Common names | Damask rose, Bulgarian rose, Castile rose

Scientific name | Rosa damascena

Used part | Flower

Known active compounds | quercetin, kaempferol, gallic acid, astragalin, tannin

Potential benefits in cosmetics | anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant

Product name | Roseactive D-APD, Roseactive D-ANB

Plant Story

Rosa damascene, commonly known as damask rose, Bulgarian rose, or Castile rose is a rose hybrid, derived from Rosa gallica and Rosa moschata. Damask is believed to have originated in the Middle East and it is the national flower of Iran. It is a highly valued and fragrant species of rose that has been cultivated for centuries for its beautiful flowers and for aromatic essential oil. The use of rose oil dates back to ancient Persia. It is cultivated in various parts of world, including Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, and India. In Bulgaria, there is a region called the Rose Valley which is famous for high-quality rose oil and rose-related products, particularly from the Damask rose. While they are primarily known to produce rose oil, they are also used for medicinal and culinary purposes. The petals are often used to make rose water that is used in desserts and beverages. Medicinally, Damask rose is believed to have mild astringent and anti-inflammatory properties and rose water is topically used for soothing and hydrating the skin.

The pharmacological properties and the chemical constituents of Damask rose were extensively studied and well published. Damask rose flowers are known to have anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant activities. They contain anthocyanins, terpenes, flavonoids and glycosides. Major active phenolic compounds are kaempferol, cyanidin 3, 5, D-glycoside, quercetin, and gallic acid, which can contribute to its anti-oxidant activities.