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Rose Petal Extract

Also known as: Rose petal extract, RPE, Damask rose extract, Rosa damascena extract, Rosa gallica extract

Overview

Rose petal extract (RPE) is a botanical supplement derived from the petals of various Rosa species, primarily *Rosa gallica* and *Rosa damascena*. It is rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which are known for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. RPE is commonly used for its potential benefits in skin health, where it can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. It also shows promise in pain management, particularly for menstrual pain, often through aromatherapy or oral intake of *R. damascena* preparations. Research on RPE is moderately developed, with a mix of in vitro, animal, and human studies, including randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, especially concerning *R. damascena* for pain relief. The evidence quality varies, with strong support for antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory effects in skin, and growing evidence for pain relief.

Benefits

Rose petal extract offers several evidence-based benefits. It exhibits significant **skin anti-inflammatory effects**, with *R. gallica* ethanol extracts shown to suppress UV-induced MAPK activation and reduce inflammation markers in skin cells in vitro, suggesting its utility for topical or oral skin health applications. Its robust **antioxidant activity** is well-documented, with high concentrations of polyphenols and flavonoids correlating strongly with free radical scavenging potential, as measured by DPPH assay across various rose cultivars. Furthermore, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that *R. damascena* aromatherapy and oral administration significantly **reduced acute pain severity**, including menstrual pain, with aromatherapy showing a notable effect size. Preliminary biochemical evaluations also suggest **antiproliferative potential** in certain cell lines, though this area requires further clinical investigation.

How it works

The anti-inflammatory effects of rose petal extract are primarily mediated by its ability to suppress MAPK signaling pathways, which are activated by stressors like UV exposure, thereby reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines in skin cells. Its potent antioxidant properties stem from the high concentration of polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which effectively neutralize reactive oxygen species and mitigate oxidative stress. For pain relief, the mechanisms are thought to involve the modulation of inflammatory mediators and central nervous system pathways. This can occur through aromatherapy, where volatile compounds are inhaled, or via systemic absorption of bioactive compounds when taken orally. The specific molecular targets for pain relief are still under investigation, and bioavailability can vary depending on the extraction method and formulation, with ethanol extracts concentrating polyphenols and aromatherapy delivering volatile compounds.

Side effects

Rose petal extracts and *R. damascena* preparations are generally considered safe, with minimal adverse effects reported in high-quality studies. Common side effects are rare and typically mild, including potential skin irritation when applied topically, or allergic reactions in individuals with sensitivities. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been extensively documented in robust research. However, comprehensive safety data for specific populations, such as pregnant women and children, are limited, and these groups should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before use. Overall, the safety profile appears favorable, but users should be aware of the potential for mild, localized reactions, especially with topical application.

Dosage

Specific dosing for rose petal extract is not yet standardized across all applications, as studies have utilized variable concentrations and formulations. For skin-related research, in vitro studies have used ethanol extracts at concentrations up to 1000 µg/mL. In the context of pain relief, randomized controlled trials have employed aromatherapy sessions or oral drops/capsules of *R. damascena*, but precise, universally recommended dosages for these forms are still being established. The timing and duration of use depend on the intended benefit; skin health improvements may require consistent topical or oral application over time, while pain relief can be sought for acute episodes or cyclic conditions like menstrual pain. Absorption can be influenced by the form of the extract, with ethanol extracts enhancing polyphenol absorption and inhalation being key for aromatherapy benefits. There are no clearly defined upper limits or safety thresholds established for general use, emphasizing the need for further research to standardize dosing guidelines.

FAQs

Is rose petal extract effective for skin inflammation?

Yes, in vitro and mechanistic studies indicate that rose petal extract can significantly reduce skin inflammation by inhibiting UV-induced MAPK pathways and reducing inflammatory markers.

Can it relieve menstrual pain?

Aromatherapy and oral drops of *Rosa damascena* have shown statistically significant reductions in acute and menstrual pain in meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials.

Are there safety concerns with rose petal extract?

Generally, rose petal extract is considered safe with minimal reported side effects. Mild skin irritation or allergic reactions are rare but possible, especially with topical use.

How quickly do benefits appear?

Pain relief effects, particularly with aromatherapy, can be observed relatively quickly within treatment cycles. Skin benefits, however, likely require more consistent and longer-term use for noticeable improvements.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6261181/ – This in vitro study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of *Rosa gallica* ethanol extract on UV-induced skin inflammation. It found that the extract significantly suppressed MAPK activation and reduced pro-inflammatory markers, suggesting its potential for skin health applications due to its high polyphenol and flavonoid content.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2024.1477243/full – This comparative biochemical analysis quantified polyphenols and flavonoids in 18 rose cultivars and found a strong correlation between these compounds and antioxidant activity. The study highlights the robust free radical scavenging potential of various rose extracts, supporting their use as natural antioxidants.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8395985/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials assessed the efficacy of *Rosa damascena* for acute pain relief. It concluded that aromatherapy with *R. damascena* significantly reduced acute and menstrual pain, with oral drops also showing effectiveness, though oral capsules had less significant trends.