Relaxant effects of Rosa damascena on guinea pig tracheal chains and its possible mechanism(s)

Comparative In Vitro and In Silico Enzyme Inhibitory Screening of Rosa x damascena and Pelargonium graveolens Essential Oils and Geraniol

The present work aims to evaluate Rosa x damascena Herrm. and Pelargonium graveolens L'Hér. essential oils, and the major constituent geraniol for their in vitro and in silico inhibitory activities against 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), cyclooxygenase (COX), acetyl cholinesterase (AChE), butyryl cholinesterase (BuChE), and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE2) enzymes. Geraniol most potently inhibited the ACE2 relative to other enzymes. R. damascena essential oil moderately inhibited the cancer cell lines with no toxic effects on healthy HEK 293 cells. P. graveolens essential oil inhibited a number of cancer cell lines including A549, MCF7, PC3, and HEK 293 that are reported here for the first time. The molecular docking of geraniol with the target enzymes revealed that it binds to the active sites similar to that of known drugs. Geraniol carries the potential for further drug development due to its drug-like binding mode for the target enzymes. Our work confirms that these essential oils possess similar biological activities due to their similar phytochemistry in terms of the major constituents of the plants. The promising biological activities reported in this work further warrant the inclusion of in vivo studies to establish safe use of the target essential oils and their constituents.

Comparing the quality of life of endometriotic patients' before and after treatment with normal and infertile patients based on the EHP30 questionnaire

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the quality of life (QOL), in patients with endometriosis ± infertility (B and C groups) and compare those to healthy women, and also infertile groups without endometriosis as a control groups (A and D), considering the fact that endometriosis and infertility reduces the quality of life in patients.

METHODS

The present prospective comparative study was carried out between January 2018 and September 2020. A total of 400 women were included (100 women in each group). The participants filled in a validated questionnaire of quality of life, Endometriosis Health Profile-30 (EHP-30), and a visual analog scale of pain used, at the first visit, and 3 months after the medical or surgical treatment in the endometriosis group without infertility, additionally.

RESULTS

The majority of the patients were married, categorized in the middle-class of socio-economic state and housewives. They were of Persian descent. BMI was high in the infertile groups; however, the time of infertility was not different between the two groups of B and C (P = 0.054). The mean score of QOL was significantly lower in B, C, and D groups in comparison to the healthy women as the control group (A) (P < 0.001). Moreover, the infertile group (B), in comparison to endometriosis ± infertility groups (C and D), had the lowest mean score of QOL (P < 0.001). In each group, those who were older and had better educational level reported a better quality of life than other participants in that group. Social support plays a very important role in reducing the endometriosis related pain symptoms both before and after treatment. Three months after the treatment of endometriosis (D), a significant improvement was observed in all the aspects of QOL-related endometriosis. Nonetheless, the improvement of the quality of life in the surgical group was significantly higher than that in the medical treatment. The mean visual analog score of pain decreased from 62.22 ± 22.78, to 5.15 ± 2.73 following the surgical treatment (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The lowest quality of life belonged to the infertile group, followed by the endometriosis group. The quality of life of the endometriosis group improved after the treatment. Thus, endometriotic patients' treatment in terms of improvement of quality of life should be considered by all professional health care teams.

Rosa damascena Miller essential oil relaxes rat trachea via K&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;V&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt; channels, K&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;ATP&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt; channels, and BK&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;Ca&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt; channels

AIM/OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Rosa damascena Miller essential oil on rat tracheal smooth muscle contractility and the hypothesis that voltage-gated potassium (K&lt;sub&gt;V&lt;/sub&gt;) channels, ATP-sensitive potassium (K&lt;sub&gt;ATP&lt;/sub&gt;) channels, and large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK&lt;sub&gt;Ca&lt;/sub&gt;) channels may have roles in these effects.

METHODS

Isometric contraction-relaxation responses of tracheal rings were measured with an isolated tissue bath model. The steady contraction was induced with both 10&lt;sup&gt;-5&lt;/sup&gt; M ACh and 60 mM KCl, and then the concentration-dependent responses of rose oil (0.1-100 µg/mL) were examined. The time-matched control (double distilled water) group was also formed. To evaluate the role of K&lt;sub&gt;V&lt;/sub&gt;, K&lt;sub&gt;ATP&lt;/sub&gt;, and BK&lt;sub&gt;Ca&lt;/sub&gt; channels, tracheal rings were incubated with 4-AP (K&lt;sub&gt;V&lt;/sub&gt; channel blocker), glibenclamide (K&lt;sub&gt;ATP&lt;/sub&gt; channel blocker), TEA (BK&lt;sub&gt;Ca&lt;/sub&gt; channel blocker), and iberiotoxin (selective BK&lt;sub&gt;Ca&lt;/sub&gt; channel blocker). Also, a vehicle control group was formed for dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).

RESULTS

Rose oil exerted the relaxant effects in tracheal rings pre-contracted with both ACh and KCl at concentrations of 1, 10, and 100 µg/mL (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Besides, K&lt;sub&gt;V&lt;/sub&gt; channel blocker 4-AP, K&lt;sub&gt;ATP&lt;/sub&gt; channel blocker glibenclamide, and BK&lt;sub&gt;Ca&lt;/sub&gt; channel blockers TEA and iberiotoxin incubations significantly inhibited the rose oil-induced relaxation responses (p &amp;lt; 0.05). However, incubation of tissues with DMSO, glibenclamide solvent, for 10 min did not cause a significant change in the relaxation responses to rose oil (p &amp;gt; 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the first physiological findings were obtained regarding the functional relaxant effects of rose essential oil in rat trachea. The findings showed that rose oil induces bronchorelaxation in a concentration-dependent manner. Besides, this study is the first to report that rose oil-mediated bronchodilation responses are associated with the activity of K&lt;sub&gt;V&lt;/sub&gt;, K&lt;sub&gt;ATP&lt;/sub&gt;, and BK&lt;sub&gt;Ca&lt;/sub&gt; channels. These results suggest that rose oil might be a useful agent in the treatment of abnormal bronchoconstriction-related diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Geraniol and β-citronellol participate in the vasorelaxant effects of Rosa damascena Miller essential oil on the rat thoracic aorta

AIM

This study aimed to investigate the vasoactive effects of Rosa damascena Miller essential oil and its major components, geraniol and β-citronellol, on the rat thoracic aorta.

METHODS

Isolated tissue bath model and Wistar rats were used to perform the experiments. Two-fold increasing concentrations (20-160 μg/mL) of rose oil were administered to determine its vasoactive effects. Submaximal contractions were induced by PE or KCl in both endothelium-intact and -denuded segments. Time-matched control groups were also formed. To evaluate the role of geraniol and β-citronellol, concentrations in the range of 0.4-3.2 μg/mL and 0.8-6.4 μg/mL were applied respectively. The statistical significance level was considered as p < 0.05.

RESULTS

All doses of rose oil applied led to vasorelaxation in thoracic aortas precontracted with PE. In precontracted thoracic aortas with KCl, the significant effect of rose oil persisted, albeit slightly diminished. When the endothelium was removed, the relaxant effect of rose oil was partially reduced, but still significant. Besides, although geraniol relaxed aortic segments at all concentrations (0.4 to 3.2 μg/mL), β-citronellol caused vasorelaxation at doses of 1.6, 3.2, and 6.4 μg/mL.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the first findings were obtained that rose oil can cause a vasorelaxant effect in a concentration-dependent manner in rat thoracic aorta. This effect substantially persisted in vascular segments without endothelium or precontracted with KCl. It was further shown for the first time that geraniol and β-citronellol exert vasodilatory effects on the rat thoracic aorta. These results suggest that rose oil exhibits its vasorelaxant effect through geraniol and β-citronellol.

Evidence for Rosa damascena efficacy in mental disorders in preclinical animal studies and clinical trials: A systematic review

The aim of this systematic review was to identify animal preclinical studies and randomized controlled trials that looked at the effects of R. damascena in any form on different mental diseases. Up to September 2021, the online databases of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane trials, as well as SID and MagIran, were searched. This study included 10 animal studies. Except for one research, the rest of the studies confirmed the positive effects of the plant in treatment of mental disorders. A total of 38 studies met the criteria for inclusion. Individuals who have encountered various sorts of mental problems, such as anxiety, sleep disturbance, and depressive disorder, were studied. R. damascena essential oil (EO), essence, extract, and dried plant were used in aromatherapy and oral administration. A decrease in sympathetic nervous system activity, induction of neurotransmitters, induction of nerve growth factors by neurogenesis and synaptogenesis mechanisms, a decrease in prolactin and an increase in noradrenaline, estradiol, and progesterone secretion are some of the mechanisms of action. In general, R. damascena is an effective herb for the treatment of mental disorders. However, further research timing and duration of intervention are needed to extrapolate the findings.

In Vitro Study of the Biological Potential of Wastewater Obtained after the Distillation of Four Bulgarian Oil-Bearing Roses

The wastewater after rose oil distillation is usually discharged into the drainage systems and it represents a serious environmental problem. While being rich in polyphenols, which have beneficial biological activity and application in the pharmaceutical industry, limited research has been carried out about the biological activity of the specific wastewaters per se. Wastewaters after distillation of the four Bulgarian oil-bearing roses Rosa damascena Mill., R. alba L., R. centifolia L., and R. gallica L. exerted significant antioxidant activity and good antiherpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) activity while maintaining a good toxicological safety profile (low cytotoxic effect) towards normal cell lines. More precisely, the non-tumorigenic cells were a human (HEK-293 embryonic kidney cells) and a mouse cell line (CCL-1 fibroblasts, which are recommended as a standard for cytotoxicity evaluation in Annex C of ISO 10993-5). The concentrations that achieved antioxidant and radical scavenging effects (0.04–0.92% v/v) were much lower than most of the maximum tolerated concentrations for the tissue culture cells (0.2–3.4% v/v). The wastewaters had a weak antiproliferative effect against Staphylococcus aureus. None of the wastewaters had activity against Gram-negative bacteria or a bactericidal or antifungal effect. We can conclude that these four species, which are the most preferred species worldwide for producing high-quality rose oil, have the potential to be developed as promising antioxidant and antiherpesvirus nutraceuticals.

Public health approach of Unani medicine to cope and stay safe in hot environmental conditions

The rising episodes of deadly heat waves have intensified the need for a heat protection strategy. The Unani system of medicine offers ways to stay healthy in different climatic conditions. Hence, this article aims to discuss the applicability of health protection measures suggested by Unani scholars for hot weather conditions in the light of current researches. The manual literature survey of classical Unani texts was conducted to collect information on health safety measures for hot weather. A substantial search of scientific databases such as "Google Scholar" and "Medline" for proposed measures in combination with "heat-stroke", "heat exhaustion" and "heat rash" was also conducted to identify their possible activity in heat-related illnesses. The guidelines for summer seasons in the classical Unani literature are described under the title tadābīr-i-mavsam. Unani scholars have discussed in detail the pathophysiological effects of heat and the measures to stay healthy by regulating the body system through lifestyle, diet and herbs. Most of the measures proposed by them are backed up by evidences. However, some measures have not yet been evaluated for their therapeutic or prophylactic efficacy in heat-related illnesses. On the basis of findings, the authors advocate the adoption of evidence-based measures and propose further investigation of those measures that are not well supported by the evidence or have not yet been evaluated.

An Evaluation of Traditional Persian Medicine for the Management of SARS-CoV-2

A new coronavirus causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged and with it, a global investigation of new antiviral treatments and supportive care for organ failure due to this life-threatening viral infection. Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) is one of the most ancient medical doctrines mostly known with the manuscripts of Avicenna and Rhazes. In this paper, we first introduce a series of medicinal plants that would potentially be beneficial in treating SARS-CoV-2 infection according to TPM textbooks. Then, we review medicinal plants based on the pharmacological studies obtained from electronic databases and discuss their mechanism of action in SARS-CoV-2 infection. There are several medicinal plants in TPM with cardiotonic, kidney tonic, and pulmonary tonic activities, protecting the lung, heart, and kidney, the three main vulnerable organs in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Some medicinal plants can prevent "humor infection", a situation described in TPM which has similar features to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Pharmacological evaluations are in line with the therapeutic activities of several plants mentioned in TPM, mostly through antiviral, cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Amongst the primarily-introduced medicinal plants from TPM, rhubarb, licorice, garlic, saffron, galangal, and clove are the most studied plants and represent candidates for clinical studies. The antiviral compounds isolated from these plants provide novel molecular structures to design new semisynthetic antiviral agents. Future clinical studies in healthy volunteers as well as patients suffering from pulmonary infections are necessary to confirm the safety and efficacy of these plants as complementary and integrative interventions in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Hospital diet for COVID-19, an acute respiratory infectious disease: An evidence-based Protocol of a Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 caused a global pandemic problem. No confident management is introduced for it yet. This study aimed to propose a dietary protocol for hospitalized patients with the diagnosis of acute respiratory infectious disease caused by COVID-19 based on Persian Medicine.

METHODS

This study was conducted in three phases. In the first phase, any diseases that could be matched with the clinical features of infection with COVID-19 were searched in selected PM references. In the second phase, medicinal herbs and foods that were available and could be used in the hospital diet were extracted and summarized. In the third phase, the new documentation of these pharmaceutical and food items was conducted.

RESULTS

The signs and symptoms of infectious respiratory disease caused by COVID-19 can be categorized in the field of Zato al-rieh that can mainly be matched with pneumonia. Based on the described criteria, some nutrients and medicinal materia medica have been introduced for acute respiratory infection including Cydonia oblonga, Honey, Citrus sinensis, Malus domestica, Citrus medica, Crocus sativus, Raisin, Rosa Damas Cena, D.Carota, Camellia Sinensis, Anethum graveolens dhi, Punica granatum, Petroselinum Crispum, Coriandrum sativum, Urtica dioica, Allium sativum, Sesamum indicum.

CONCLUSION

Most materia medica has documents in current articles including anti-cough suppressants, antiviral properties, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory etc. A protocol of hospital diet for patients with infectious respiratory syndrome caused by COVID-19 has been introduced in this manuscript.

Anti-stress effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Rosa gallica officinalis in mice

Rosa gallica, a plant of the Rosa genus, has been used widely since the 13^th century and is cultivated in many areas as a medicinal plant for the preparation of herbal medicines. However, details of the neuropsychological effects of R. gallica remain unclear; therefore we aimed to investigate the neuropsychological effects of a water-soluble extract of R. gallica in male C57BL/6N mice under normal conditions and under chronic stress. We administered a water-soluble extract of R. gallica to mice and performed a series of behavioral experiments to compare the treated animals with the untreated controls. No significant differences in activity level, anxiety-like behavior, depression-like behavior, body weight, and body temperature were observed between R. gallica-treated mice and control mice. However, in mice subjected to chronic stress, the observed decrease in activity was smaller in the R. gallica-treated mice than in the control mice. The oral administration of R. gallica did not affect the normal behavior of mice. However, when the mice were subjected to stress, R. gallica exerted an anti-stress effect. Therefore, R. gallica has potential as a medicinal plant for the purpose of stress prevention.

Reducing oxidative toxicity of L-dopa in combination with two different antioxidants: an essential oil isolated from Rosa Damascena Mill., and vitamin C

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To avoid L-dopa side effects it’s administration is delayed.

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Natural antioxidants have wide range of medicinal properties.

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The natural antioxidants might inhibit oxidation and toxin formation.

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The L-dopa use with antioxidants, may be a necessary approach in modern PD therapy.

Parkinson disease (PD) is a multifactorial disease that takes a leading place among contemporary frequent diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) with not well-established mechanism. One of the most popular and effective therapy for patients with PD is Levodopa (L-dopa), but clinical effect of the drug diminished by motor complications resulting from prolonged treatment. Due to the L-dopa neurotoxic effect in the disease treatment, the L-dopa administration is delayed as long as possible in order to avoid side effects. In addition, combining L-dopa therapy with antioxidants, may decrease side-effects and provide symptomatic relief. The aim of the current research was to explore the possibility to reduce the oxidative stress (OS) induced by the L-dopa after its combining with two different antioxidants an essential oil isolated from Rosa damascena Mill., and vitamin C through experimental model of healthy mice. For this purpose, some oxidative stress indicators were evaluated - the lipid and protein oxidation end products – such as lipid peroxidation products measured as malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, protein carbonyl content (PCC), and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in blood plasma of the experimental mice. For this purpose, was studied blood isolated from healthy mice after i.p. treatment with L-dopa (100 mg/kg). The groups with combining therapy were pre-treated first with Ascorbic acid (400 mg/kg), Rose oil (400 mg/kg). Statistically significant increased MDA levels, PCC and AGEs were found in the blood L-dopa treated mice compared to the controls, while the same parameters were significantly decreased in group pre-treated with antioxidants compared to the same controls. As a conclusion, the studied antioxidants can protect organisms from induced L-dopa oxidative toxicity and may play a key role in end products protection.

Longevity promoting efficacies of different plant extracts in lower model organisms

Past investigations have shown that various plant extracts are capable of promoting longevity in lower model organisms like Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bombyx mori etc. Longevity studies on such organisms provide a foundation to explore anti-aging efficacies of such plant extracts in higher organisms. Plant extracts of acai palm, apple, asparagus, blueberry, cinnamon, cocoa, Damnacanthus, maize, milk thistle, mistletoe, peach, pomegranate, Rhodiola, rose, Sasa, turmeric, and Withania have extended lifespan in lower model organisms via diverse mechanisms like insulin like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway, and antioxidant defense mechanisms. Knowledge of pathways altered by the extracts can be investigated as potential drug-targets for natural anti-aging interventions. Thus, the aim of the review is to scrutinize longevity promoting efficacies of various plant extracts in lower model organisms.

A systematic review of the efficacy and safety of Rosa damascena Mill. with an overview on its phytopharmacological properties

Rosa damascena Mill. is one of the most famous ornamental plants cultivated all over the world mostly for perfumery industries. Traditionally it has been used as an astringent, analgesic, cardiac and intestinal tonic.The paucity ofauthoritative monographs urged usto summarize its clinical effectiveness and safety with acomprehensive review of the literature. "PUBMED", "SCOPUS", "WEBOF SCIENCE" were searched up to April 30, 2017 with search terms:("Rosa damascena" OR "Damask Rose"). All human studies with any mono-preparation were included. In vitro and animal studies from "PUBMED"were also reviewed and outlined. Of "1000" identified publications, twelveeligibleclinical trials were retrieved. Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, protective neuronal, cardiac, gastrointestinal and hepatic effectsin 30 in vitro and 21 animal studies were also shown. there are promising evidences for the effectiveness and safety of Rosa damascena Mill in pain relief, but confirmatory studies withstandardized products is suggested.

Management of Usr-i-Tamth (Menstrual Pain) in Unani (Greco-Islamic) Medicine

Usr-i-tamth in Unani (Greco-Arabic) medicine is pain associated with menstruation, and classical manuscripts are enriched with traditional knowledge for the management of usr-i-tamth (menstrual pain/dysmenorrhoea). Hence, a comprehensive search was undertaken to find classical manuscripts for the management of menstrual pain was. We searched the Cochrane database, PubMed/Google Scholar, and other websites for articles on complementary and alternative medicine treatment and management of menstrual pain. The principal management as per Unani manuscripts is to produce analgesia and to treat the cause of usr-i-tamth such as abnormal temperament, menstrual irregularities/uterine diseases, and psychological and environmental factors. Furthermore, Unani medicines with emmenagogue, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties are beneficial for amelioration of usr-i-tamth. Herbs such as Apium graveolens, Cuminum cyminium, Foeniculum vulgare, Matricaria chamomilla and Nigella sativa possess the aforementioned properties and are proven scientifically for their efficacy in usr-i-tamth. Thus, validation and conservation of the traditional knowledge is essential for prospective research and valuable for use in the contemporary era.

A review of the relaxant effect of various medicinal plants on tracheal smooth muscle, their possible mechanism(s) and potency

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The therapeutic effects of the medicinal plants described in the current review on obstructive pulmonary diseases have found mention in ancient Iranian medical texts and in traditional folk medicine. These effects are attributed to their bronchodilatory activity, which relaxes the smooth muscles of the airway. Therefore, in the present review, the relaxant effects of various extracts, fractions and constituents of medicinal plants on tracheal smooth muscle are reviewed in light of their therapeutic effects on obstructive pulmonary diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The online literature was searched using Medline, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science and SID (for articles written in Persian). Moreover, local books on ethnopharmacology from 1918 to 2014 were searched with keywords such as tracheal smooth muscle, airway smooth muscle, relaxant effect, bronchodilatory effect and related mechanisms to identify studies on the relaxant effects of medicinal plants on tracheal smooth muscle and the possible mechanism(s) of these effects.

RESULTS

All studied plants showed significant relaxant effects on tracheal smooth muscle, which were similar or superior to the effect of theophylline at the used concentrations. According to the results, most of these plants also showed an inhibitory effect on muscarinic and histamine (H1) receptors, whereas some plants showed more pronounced stimulatory effects on the beta-adrenergic receptor. Some of the studied plants also showed inhibitory effects on calcium and potassium channels.

CONCLUSION

The present article reviewed the relaxant effects of several medicinal plants on tracheal smooth muscle, which were comparable or superior to the effect of theophylline at the studied concentration. The possible mechanisms of the relaxant effects of the studied medicinal plants and a comparison of these effects were also reviewed. This review presents the fractions and constituents of plants with potent relaxant effects on tracheal smooth muscle, which can be used to treat obstructive pulmonary disease.

Rosa damascena as holy ancient herb with novel applications

Rosa damascena as an ornamental plant is commonly known as “Gole Mohammadi” in Iran. Iranian people have been called this plant, the flower of Prophet “Mohammad”. R. damascena is traditionally used for treatment of abdominal and chest pains, strengthening the heart, menstrual bleeding, digestive problems and constipation.

This paper reviews the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmaceutical investigations on R. damascena.

All relevant databases and local books on ethnopharmacology of R. damascena were probed without limitation up to 31st March 2015 and the results of these studies were collected and reviewed.

R. damascena has an important position in Iranian traditional medicine. It is economically a valuable plant with therapeutic applications in modern medicine. The antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-depressant properties of R. damascena have been confirmed. Citronellol and geraniol as the main components of R. damascena essential oil are responsible for pharmacological activities.

Overall, R. damascena as holy ancient plant with modern pharmacological investigations should be more investigated as traditional uses in large preclinical and clinical studies.

Wound Healing Activity of a Traditionally Used Poly Herbal Product in a Burn Wound Model in Rats

BACKGROUND

Burns are known as one of the most common and destructive forms of injury with a vast spectrum of consequences. Despite the discovery of various antibacterial and antiseptic agents, burn wound healing still has remained a challenge to modern medicine. Plants, with a valuable traditional support, have been considered as potential agents for prevention and treatment of disorders in recent years. However, modern scientific methods should be applied to validate the claims about the therapeutic effects of the herbal products.

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to evaluate the wound-healing activity of a poly herbal cream (PHC), retrieved from Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM), in a rat burn wound model in Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, PHC containing aqueous extracts of Malva sylvestris and Solanum nigrum leaves and oily extract of Rosa damascena petals was used. Second-degree burn wounds were induced in four groups of five rats each. Group 1 received no treatment while groups 2, 3 and 4 were given cream base, silver sulfadiazine (SS) 1% and PHC, respectively to compare the efficacy of PHC with the negative and positive control groups. The percentage of wound healing on days 2, 6, 10 and 14 and histopathological parameters of healed wounds on the 14th day were assessed. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of PHC were evaluated using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and micro-dilution methods, respectively.

RESULTS

There was a significant improvement in healing percentage of PHC-treated rats in comparison to the other groups at the end of the treatment period (87.0% ± 2.1% for PHC in comparison to 32.2% ± 1.6%, 57.0% ± 5.3% and 70.8% ± 3.5% for the control, cream base and SS groups, respectively). Moreover, the healed wounds in PHC-treated animals contained less inflammatory cells and had desirable re-epithelialization with remarkable neovascularization. In addition to the antioxidant activity, PHC exhibited antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus.

CONCLUSIONS

Poly herbal cream experimentally and histopathologically revealed a burn wound healing activity probably due to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of its phytochemical contents. Therefore, this study confirms the use of M. sylvestris, S. nigrum and R. damascena in burn prescriptions in ITM.

Natural Products Useful in Respiratory Disorders: Focus on Side-Effect Neutralizing Combinations

This review summarizes literature related to medicinal plants reputed in traditional medical systems for treatment of asthma and coughs. The plants that are pharmacologically investigated for their effectiveness in such conditions, along with respective experimental protocol details, are also discussed. Some of plant origin compounds, which are considered useful as antitussive and antiasthmatic agents, are described as well. Chrysoeriol, a constituent of Aspalathus linearis (Fabaceae) was observed to be selective for relaxant effect in airways (through K⁺ channel activation), compared with other smooth muscles. We reported that Hypericum perforatum (Hyperieaceae), Andropogon muricatus (Poaceae), Juniper excelsa (Coniferae) and Nepeta cataria (Lamiaceae) exhibit bronchodilatory action, mediated through combination of Ca⁺⁺ antagonist and phospohodiesrase inhibitory mechanisms, which scientifically explains their medicinal use in asthma. Hyocyamus niger (Solanaceae), Artemisia vulgaris (Compositae), Fumaria parviflora (Fumariaceae) and Terminalia bellerica (Combretaceae) caused bronchodilation via dual blockade of muscarinic receptors and Ca⁺⁺ influx. Acorus calamus (Araceae), Carum roxburghianum (Apiaceae), Lens culinaris (Fabaceae) and Lepidium sativum (Cruciferae) mediate bronchodilatation through multiple pathways: anticholinergic and inhibition of Ca⁺⁺ channels and PDE enzyme(s). In conclusion, this review presents an analysis of different novel combinations of pharmacological activities in medicinal plants with side effect-neutralizing/synergistic potential, setting new trends in the therapeutic options for hyperactive respiratory disorders such as asthma and cough. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Laūq

Laūq is a pharmaceutical dosage form that had been mainly used for the treatment of various respiratory disorders in traditional Persian medicine. It is important from 2 aspects: a dosage form with efficient and optimum delivery of drugs to the respiratory tract and biological effects of its ingredients. Natural medicine in laūq has been demonstrated to act in respiratory disorders by their antitussive, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, spasmolytic, and antibacterial activities. Some of these natural remedies act by most of the mentioned mechanisms such as Cydonia oblonga, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Crocus sativus, Hyssopus officinalis, Foeniculum vulgare, and honey. However, the evidence is limited including Cassia fistula, Papaver somniferum, and Drimia maritima. According to positive pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects of laūqs, they may be considered as efficient dosage forms for delivery of drugs to the respiratory tract. For better compatibility of patients, it could be substituted laūqs with newer drug delivery systems like lozenges.

Antispasmodic and antidiarrhoeal activity of the fruit of Rosa moschata (J)

Background

The fruit of Rosa moschata has traditionally been used for the treatment of abdominal spasm and diarrhoea. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate mechanism(s) responsible for its medicinal use in gut spasm and diarrhea.

Methods

Hydro-methanolic extract of Rosa moschata (Rm.Cr) was studied in isolated rabbit’s jejunal preparations for possible antispasmodic activity. Based upon in vitro relaxant activity in isolated gut preparations, in vivo antidiarrheal activity was carried out in mice to confirm its antidiarrheal effect. Acute toxicity study was performed to determine safe dose range before in vivo experiments.

Results

In isolated rabbits’ jejunal preparations, Rm.Cr inhibited the spontaneous and high K⁺-induced contractions with respective EC₅₀ values of 0.66 (0.44-0.97; n = 5) and 2.28 mg/mL (1.43-3.62; n = 5), like that of verapamil. This suggests the presence of calcium channel blocking (CCB) activity as a possible mode of action. The Ca⁺⁺ channel blocking activity was further confirmed when pre-treatment of isolated jejunums with Rm.Cr (1-5 mg/mL) caused a rightward shift in the Ca⁺⁺ concentration-response curves (CRCs), similar to verapamil. Rm.Cr was safe up to 2000 mg/kg for in vivo acute toxicity. Rm.Cr provided 55% and 80% protection from diarrhoea in respective doses of 100 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg. These data indicates that the crude extract of Rosa moschata possesses Ca⁺⁺ antagonist-like constituent(s), which explains its inhibitory effect on gut motility; a mechanism that underlies its antidiarrheal and antispasmodic activities.

Conclusion

The study shows that the crude extract of fruits of Rosa moschata possesses antispasmodic effects mediated possibly through voltage gated Ca++ channel blockade, which provides sound pharmacological base to its medicinal use in gut spasms and diarrhoea, though additional mechanism(s) cannot be ruled out.

Chemical composition analysis of rose water samples from Iran

CONTENT

Rosa damascena Mill. (Rosaceae) is an important ornamental and medicinal plant and a source of fragrance. Its hydrosol is known in Iran as golab (rose water) and has applications in religious ceremonies, food, and pharmaceuticals. Hydrosol is traditionally and industrially produced by distillation. The increase in market demand has led to production of inferior products for hydrosol that contain synthetic essences or essential oils of other plants, or that have been diluted with water. Inferior product often may be distinguished via its color changes and weak odor. However, details need to be determined by chemical analysis.

OBJECTIVE

The current study evaluated the composition and quality of 10 rose water samples purchased from local markets in Shiraz, capital of Fars province in Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The essential oils of the samples were extracted and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

RESULTS revealed that phenethyl alcohol, geraniol, and β-citronellol were the main constituents of most samples. In total, 22 constituents were detected and identified in the samples. Identification was determined for 60.97-96.07% of the essential oil components.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

It was concluded that Pelargonium and Dianthus essential oils and synthetic essences had been added to some samples. Dibutyl phthalate was also detected in most samples. This substance, which commonly exists as polyethylene terephthalate, may have been released into the samples from their containers.

Protection against brain tissues oxidative damage as a possible mechanism for the beneficial effects of Rosa damascena hydroalcoholic extract on scopolamine induced memory impairment in rats

OBJECTIVES

Hypnotic, analgesic, anticonvulsant, and antioxidant effects of Rosa damascena have been reported. This study, investigated the effect of R. damascena hydroalcoholic extract on memory performance in a scopolamine-induced memory impairment model.

METHODS

The rats were divided into control group received just saline; scopolamine group was treated by saline for 2 weeks, but was injected by scopolamine 30 minutes before each trial in Morris water maze test; treatment groups (scopolamine + extract 50; Sco + Ext 50) and (scopolamine + extract 250; Sco + Ext 250) were daily treated by 50 and 250 mg/kg of R. damascena extract (2 weeks) and were finally injected by scopolamine before each trial in Morris water maze. The brains were removed for biochemical measurements.

RESULTS

Time latency and path length in the scopolamine group were higher than control (P < 0.01 to <0.001). Both treatment groups showed shorter traveled distance and time latency compared with scopolamine group (P < 0.05 to <0.001). Time spent in target quadrant by scopolamine group was lower than control (P < 0.05), while Sco + Ext 250 group spent longer time in target quadrant than scopolamine group (P < 0.05). Malondialdehyde concentrations in hippocampal and cortical tissues of scopolamine group were higher, while thiol concentrations were lower than control ones (P < 0.001). Treatment by both doses of the extract decreased the malondialdehyde concentration, while increased the thiol concentration (P < 0.05 to <0.001).

DISCUSSION

The results of this study showed that the hydroalcoholic extract of R. damascena prevents scopolamine-induced memory deficits. This finding suggests that memory improvement may be in part due to the antioxidant effects.

Natural compounds with anti-ageing activity

Ageing is a complex molecular process driven by diverse molecular pathways and biochemical events that are promoted by both environmental and genetic factors. Specifically, ageing is defined as a time-dependent decline of functional capacity and stress resistance, associated with increased chance of morbidity and mortality. These effects relate to age-related gradual accumulation of stressors that result in increasingly damaged biomolecules which eventually compromise cellular homeostasis. Nevertheless, the findings that genetic or diet interventions can increase lifespan in evolutionarily diverse organisms indicate that mortality can be postponed. Natural compounds represent an extraordinary inventory of high diversity structural scaffolds that can offer promising candidate chemical entities in the major healthcare challenge of increasing health span and/or delaying ageing. Herein, those natural compounds (either pure forms or extracts) that have been found to delay cellular senescence or in vivo ageing will be critically reviewed and summarized according to affected cellular signalling pathways. Moreover, the chemical structures of the identified natural compounds along with the profile of extracts related to their bioactive components will be presented and discussed. Finally, novel potential molecular targets for screening natural compounds for anti-ageing activity, as well as the idea that anti-ageing interventions represent a systemic approach that is also effective against age-related diseases will be discussed.

The Effect of Rosa Damascena Extract on Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Double-blind Cross-over Clinical Trial

Background:

Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common types of cyclic pain that affects 50% of women and girls in their menstrual ages. Because of the side-effects and contraindications of chemical medicines, using herbs has been investigated in treating dysmenorrhea.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Rosa damascena extract on primary dysmenorrhea among the students of Kowsar dormitory in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.

Materials and Methods:

This study was performed in Iran on 92 single 18-24 year old students with BMI :19-25 and obtaining pain intensity score of 5-8 in Visual Analogue Scale that were randomly classified and included in two groups of 46 persons. The participants received two capsules of Mefenamic Acid and Rosa damascena with the similar physical properties in two consecutive cycles per 6 hours for 3 days in a cross-over form. The data were collected through the questionnaire of demographic characteristics and check-list of visual analogue scale. Descriptive statistics and repeated measurement test and independent samples t test by using SPSS (13/win) were used in order to determine and compare the effects of two drugs on dysmenorrheal pain intensity of the groups.

Results:

There was a significant difference between the average of pain intensity at different hours of measurement in each group after the end of first cycle and second cycle (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the average of pain intensity in two groups in the first cycle (P = 0.35) and second cycle (P = 0.22).

Conclusions:

In this study¸ Rosa damascena and Mefenamic acid had similar effects on pain intensity of primary dysmenorrhea . With further studies, Rosa damascena which has no chemical side effects¸ can be suggested for treating primary dysmenorrhea.

Assessment of Safety and Therapeutic Efficacy of Rosa damascena L. and Quercus infectoria on Cardiovascular Performance of Normal and Hyperlipidemic Rabbits: Physiologically Based Approach

According to the use of Quercus infectoria (QI) and Rosa damascena L. (RD) for therapeutic purposes and lack of adequate information about their cardiovascular effects, we investigated the cardiovascular indices of rabbits which chronically pretreated with these agents. Animal groups were control group (CTL), RD and QI groups with normal chow plus 1.5 g RD and QI extracts, respectively, in each kg of the diet for 45 days; Hyperlipidemic (H) group received high-fat diet for 45 days; H+RD and H+QI groups received high fat diet plus QI and RD extracts, respectively. Blood pressure was greater in H+RD group than CTL, RD, and H groups. Left ventricular developed pressure and left ventricular systolic pressure increased significantly in H+RD group versus CTL and RD groups (P < 0.05 and P < 0.0001, resp.) and in H+QI groups (P < 0.01 versus QI groups). Left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) showed significant reduction in H+QI group versus H group. QI attenuated the values of total cholesterol, LDL, TG, and atherogenic indices of plasma when coadministrated with a high-fat diet. The results suggest the antilipidemic and antiatherogenic effects of QI. In addition, the use of RD along with a high-fat diet may increase the risk of hypertension in rabbits.

Bioguidage search of active compounds from Waltheria indica L. (Malvaceae) used for asthma and inflammation treatment in Burkina Faso

Waltheria indica is used in traditional pharmacopeia in Burkina Faso for the treatment of asthma and conditions of inflammation. To evaluate its pharmacological properties and isolate the active compounds, a study through a bioguided phytochemical approach was conducted. This search was guided by a two-level investigation. First, we evaluated the impact of various fractions on the activity of enzymes involved in smooth muscle contraction (PDE4A1α) and inflammatory processes (PLA2 , 5-LOX). Second, we investigated the inhibitory effect of fractions on isolated rat trachea. The initial hydroalcoholic extract from roots of W. indica (HA), n-hexane fraction (F1 ), dichloromethane fraction (F2 ), ethyl acetate fraction (F3 ), residuary fraction (F4 ) reduced enzyme activity of PDE4A1α (inhibition of 22-42% at 50 μg/mL), 5-LOX (60-80% at 10 μg/mL), and PLA2 (42-94% at 100 μg/mL). On isolated rat trachea, only HA, F3 , and fractions obtained from F3 by chromatography on silica gel column, using dichloromethane/methanol, dose dependently inhibited contraction induced by acetylcholine. IC50 was 1051 μg/mL for HA and comprised between 181 and 477 μg/mL for F3 and its fractions. The most active fractions were purified and led to the identification of (-)-epicatechin. (-)-epicatechin from W. indica dose dependently inhibited PLA2 (IC50 = 154.7 μm) and 5-LOX (IC50 = 15.8 μm). In conclusion, both inhibition of PDE4A1α, 5-LOX, and PLA2 activities and rat trachea relaxation by W. indica validate its use in traditional management of asthma and other conditions of inflammation. These effects should be, at least in part, attributed to the presence of (-)-epicatechin in roots of W. indica.

Possible mechanism of inotropic and chronotropic effects of Rosa damascena on isolated guinea pig heart

Background

The possible mechanism(s) of inotropic and chronotropic effects of the extract from Rosa damascena (R. damascena) on heart was examined.

Methods

Inotropic and chronotropic effects of four concentrations of the extract from R. damascena and isoprenaline were examined in isolated guinea-pig hearts perfused through aorta in a Langendorff model. All measurements were performed in three different groups: 1) In the presence and absence of propranolol, 2) In the presence and absence of methacholine and 3) In the presence of diltiazem (n = 12 for each group).

Results

In all groups both isoprenaline and the extract caused an increase in heart rate and contractility (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Only in group 1, the final concentration of isoprenaline in the absence of propranolol caused significant greater increase in heart rate compared to the extract (207.6 ± 11.0 compared to 162.6 ± 11.8, p < 0.01). The percent increase in heart contractility due to the final concentration of the extract in the absence (362.4 ± 36.9 compared to 227.7 ± 31.6, p < 0.01) and presence of propranolol (577.1 ± 62.9 compared to 357.5 ± 45.6, p < 0.001) in group 1 and absence (403.7 ± 42.1 compared to 244.8 ± 18.9, p < 0.005) and presence of methcholine (499.88 ± 64.64 compared to 323.90 ± 44.49, p < 0.05) in groups 2 was significantly greater than the increase caused by isoprenaline.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that inotropic and chornotropic effect of R. damascena is possibly due to the stimulatory effect of this plant on beta-adrenoceptors.

Gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry, flame ionization detection and elemental analyzer/isotope ratio mass spectrometry for characterizing and detecting the authenticity of commercial essential oils of Rosa damascena Mill

RATIONALE

The essential oil of Rosa damascena Mill. is known for its fine perfumery application, use in cosmetic preparations and for several pharmacological activities. Due to its high value, it can be easily adulterated with flavors or cheaper oils. This study is aimed at a detailed phytochemical characterization of commercial samples of R. damascena essential oil and at their authenticity assessment.

METHODS

Nineteen commercial samples of R. damascena essential oil of different geographic origin and an additional authentic one, directly extracted by hydro-distillation from fresh flowers, were considered. GC/MS and GC/FID techniques were applied for the phytochemical analysis of the samples. EA/IRMS (Elemental Analyzer/Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry) and GC/C (Combustion)/IRMS were used to determine the δ(13)C composition of bulk samples and of some specific components.

RESULTS

Citronellol (28.7-55.3%), geraniol (13.5-27.3%) and nonadecane (2.6-18.9%) were the main constituents of Bulgarian and Turkish essential oils, while those from Iran were characterized by a high level of aliphatic hydrocarbons (nonadecane: 3.7-23.2%). The δ(13)C values of bulk samples were between -28.1 and -26.9‰, typical for C3 plants. The δ(13)C values of specific components were in the usual range for natural aromatic substances from C3 plants, except for geranyl acetate, which displayed higher values (up to -18‰). These unusual δ(13)C values were explained by the addition of a natural cheaper oil from a C4 plant (Cymbopogon martinii, palmarosa), which was found to occur in most of the essential oils.

CONCLUSION

GC/C/IRMS, in combination with GC/MS and GC/FID, can be considered as an effective and reliable tool for the authenticity control of R. damascena essential oil.

Investigating the effect of aromatherapy in patients with renal colic

AIM

The aim of the present study was to investigate the usefulness of rose essential oil as a supplementary and adjunctive therapy for the relief of renal colic, specifically because rose essential oil is soothing and can act as a muscle relaxant.

MATERIALS

Eighty patients who were diagnosed with renal colic in the emergency room were included in the study, with ages ranging from 19 to 64 years. Half of the patients (n=40) were treated with conventional therapy (diclofenac sodium, 75 mg intramuscularly) plus placebo (physiological serum, 0.9% NaCl), while the other half (n=40) were given aromatherapy (rose essential oil) in addition to conventional therapy. In each patient, the severity of pain was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (0 [no pain] to 10 [very severe pain]).

FINDINGS

The VAS values prior to the start of therapy, and 10 and 30 minutes after therapy were 8.18 ± 1.36, 5.60 ± 2.02, and 3.75 ± 2.08 for the conventional therapy plus placebo group, while for the conventional therapy plus aromatherapy group, the VAS values were 8.63 ± 1.03, 4.25 ± 1.72, and 1.08 ± 1.07, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the starting VAS values of the two groups, but the VAS values 10 or 30 minutes after the initiation of therapy were statistically lower in the group that received conventional therapy plus aromatherapy.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that rose essential oil therapy in addition to conventional therapy effectively reduces renal colic pain.

The effect of Nigella sativa alone, and in combination with dexamethasone, on tracheal muscle responsiveness and lung inflammation in sulfur mustard exposed guinea pigs

ETHNOMEDICAL RELEVANCE: The anti-inflammatory activity of both systemic and local administrations of essential oil from Nigella sativa L. has been shown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Therefore, the effect of Nigella sativa on tracheal responsiveness (TR) and lung inflammation of sulfur mustard (SM) exposed guinea pigs was examined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Guinea pigs were exposed to diluent solution (control group), inhaled SM (SME group), SME treated with Nigella sativa (SME+N), SME treated with dexamethasone (SME+D) and SME treated with both drugs (SME+N+D), (n=7 for each group). TR to methacholine, total white blood cell (WBC) and differential WBC count of lung lavage, and serum cytokines were measured 14 days post-exposure.

RESULTS

The values of TR, eosinophil, monocyte, lymphocyte, interleukine-4 (IL-4) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) of SME group were significantly higher than those of controls (p<0.05 to p<0.001). The TR in SME+N, SME+D and SME+N+D was significantly lower compared to that of SME group (p<0.01 for all cases). The percentage of eosinophil in SME+D, and the percentage of monocyte in SME+N+D (p<0.05 to p<0.01) were significantly lower than those in SME group. The neutrophil number was decreased in SME+N and SME+N+D groups compared to SME animals (p<0.05 to p<0.01). IL-4 levels in serum of SME+N (p<0.01), SME+D (p<0.05), SME+N+D (p<0.01) and IFN-γ in SME+N (p<0.05) were greater than those in SME animals.

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed a preventive effect of Nigella sativa on TR and lung inflammation of SM exposed guinea pigs.

Protective Effects of Rosa damascena and Its Active Constituent on Aβ(25-35)-Induced Neuritic Atrophy

Dementia is a clinical syndrome characterized by multiple cognitive deficits and causes progressive neurodegeneration leading eventually to death. The incidence of dementia is increasing worldwide with the increase in ageing population. However, no effective treatment is available yet. It has been hypothesized that drugs activating neurite outgrowth might induce neuronal reconstruction and help in the recovery of brain function. Working on this hypothesis, we recently observed that the chloroform extract of the Rosa damascena significantly induced the neurite outgrowth activity and inhibited the Aβ(25–35)-induced atrophy and cell death. Further workup led the isolation of a very long polyunsaturated fatty acid having molecular formula C₃₇H₆₄O₂ as an active constituent. The structure of this compound was established by extensive analysis of fragmentations observed in EI-MS mode. The isolated compound protected Aβ(25–35)-induced atrophy and displayed strong neurite outgrowth activity. The length of dendrite in the cells treated with this compound were comparable to those of nerve growth factor (NGF) treated cells.

Inhibitory effect of methanol extract of Rosa damascena Mill. flowers on alpha-glucosidase activity and postprandial hyperglycemia in normal and diabetic rats

The effect of a methanol extract of Rosa damascena Mill. flowers was studied, in comparison to the alpha-glucosidase inhibitor acarbose, in normal and diabetic rats. The inhibition mode of this extract was examined by measuring enzyme activity in different concentrations of substrate for Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis. The results show that Rosa damascena extract has an intensive inhibitory effect on alpha-glucosidase. Its inhibition was found to be noncompetitive. Oral administration of this plant extract (100 to 1000 mg/kg body wt.) significantly decreased blood glucose after maltose loading in normal and diabetic rats in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that Rosa damascena might exert an anti-diabetic effect by suppressing carbohydrate absorption from the intestine and can reduce the postprandial glucose level.

Tocopherol, carotene, phenolic contents and antibacterial properties of rose essential oil, hydrosol and absolute

The antioxidant and antibacterial activities, and total phenolic contents of Rosa damascena Mill. flower extracts (absolute, essential oil and hydrosol) were investigated. The chemical compositions of these extracts were analysed by GC-MS. Phenylethyl alcohol (78.38%) was found to be the main constituent of rose absolute, while citrenellol and geraniol were the major compounds (>55%) of rose essential oil and hydrosol. Tocopherol and carotene levels were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The levels of beta carotene (422.3+/-35.6 ppm), alpha tocopherol (2397.1+/-72.5 ppm) and gamma tocopherol (343.1+/-28.4 ppm) of rose absolute were found to be higher than that of essential oil and hydrosol. Their total phenolic contents were also evaluated. The total phenolic content of the tested extracts varied from 5.2 to 2134.3 GAE/mg L(-1). Rose absolute and essential oil contained high levels of phenolics and demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Chromobacterium violaceum (ATCC 12472) and Erwinia carotovora (ATCC 39048) strains.

Rosa damascena decreased mortality in adult Drosophila

The effects of a rose-flower extract, Rosa damascena, on the mortality rate of Drosophila melanogaster was evaluated in this study. R. damascena is a potent antioxidant that has many therapeutic uses in addition to its perfuming effects. Supplementing Drosophila with this rose extract resulted in a statistically significant decrease in mortality rate in male and female flies. Moreover, the observed anti-aging effects were not associated with common confounds of anti-aging properties, such as a decrease in fecundity or metabolic rate.

The effects of prolonged rose odor inhalation in two animal models of anxiety

AIM

To investigate the anxiolytic effects of prolonged rose odor exposure, mature gerbils were exposed to acute (24 h), chronic (2 week) rose odor, or a no odor condition. Anxiolytic effects were assessed using the elevated plus maze and black white box. Rose odor profiles were compared with diazepam (1 mg/kg) i.p. The Jonckheere-Terpstra test was used, with the Mann-Whitney U test to examine significant group differences. In the elevated plus maze, spatiotemporal measures, altered by diazepam, were unaffected by rose oil, whereas exploration, increased (headdip frequency: acute U=100, p<0.001; chronic U=13, p<0.001). In the black white box, rose oil had anxiolytic spatiotemporal and exploratory behavior effects: latency to move from the white to the black compartment (acute U=182, p<0.01, chronic U=179, p<0.05), percentage time in the white compartment (acute U=168, p<0.01, chronic U=149, p<0.01) and exploration, rear-sniff frequency white (acute U=100, p<0.001; chronic U=99, p<0.001) increased. The percentage of time in the dark area decreased (acute U=160, p<0.01, chronic U=178, p<0.05). This anxiolytic profile strengthened after chronic exposure to rose odor, transitions between the compartments (U=167, p<0.01) and percentage of time moving around the arena (U=154, p<0.001) increased.

CONCLUSION

This profile was more representative of modern anxiolytics, for example some serotonergic agents, rather than benzodiazepine type drugs.