Wise Mind Herbs

 Evidence-based Herbal Healing

The information on this page has been prepared with reference to published scientific literature, not by a medically qualified expert. It is not medical advice. Any decision to use a supplement or herb-based product is your responsibility. Consult a suitably qualified medical professional, especially if you have underlying conditions. Remember, nothing is for everyone, and not everything sold is what it claims to be. Some things work for some people, some of the time.

Rose - Rosa damascena

Roses have been used in traditional medicine systems for centuries, but modern scientific research has only recently begun to validate some of these traditional uses. This review examines the peer-reviewed scientific literature on the health benefits of roses, with a focus on Rosa species used medicinally.

A rose plant with open, pink blooms

Botanical Classification and Common Names

The genus Rosa belongs to the Rosaceae family and includes over 100 species. The most commonly studied species for medicinal purposes include:

It's important to note that many commercial products may simply list "rose" without specifying the species, which can create confusion when evaluating efficacy. Additionally, Rosa species should not be confused with Rhodiola rosea (also called "rose root" or "golden root"), which is an entirely different plant with different properties.

Active Compounds

The therapeutic effects of roses are attributed to various bioactive compounds including:

Evidence-Based Health Benefits

Recent meta-analyses and systematic reviews have identified several conditions for which rose preparations show promising effects:

1. Anti-inflammatory Effects

Rosa canina (dog rose) has shown significant anti-inflammatory effects, particularly for osteoarthritis. Results show that standardized rose hip powder (containing a minimum of 0.1% galactolipids) significantly reduced pain, and improved function, in patients with osteoarthritis compared to placebo. The recommended dosage from clinical trials ranges from 2.5g to 5g daily of standardized powder.

2. Antimicrobial Properties

Rose extracts, particularly from Rosa damascena, have demonstrated antimicrobial effects against various bacteria and fungi in in vitro studies. However, the clinical applications remain limited, and more human trials are needed to establish effective dosages for specific infections.

3. Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Effects

Rose essential oil, particularly from Rosa damascena, has shown anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects in both animal models and limited human trials. Rose oil aromatherapy (using 4 drops of 10% rose oil), has been found to reduce anxiety scores in patients with major depressive disorder. However, standardized dosing guidelines for clinical use have not been firmly established.

4. Antioxidant Activity

Rose extracts, especially from rose hips, demonstrate potent antioxidant activity in laboratory studies. Rosa canina hips are particularly rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants. Daily consumption of 5-10g of rose hip powder may contribute to reduced oxidative stress markers, though more comprehensive clinical trials are needed.

5. Skin Health

Rose extracts are widely used in dermatological preparations. In vitro and small-scale clinical studies suggest that rose water and rose oil have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and moisturizing effects that may benefit conditions like dermatitis and rosacea. However, standardized clinical protocols and dosages are not well established.

Recommended Dosages

Dosages vary significantly depending on the preparation and specific Rosa species:

It's important to note that many commercial preparations lack standardization of active compounds, which makes precise dosing recommendations challenging. Products standardized for galactolipid content (for anti-inflammatory effects) or essential oil composition (for aromatherapy) provide more reliable therapeutic outcomes.

Side Effects and Disbenefits

Rose preparations are generally considered safe when used as recommended, but potential adverse effects include:

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution as safety data for this population is limited.

High-Dose Studies and Knowledge Gaps

There is a notable gap in research regarding high-dose administration of rose preparations. Most clinical trials have used moderate doses (as outlined above), and systematic investigations of higher doses are largely absent from the literature. Experimental studies in animals suggest that very high doses of rose extracts may cause:

However, these effects have not been systematically studied in humans, representing a significant knowledge gap. Future research should focus on establishing dose-response relationships and determining the upper limits of safe consumption.

Commercial Pharmaceutical Products

While rose extracts are commonly found in nutraceuticals and cosmetic products, few standardized pharmaceutical preparations exist:

It's worth noting that many products marketed as pharmaceuticals containing rose extracts lack rigorous clinical evidence and standardization of active compounds.

Conclusion

While traditional uses of rose preparations are extensive, scientific evidence supporting specific therapeutic applications remains moderate. The strongest evidence exists for anti-inflammatory effects (particularly for osteoarthritis) and anxiolytic properties. Significant research gaps remain regarding optimal dosing, standardization of preparations, and long-term safety. Future research should focus on well-designed clinical trials with standardized preparations to better establish therapeutic guidelines.

References

Chrubasik, C., Roufogalis, B. D., Müller‐Ladner, U., & Chrubasik, S. (2008). A systematic review on the Rosa canina effect and efficacy profiles. Phytotherapy Research: An International Journal Devoted to Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Natural Product Derivatives, 22(6), 725-733.

Farnia, V., Shirzadifar, M., Shakeri, J., Rezaei, M., Bajoghli, H., Holsboer-Trachsler, E., & Brand, S. (2015). Rosa damascena oil improves SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in male patients suffering from major depressive disorders: results from a double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment, 625-635.

Jung, T. H., Hwang, H. J., & Shin, K. O. (2022). The nutritional functions and physiological activities of rose hip (Rosa canina fruits): A systematic review. Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology, 54(4), 369-376.

Marstrand, K., & Campbell-Tofte, J. (2016). The role of rose hip (Rosa canina L) powder in alleviating arthritis pain and inflammation–part II animal and human studies. Botanics: Targets and Therapy, 59-73.

Mohebitabar, S., Shirazi, M., Bioos, S., Rahimi, R., Malekshahi, F., & Nejatbakhsh, F. (2017). Therapeutic efficacy of rose oil: A comprehensive review of clinical evidence. Avicenna journal of phytomedicine, 7(3), 206.

Negrean, O. R., Farcas, A. C., Nemes, S. A., Cic, D. E., & Socaci, S. A. (2024). Recent advances and insights into the bioactive properties and applications of Rosa canina L. and its by-products. Heliyon.

Patel, S. (2017). Rose hip as an underutilized functional food: Evidence-based review. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 63, 29-38.

Winther, K., Sophie Vinther Hansen, A., & Campbell-Tofte, J. (2016). Bioactive ingredients of rose hips (Rosa canina L) with special reference to antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties: in vitro studies. Botanics: Targets and Therapy, 11-23.

Wise Mind Herbs Home >>>