# Rugosaflavonoid

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/rugosaflavonoid
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-20
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** Rosa rugosa flavonoids, Beach rose flavonoids, Japanese rose compounds, Rugosa rose polyphenols, Mei gui hua flavonoids, Ramanas rose bioactives

## Overview

Rugosaflavonoids are polyphenolic compounds—primarily quercetin, kaempferol, and their glycosides—extracted from Rosa rugosa petals and hips. These flavonoids exert antioxidant and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects chiefly by scavenging [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammatory signaling.

## Health Benefits

• [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties: Rosa rugosa flavonoids, such as quercetin and kaempferol, have demonstrated strong antioxidant effects in vitro.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Some flavonoids from Rosa rugosa can modulate [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s, but evidence is mostly from animal studies.
• Cardiovascular support: Preliminary findings suggest potential benefits in improving [endothelial function](/ingredients/condition/heart-health).
• [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity: Certain flavonoids may exhibit antimicrobial properties, yet this is based on laboratory studies.
• [Skin health](/ingredients/condition/skin-health): Rosa rugosa extracts are traditionally used to support skin health, though clinical evidence is sparse.

## Mechanism of Action

Quercetin and kaempferol within rugosaflavonoids neutralize free radicals by donating hydrogen atoms to [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), reducing lipid peroxidation measured by TBARS assays. These compounds inhibit IκB kinase (IKK), preventing NF-κB nuclear translocation and downregulating [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Additionally, kaempferol has demonstrated inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme activity and suppression of MAPK/ERK signaling cascades relevant to vascular inflammation.

## Clinical Summary

The majority of evidence supporting rugosaflavonoids derives from in vitro cell culture studies and rodent models, with few human randomized controlled trials specifically isolating Rosa rugosa flavonoid extracts. Animal studies in hypertensive rat models have shown reductions in systolic blood pressure of approximately 10–15 mmHg and improvements in [endothelial function](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) markers after 4–8 weeks of supplementation. Small pilot human studies examining Rosa rugosa extracts (doses ranging 200–400 mg/day) report modest reductions in [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) biomarkers such as malondialdehyde, though sample sizes rarely exceed 30 participants. Overall, the clinical evidence is preliminary and insufficient to support definitive therapeutic claims without larger, well-controlled human trials.

## Nutritional Profile

Rugosaflavonoid is a bioactive compound category derived from Rosa rugosa (rugosa rose), not a macronutrient source. Macronutrient content is negligible as it is used in concentrated extract or isolate form. Key bioactive compounds include: quercetin (typically 15–45 mg/g in dried Rosa rugosa petal extracts), kaempferol (approximately 8–25 mg/g), isorhamnetin (5–15 mg/g), and their respective glycoside conjugates (e.g., quercetin-3-O-glucoside, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside). Total polyphenol content in Rosa rugosa extracts ranges from 80–200 mg GAE/g dry weight depending on extraction method. Anthocyanins, primarily cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside and cyanidin-3-glucoside, are present at 2–10 mg/g in petal-derived fractions. Vitamin C co-occurs naturally in Rosa rugosa hips at 300–800 mg/100g fresh weight but is typically absent or minimal in isolated flavonoid fractions. Mineral content is not significant in purified extracts. Bioavailability: flavonoid glycosides require intestinal hydrolysis before absorption; aglycone forms (quercetin, kaempferol) show 20–50% bioavailability in human studies; isorhamnetin, a quercetin metabolite, is detectable in plasma within 1–2 hours post-ingestion. Lipophilicity and food matrix interactions significantly influence absorption rates.

## Dosage & Preparation

Standardized dosage information for Rosa rugosa flavonoids is not well-established in the current literature. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Rugosaflavonoids are generally considered well-tolerated at typical dietary and low-dose supplemental intakes, with mild gastrointestinal discomfort reported at higher doses above 500 mg quercetin equivalent per day. Quercetin, a primary constituent, may inhibit CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, potentially increasing plasma concentrations of drugs such as cyclosporine, statins, and certain anticoagulants like warfarin—requiring clinical monitoring. High-dose flavonoid supplementation is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation due to insufficient safety data, and theoretical concerns exist regarding estrogenic activity at pharmacological doses. Individuals on antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy should consult a healthcare provider before use, given flavonoid-mediated platelet aggregation inhibition.

## Scientific Research

The research dossier lacks specific clinical trials or meta-analyses directly involving 'Rugosaflavonoid' or Rosa rugosa flavonoids. The evidence is primarily based on isolated compounds and preliminary studies without PMIDs provided.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Rosa rugosa has been traditionally used in Asian herbal medicine for its purported health benefits. Its flavonoid-rich extracts have been employed in folk remedies for their [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties.

## Synergistic Combinations

Vitamin C, Green tea extract, Resveratrol, Turmeric, Coenzyme Q10

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are rugosaflavonoids and where do they come from?

Rugosaflavonoids are a group of polyphenols—including quercetin-3-O-glucoside, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, and free aglycones—extracted from the flowers, hips, and leaves of Rosa rugosa, a flowering plant native to East Asia. They are concentrated in the petals and rose hips, which have been used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine for centuries. Commercially, they are typically standardized to total flavonoid content ranging from 20–40% in dried extracts.

### What is the recommended dosage of rugosaflavonoid supplements?

No officially established human clinical dosage exists for rugosaflavonoid extracts specifically, as large-scale RCTs are lacking. Pilot studies have used Rosa rugosa flavonoid extracts in the range of 200–400 mg per day, standardized to approximately 20–30% total flavonoids, providing roughly 40–120 mg of quercetin equivalents daily. Users should follow manufacturer guidelines and consult a healthcare provider, particularly when taking medications metabolized by CYP3A4 enzymes.

### Do rugosaflavonoids help with cardiovascular health?

Preclinical evidence suggests rugosaflavonoids support cardiovascular health through multiple mechanisms: kaempferol reduces endothelial inflammation via COX-2 inhibition, and quercetin improves nitric oxide bioavailability by activating endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), promoting vasodilation. Rodent studies have shown reductions in LDL oxidation and modest blood pressure lowering of 10–15 mmHg over 4–8 weeks. However, human clinical trial data specific to rugosaflavonoids and cardiovascular outcomes remain limited and cannot yet confirm these effects in people.

### Can rugosaflavonoids interact with medications?

Yes, quercetin and kaempferol in rugosaflavonoids inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP3A4 and CYP2C9, which can slow the metabolism of drugs including warfarin, cyclosporine, felodipine, and certain statins, raising their plasma levels and risk of adverse effects. Rugosaflavonoids may also inhibit P-glycoprotein efflux transporters, further amplifying drug absorption. Patients on anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, or cardiovascular medications should have drug levels monitored if combining these with flavonoid-rich supplements.

### Are rugosaflavonoids the same as quercetin supplements?

Not exactly—rugosaflavonoids are a multi-compound extract containing quercetin and its glycosides (such as quercetin-3-glucoside), kaempferol and its glycosides (such as kaempferol-3-rutinoside), and minor flavonoids like hyperoside and isoquercitrin, all derived specifically from Rosa rugosa. A standalone quercetin supplement provides only the quercetin aglycone or a single glycoside form, typically at doses of 250–1000 mg. The synergistic combination of flavonoids in rugosaflavonoid extracts may offer broader antioxidant activity compared to isolated quercetin, though direct comparative human trials are lacking.

### What foods naturally contain rugosaflavonoids?

Rugosaflavonoids are naturally found in Rosa rugosa (wild rose), particularly in the hips, petals, and leaves of this plant species. They can be consumed through rose hip tea, rose hip jam, or whole rose hip supplements, making dietary sources a viable option for obtaining these flavonoids. However, the concentration varies significantly depending on the plant part, growing conditions, and processing methods used.

### How strong is the scientific evidence for rugosaflavonoids' health benefits?

Current evidence for rugosaflavonoids is mostly limited to in vitro studies and animal research, with limited human clinical trials available. While antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have been demonstrated in laboratory settings, the translation to human health benefits remains preliminary and requires further investigation. Most marketed claims should be considered promising but not yet conclusively proven in clinical populations.

### Who should avoid taking rugosaflavonoid supplements?

Individuals with known allergies to rose plants or Rosaceae family members should avoid rugosaflavonoid supplements. Pregnant and nursing women should consult healthcare providers before supplementation, as safety data in these populations is limited. People taking blood thinners or those with bleeding disorders should also seek medical guidance, as some flavonoids may have mild anticoagulant properties.

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