Latin (Botanical) Name: Rosa damascena
Plant Family: Rosaceae
Common Extraction Method: Steam distillation
Typically Used Plant Part: Petals
Color: Clear
Aromatic Characteristic: Elegant floral and slightly sweet aroma
There is evidence that the Rosaceae plant family is very ancient. 30-million-year-old rose fossils have been found in America. The earliest historical records on Mesopotamian cuneiform tablets show that the rose was known by humans about 5,000 years ago. Assyrian tablets mention rose and rose water. Of course, it is not possible to identify the types of roses discussed in these ancient texts, but their fragrance is praised. The cuneiform texts also show that roses were not distilled directly, but boiled with water to produce fragrant water. Damascus rose has its origins in the Middle East, and some evidence suggests that rose water originates from Iran, but its fragrant oils and extracts originate in Greece. It is believed that the coarse distillation of roses for oil began in the late 7th century AD and spread to the provinces in the late 14th century. The great physician İbn-i Sina (11th century AD) was the first scientist to emphasize the beneficial effects of rose scent on the heart and brain; “It has a calming effect and is very beneficial for the heartbeat. It improves understanding and strengthens memory. It sharpens the senses, increases vitality.” The Persian Empire (Iran) was the main producer of rose oil until the 16th century and exported it all over the world.
For centuries, the rose has inspired artists to create masterpieces, and kings and sultans to set up gardens for their beauty and fragrance. Today the rose is grown all over the world, including Iran, Europe, Bulgaria, Turkey and India.
Rosaceae are well-known ornamental plants and are referred to as the king of flowers. Currently, more than 200 species of roses and more than 18,000 different forms of the plant have been identified. Besides being used as an ornamental plant in parks, gardens and homes, it is mainly grown for use in the perfume, pharmaceutical and food industries.
Rose water is the by-product of the steam distillation of rose petals to obtain rose oil. It contains a certain amount of rose oil, and therefore the beneficial components of rose oil. It is important to make sure that rose water contains real natural rose oil, so it has benefits.
Rose water has traditionally been used in both beauty products and food and beverage products. It is fragrant and is sometimes used as a light natural fragrance as an alternative to chemical perfumes.
It offers many benefits thanks to the active ingredients it contains.
KEY COMPONENTS / ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
BENEFITS
With its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, rose water supports prevent and treat infections, heal cuts, sunburns and scars [4] [6] [7] [8].
Rose water contains four main polyphenolic compounds, namely flavonoids, tannins, saponin and triterpenoids, which are responsible for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [2]. In this way, it helps to prevent oxidative damage to the skin, the formation of free radicals, which are the main cause of skin-related problems, and reduce the effects of aging on the skin [5] [9].
Rose water helps to develop balance, understand emotions and make decisions emotionally and spiritually. With the scent of flowers, it helps to feel a sense of well-being and peace. It can be sniffed or used as an air freshener for an uplifting effect and to aid the emotions when feeling sad [4].
WARNINGS
ACADEMIC STUDIES
[1] The Relation of pH and Skin Cleansing
[2] A. Safia, Z. Aamir, A. Iqbal, S. Rafi, M. Zafar (2019). Assessment of Rose Water and Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties of a Rose Water Based Cream Formulation. International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research 2019; 11(1): 43-48.
[3] T. S.A. Thring, P. Hili, D. P. Naughton (2011). Antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and formulations of white tea, rose, and witch hazel on primary human dermal fibroblast cells. Journal of Inflammation volume 8, Article number: 27 (2011)
[4] M. H. Boskabady, M. N. Shafei, Z. Saberi, S. Amini (2011). Pharmacological Effects of Rosa Damascena. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2011 Jul-Aug; 14(4): 295–307.
[5] S. Abidi, N. Shaheen, I. Azher, Z. A. Mahmood (2018). Photoprotective and Antioxidant Activities along with Phytochemical Investigation od Rose Water. Abidi et al., IJPSR, 2018; Vol. 9(12): 1000-08.
[6] T.-H.Tsai, T.-H.Tsai, W.H. Wu, J.T.P. Tseng, P.J. Tsai (2010). In vitro antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of herbs against Propionibacterium acnes. Food Chemistry, Volume 119, Issue 3, 1 April 2010, Pages 964-968.
[7] Z. Tofighi, M. Molazem, B. Doostdar, P. Taban, A. R. Shahverdi, N. Samadi, N. Yassa (2015). Antimicrobial Activities of Three Medicinal Plants and Investigation of Flavonoids of Tripleurospermum disciforme. Iran J Pharm Res. Winter 2015;14(1):225-31.
[8] L. Abdul, R. Abdul, R.R. Sukul, S. Nazish (2010). Anti-inflammatory and Antihistaminic Study of a Unani Eye Drop Formulation. Ophthalmol Eye Dis. 2010; 2: 17–22.
[9] S. Shahriari, N. Yasa, A. Mohammadirad, R. Khorasani, M. Abdollahi (2007). In vivo Antioxidant Potentials of Rosa Damascene Petal Extract from Guilan, Iran, Comparable to α-tocopherol. International Journal of Pharmacology, 3: 187-190.
