~0.4mg/100g). Primary bioactive compounds are phenolics: total phenolic content ~45-85mg GAE/100g fresh petals. Flavonoids include kaempferol, quercetin, and anthocyanins — cyanidin-3-O-β-glucoside is the dominant anthocyanin (~1.2-3.5mg/100g). Terpene-based volatile compounds include geraniol (~15-20% of essential oil), citronellol (~35-40% of essential oil), nerol, and eugenol. Rose essential oil yield is low (~0.02-0.04% of fresh petal weight). Phenylethanol (2-phenylethanol) comprises ~60-70% of rosewater aromatic fraction. Tannins (gallotannins) present at ~2-5mg/100g. Bioavailability note: anthocyanins have limited oral bioavailability (~1-2% absorption); phenolic bioavailability in rosewater form is reduced compared to whole petal consumption; fat-soluble compounds require dietary fat co-consumption for absorption.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for Rosa damascena extracts, powders, or standardized forms are available as human trials have not been conducted. In vitro studies used concentrations around 454.68±10 μg/mL for [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) assays, but these do not translate to human dosing. Standardized extracts typically target 30-50% citronellol/geraniol content in essential oils. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Rosa damascena is generally recognized as safe when used in traditional culinary amounts. Topical rose oil may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. No significant drug interactions have been documented, though theoretical ACE inhibitor interactions may exist. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established through clinical studies.

## Scientific Research

The research dossier reveals a notable absence of human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses for Rosa damascena, with no PubMed PMIDs provided for human studies. Evidence is limited to in vitro [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) assays and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) studies, alongside animal model research for anxiolytic effects. The lack of human clinical data represents a significant gap in the scientific validation of this traditional remedy.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Rosa damascena has been used for centuries in Persian, Indian, and Middle Eastern traditional medicine to enhance immunity, treat infections, and reduce inflammation. Historical applications span ancient Persia and India, with documented use for [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), analgesic, respiratory, [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health), and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) purposes.

## Synergistic Combinations

Green tea extract, Vitamin C, Resveratrol, Quercetin, Pomegranate extract

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are the active compounds in Rosa damascena?

The main bioactive compounds include phenolic compounds responsible for antioxidant effects and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside which provides ACE inhibition. The essential oil contains various terpenes that contribute to antimicrobial properties.

### How strong are the antioxidant effects of Rosa damascena?

In vitro testing shows moderate antioxidant activity with a DPPH IC50 value of 454.68±10 μg/mL. This indicates reasonable free radical scavenging ability, though not as potent as some other botanical antioxidants.

### Can Rosa damascena help with heart health?

Laboratory studies suggest potential cardiovascular benefits through ACE inhibition by cyanidin-3-O-glucoside compounds. However, no human clinical trials have confirmed these effects or established effective dosages.

### What antimicrobial effects does Rosa damascena have?

In vitro studies show Rosa damascena essential oil disrupts bacterial cell membranes and inhibits DNA gyrase enzymes. These mechanisms demonstrate activity against various bacterial strains in laboratory settings.

### Is Rosa damascena safe to take daily?

Rosa damascena appears safe in traditional food amounts, but supplement safety for daily use hasn't been established through clinical trials. Topical applications may cause skin sensitivity in some individuals.

### What is the difference between Rosa damascena extract and dried rose petals for supplementation?

Rosa damascena extracts are concentrated formulations that standardize active compounds like phenolic compounds and cyanidin-3-O-β-glucoside, offering more consistent potency per dose compared to dried petals. Dried rose petals contain the same beneficial compounds but in variable concentrations depending on growing conditions and processing methods, making dosage less predictable. Extract forms typically deliver higher bioavailable levels of antioxidants in smaller serving sizes, though both forms maintain the ingredient's traditional uses in wellness applications.

### Does Rosa damascena interact with blood pressure or heart medications?

Rosa damascena contains compounds like cyanidin-3-O-β-glucoside that may inhibit ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme), which is the same mechanism used by ACE-inhibitor blood pressure medications. If you are taking antihypertensive drugs such as lisinopril or enalapril, combining them with Rosa damascena supplementation could potentially amplify blood pressure-lowering effects, requiring medical oversight. Consult your healthcare provider before adding Rosa damascena to your regimen if you use cardiovascular medications to avoid additive interactions.

### Is Rosa damascena safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

Limited safety data exists specifically for Rosa damascena use during pregnancy and lactation, as clinical trials in these populations have not been conducted. Traditional use of rose in culinary and cosmetic applications suggests a favorable safety profile, but supplemental concentrations differ from food-level exposure. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before taking Rosa damascena supplements to ensure safety for both mother and child.

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