Damask rose contains various components, e.g., flavonoids, terpenes, anthocyanins, and glycosides, that have valuable effects on human health. It has numerous pharmacological effects, including important CNS effects, such as analgesic, anticonvulsive, and hypnotic effects. In addition to CNS effects, its cardiovascular, respiratory, laxative, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant and anti-HIV properties are also evident. Recent studies have also reported that lipid soluble (nonpolar) constituents of damask rose are primarily responsible for most of the aforementioned pharmacological effects. Numerous studies have demonstrated the medicinal applications of Rosa damascena in vitro and in animal models. Further clinical studies are needed for evaluating its pharmacological potencies for different patient populations.
