History and Origin
According to available evidence, Damask rose has a long history, and although its 30-million-year fossils have been found in America, it is originated in the Middle East and Iran. At the beginning of the 17th century, Iranian damask rose was carried to India, North Africa, Turkey and Bulgaria and its planting expanded. Iran is one of the most ancient producers of damask rose. Background of damask rose production in Iran, dates back to 2500 years ago. It is believed that distillation of the flowers was first done in Iran in the late 7th century AD. The method for distillation the flowers was spread to Ottoman Empire later in 14th century. Until the 16th century, Iran was the main producer of damask rose essencial oil and was exporting it to other countries around the world. Muslim Arabs transferred the art of essencial oil extraction from Iran to Europe in 10th century. The first European country which used this art was Spain.
Damask Rose Health Benefits
1. Regulating Blood Glucose Levels
In a study on normal and diabetic rats, the effect of methanolic extract of damask rose was compared with that of acarbose (a medicine to reduce blood sugar level which inhibits alpha- glucosidase) and the results demonstrated that this extract reduced the level of blood sugar by inhibiting alpha-glucosidase activity which in turn suppressed carbohydrate absorption from the small intestine, and consequently reduced the postprandial glucose level.
2. Improving Cardiovascular System Function
Damask rose can be effective in improving cardiovascular function. It was shown that its aqueous extract could increase the heart rate and contractility in isolated guinea pig heart. Recently, a new compound called cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucoside extracted from buds of damask rose which can prevent Angiotensin1 (ACE) converting enzymes. Since ACE is a key enzyme in production of Angiotensin 2 (retractor of veins which cause an increase in blood pressure), damask rose can be effective in improving heart function.
3. Antidepressant Properties
R. damascena can boost the mood. According to the results of a study conducted in 2011, consuming low doses of this plant aqueous extract reduced depression in mice with an effect similar to that of imipramine (an anti-depressant drug). Researchers believe that the aqueous extract of damask rose can have a positive impact on mood by inhibiting serotonin reuptake.
4. Boosting Libido
Results of an experiment conducted in 2014 showed the aphrodisiac impact of R. damascena on men with major depressive disorder (MDD). This may be due to the effect of its oil compounds on serotonin this substance increases eroticism-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In addition, damask rose oil can help improve reproductive function through increasing the number of sperms, motility and testosterone production.
5. Relieving Coughs
R. damascena ethanolic and aqueous extract reduced the number of coughs in citric acid- induced coughs in guinea pigs in a study conducted in 2003. In another experiment, ethanolic extract and essential oil of this plant had a relaxant effect, similar to the effect of theophylline expander of respiratory tract, on tracheal smooth muscles of guinea pigs contracted by potassium chloride (KCl) and methacholine. The exact mechanism of reducing the number of coughs following damask rose consumption is not known yet; however, some researchers believe this can be due to the stimulatory effect of this plant on β-adrenergic (participating in expanding veins and straight muscles) receptors.
6. Anticonvulsant
The positive effect of damask rose on seizure attacks in patients with epilepsy was observed in a study in 2015. The hydro alcoholic extract of this plant significantly reduced the number and intensity of seizure attacks by inhibiting the production of dark neurons in different parts of hippocampus. This effect could be attributed to geraniol and eugenol both of which have antiepileptic activity.
7. Improving Sleep Quality
As it was observed in an experiment the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of R. damascena in doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg, with an effect similar to that of diazepam, increased the sleeping time in mice significantly. Scientists attribute this effect to the activity of GABAergic system. Also damask rose flavonoid content affects the body through central benzodiazepine receptors. Gabargic system activity is also mentioned as the other mechanism for this feature.As it was observed in an experiment the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of R. damascena in doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg, with an effect similar to that of diazepam, increased the sleeping time in mice significantly. Scientists attribute this effect to the activity of GABAergic system. Also damask rose flavonoid content affects the body through central benzodiazepine receptors. Gabargic system activity is also mentioned as the other mechanism for this feature.
8. Anti-cancer
The consumption of aqueous and ethanolic extract of R. damascena can reduce the viability and proliferation of human gastric cancer cells. Researchers believe that the anti-cancer effect of this plant can be due to some phenolic compounds like quercetin and Kaempferol which have antioxidant feature and affect the intracellular and lateral massaging systems.
What Are Damask Rose Side Effects?
1. When taken by mouth: No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages.
2. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking rose hip by mouth as a medicine during pregnancy or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid using amounts larger than those found in food.
3. Diabetes: The vitamin C in rose hip might affect the control of diabetes, but not all experts agree on this.
4. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency): Large amounts of the vitamin C in rose hip might increase the risk of complications.
5. Kidney stones: Large amounts of the vitamin C in rose hip might increase the chance of getting kidney stones.
6. Iron-related disorders such as hemochromatosis, thalassemia, or anemia: Use rose hip with caution if you have any of these conditions. The vitamin C in rose hip can increase iron absorption, which could make your condition worse.
7. Heart attack (myocardial infarction): Rose hip contains rugosin E. Rugosin E might cause blood clots. If you've had a heart attack, taking rose hip might increase the chance of blood clots or another heart attack.
8. Sickle cell disease: It is rare, but the vitamin C in rose hip might make blood more acidic. This could bring on a sickle cell crisis. It's best to avoid use.
9. Stroke: Rose hip contains rugosin E. Rugosin E might cause blood clots. If you've had a stroke, taking rose hip might increase the chance of blood clots or another stroke.
10. Blood clots in legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism): Rose hip contains rugosin E. Rugosin E might cause blood clots. If you've had blood clots in your legs or lungs before, taking rose hip might increase the chance of another clot.
Generally, every person may be allergic to certain herbs and spices. This sensitivity must be first diagnosed by the person and secondarily by the physician. However, these allergic reactions do not cause chronic or acute side effects, and after identifying the allergenic plant and removing it from the diet, allergy-related complications will be eliminated. No company or product can be aware of the allergic reactions of different bodies in advance. The body's incompatibility with one or more specific herbs rarely occurs, but consumers may encounter it anyway.
Damask Rose Daily Dosage
For hot infusion preparation, add 1 to 2 gm rose flowers to 1 cup (200 ml) water, and drink up to 3 cups per day.
Bioactive Compounds
Kaempferol, Quercetin, Geraniol, Eugenol, Citronellol, Myrcene, Nerol, Phenylethyl alcohol, Nonadecane and Carboxylic acid.
Best Time to Consume
1-2 hours before or after meals.
Possible Drug Interactions
1. Aluminum: Aluminum is found in most antacids. Rose hips contain vitamin C. Vitamin C can increase how much aluminum the body absorbs. Take rose hip two hours before or four hours after antacids.
2. Estrogens: Rose hip contains a large amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C can increase how much estrogen the body absorbs. Taking rose hip along with estrogen can increase the effects and side effects of estrogens. Some estrogen pills include conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin), ethinyl estradiol, estradiol, and others.
3. Fluphenazine (Prolixin): Rose hip contains vitamin C. Large amounts of vitamin C might increase how quickly the body gets rid of fluphenazine (Prolixin). Taking rose hip along with fluphenazine (Prolixin) might decrease the effectiveness of fluphenazine (Prolixin).
4. Lithium: Rose hip might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking rose hip might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
5. Warfarin (Coumadin): Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Rose hip contains vitamin C. Large amounts of vitamin C might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin. Decreasing the effectiveness of warfarin might increase the risk of clotting. The dose of your warfarin might need to be changed.
6. Aspirin: The body breaks down aspirin to get rid of it. Rose hip contains large amounts of vitamin C. Large amounts of vitamin C might decrease the breakdown of aspirin. Taking large amount of rose hip along with aspirin might increase the effects and side effects of aspirin. Do not take large amounts of vitamin C if you take large amounts of aspirin.
7. Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate): Rose hip contains vitamin C. Vitamin C might decrease how quickly the body gets rid of choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate).
8. Salsalate (Disalcid): Rose hip contains vitamin C. Vitamin C might decrease how quickly the body gets rid of salsalate. Taking rose hip along with salsalate might increase the effects and side effects of salsalate.
Traditional Use
In traditional medicine, Damask rose is used to treat chest and abdominal pains, indigestion, cough, depression, nervous stress, allergy, headache and migraine. This plant is also anti-spasm and laxative, and can strengthen the heart.
Some Questions about Damask Rose
Why is it called damask?
One of the most valuable Rosa species is R. damascena Mill., of which particular cultivars are grown for their oil, others are grown as garden roses around the world.
It is known as Damask rose science in the beginning, this species was introduced from Damascus to the Europe. This type of rose is known as national flower of Iran.
Which type of rose is best for skin? / What does Rosa Damascena do for the skin?
According to studies in the field of Cosmetology, damask rose (Rosa damascenein) has benefits for reducing scars and stretches, managing acne, delaying wrinkling, lowering skin pigmentation, rehydrating skin, and is advised as a skin tonic, energizing, and strengthening agent.
What is a Damask rose used for?
Rosa damascene flower has cosmetic benefits. Also, it has pharmacological and therapeutic effects, including brain tonic, cardiac tonic, liver tonic, general tonic, digestive, constipation, palpitation, demulcent, antiseptic etc. For more information, see the “Damask Rose Health Benefits” section.
