How does Rosa centifolia work for skin conditions?

Rosa centifolia exerts its effects primarily through its volatile oils and tannins. The active compounds, specifically geraniol, citronellol, and nerol, possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated skin. Additionally, the tannin content provides mild astringent effects, which can tone and tighten skin tissues. These mechanisms support its traditional use in treating minor skin inflammation and irritation (Evidence Level: C/Traditional).

Does Rosa centifolia interact with any medications?

Currently, there are no well-documented drug interactions associated with Rosa centifolia. Because it contains tannins, there is a theoretical possibility that it could interfere with the absorption of certain minerals or alkaloid drugs if taken orally at the same time. However, significant clinical interactions have not been reported. As always, consult a healthcare provider before adding herbal supplements to an existing regimen (Evidence Level: C).

What is the recommended dosage for Rosa centifolia?

For internal use as a mild laxative, the standard adult dosage is 2 to 4 grams of dried petals prepared as a tea infusion. For topical applications, such as treating skin conditions, the essential oil or extract should be properly diluted in a carrier oil or cream before application to prevent skin sensitization. Dosage recommendations are based on traditional use and established herbal pharmacopoeias (Evidence Level: Traditional).

Is Rosa centifolia safe to use during pregnancy?

Rosa centifolia is generally considered unsafe during pregnancy. While often used in cosmetics, internal use is contraindicated due to its potential laxative effects, which can stimulate uterine contractions. The essential oil components, such as geraniol and citronellol, may also pose risks to fetal development if ingested in concentrated amounts. Pregnant individuals should avoid consuming this herb and consult a qualified medical professional before using it topically (Evidence Level: C).

What are the benefits of Rosa centifolia for the skin?

Rosa centifolia is widely used in folk medicine and cosmetics for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. The petals contain flavonoids and volatile oils that help reduce redness and calm inflammation associated with minor skin conditions. Its astringent qualities, derived from tannins, make it useful for toning the skin. While widely used in perfumery, its therapeutic application for skin health is supported by traditional use rather than high-quality clinical trials (Evidence Level: C).

Rosa centifolia (Rosa centifolia)

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Rosa centifolia is a rose species used in traditional medicine and industry, demonstrating various pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects [PMID:33478154, PMID:39603992].

Background

Rosa centifolia L. (family Rosaceae) is an oil-bearing rose cultivated in regions including Bulgaria, Turkey, India, and the Middle East, used as a raw material for essential oils, hydrolates, and extracts [PMID:33478154, PMID:38794227].

Traditional uses

Traditionally used in Morocco, China, India, Europe, and Asia to treat digestive, respiratory, and cardiovascular ailments [PMID:39603992], as well as for renal disorders [PMID:34801355], joint pain, and rheumatoid arthritis [PMID:27313424].

Active compounds

Phytochemicals include flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, rutin, kaempferol, astragalin, isoquercitrin), terpenoids, glycosides, tannins (including ellagitannins such as rugosin B, D, and eusupinin A), phenolic compounds, pro-anthocyanidines, alkaloids, saponins, lignans, steroids, and ellagic acid [PMID:33478154, PMID:34801355, PMID:35315086, PMID:39603992, PMID:40601596, PMID:21538210].

Mechanism of action

The plant extract may induce endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasorelaxation via nitric oxide synthase and adenylate cyclase pathways [PMID:35315086]. Ellagitannins inhibit diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) to suppress triacylglycerol synthesis [PMID:21538210]. It also demonstrates the ability to inhibit melanogenesis and tyrosinase activity [PMID:40601596].

Clinical evidence

Evidence BScalp seborrheic dermatitis

A new-formula shampoo containing R. centifolia petal extract and epigallocatechin gallate was evaluated against ketoconazole and zinc-pyrithione [PMID:25473226]

Evidence CAnalgesia, relaxation, and psychological health

Clinical trials on rose oil (including R. centifolia) reported analgesic, physiological relaxation, anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, and improvement in sexual dysfunction effects [PMID:28748167]

Evidence DRheumatoid arthritis/Joint pain

Alcoholic and aqueous extracts significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema and CFA-induced arthritis in rat models [PMID:27313424, PMID:26222375]

Evidence DDoxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity

Ethanolic extract of petals was investigated for its ameliorative role in rat models [PMID:34801355]

Evidence DHemostasis

Aqueous extract significantly inhibited platelet aggregation and exhibited anticoagulant and antioxidant properties [PMID:40658371]

Safety & adverse effects

Hydrosols (6, 14, 20%) showed low genotoxicity in barley and human lymphocyte systems [PMID:38794227]. However, flower ethanolic extract and quercetin exhibited cytotoxic and genotoxic effects at high concentrations (e.g., 363 µg/mL for extract) [PMID:41502713]. Acute and sub-acute (28-day) oral toxicity studies in rats were conducted for alcoholic and aqueous extracts [PMID:27313424, PMID:26222375].

Evidence summary

Evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with some limited clinical review data (Level C) and one randomized controlled trial for a topical shampoo (Level B).

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 33478154 (2021) — Rose Flowers-A Delicate Perfume or a Natural Healer? · Biomolecules
2.PMID: 38794227 (2024) — Genotoxic and Anti-Genotoxic Potential of Hydrosols from Water-Steam Distillation of Oil-Bearing Roses Rosa centifolia L. and Rosa gallica L. from Bulgaria. · Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
3.PMID: 34801355 (2021) — Effect of ethanolic extract of Rosa centifolia against doxorubicin induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats. · Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine
4.PMID: 27313424 (2015) — In vivo antiarthritic activity of Rosa centifolia L. flower extract. · Ayu
5.PMID: 39603992 (2025) — The Medicinal Potential of Rosa centifolia L.: Integrating Botany, Geographical Distribution, Pharmacology, Ethnobotanical Uses, Phytochemistry, and Toxicology.

Rosa centifolia

Sources & Citations