A Review of the Pharmacological Properties of Rosa Damascena Mill

Abstract Rosa damascene Mill is a plant in the family of Rosaceae. Since many years ago, its flowers have been used in Iran for obtaining rose water. In traditional medicine of Iran, R. damascene was suggested for the treatment of different kinds of illnesses such as gastrointestinal dysfunction, gum bleeding, headache, memory disorders, wounds, and cardiovascular diseases. In the past decade, this plant has been a subject of rigorous studies to confirm its traditional therapeutic uses, to find new pharmacological effects, and to determine chemical constituents responsible for its biological actions. Alkanes, flavonoids, terpenes, and terpenoids are among the most important compounds identified in R. damascene. The experimental and clinical studies have revealed several pharmacological effects for R. damascene extracts including antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antimicrobial, bronchodilatory, inotropic, memory-enhancing, and sleep-prolonging actions. This review presents up to date information on chemical constituents of R. damascene and discusses traditional uses and new pharmacological findings about this plant.