Search Results (83)

Regulatory changes in the EU for safety purposes require strict control and high safety standards for essential oils obtained by steam distillation, as they are classified as chemical mixtures with potential toxic effects. Subcritical water extracts (SWEs) are considered safer. This study evaluated the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of SWEs from Rosa damascena Mill. and Rosa alba L. in three test systems at different hierarchical levels: higher plants (root meristems of Hordeum vulgare), somatic cells of Mus musculus ICR strain, and human lymphocytes in vitro. The chromatographic fingerprint of the extracts revealed the presence of key components such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and glycoside derivatives, with species-dependent variations and concentrations. No significant cytotoxicity was detected in the concentration range of 6–20%. SWE from R. alba showed a higher level of safety at high doses. Genotoxicity tests showed a weak, dose-dependent induction of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei in barley and lymphocytes (greater in R. alba), a lack of genotoxicity in mouse bone marrow, and a slight increase in micronuclei in mouse erythrocytes after exposure to R. alba extract. The results highlight the suitability of SWEs from R. damascena and R. alba for safe application in the medical, food, and cosmetic industries. Full article

This study investigated the individual and synergistic impacts of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation and foliar-applied silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) on the yield parameters, volatile profile, and phenolic composition of two Rosa damascena genotypes (D231 and C193). Experiments were conducted using a split–split–plot design, involving AMF inoculation (main plot), three SiNPs concentrations (subplot), and two rose genotypes (sub-subplot). The results demonstrated that AMF, SiNPs, and genotype all had significant and interactive effects on flower yield parameters. Foliar application of SiNPs, particularly when combined with AMF inoculation, consistently enhanced flowering parameters, including flower size, number, and weight across both genotypes. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) further confirmed that phenolic acids (vanillic acid and rutin) increased following foliar application of SiNPs and AMF root colonization, particularly in genotype C193. SPME-Arrow analysis revealed that alcohols, ketones, and terpenes were the predominant volatile constituents. Phenethyl alcohol was the most abundant compound, accounting for approximately 84.69% of the total aroma content and contributing significantly to the ‘rose’ aroma. Other major volatiles included 2-undecanone (4.42%), benzyl alcohol (2.97%), and citronellol (1.95%); however, their levels varied depending on treatment and genotype. These findings highlight that the combined application of AMF and SiNPs offers a sustainable approach to enhancing both the quantitative yield and qualitative phytochemical composition (essential oil components and phenolic compounds) of R. damascena, providing a scientific foundation for optimizing its production in organic farming systems. Full article

Rosa damascena and Rosa rugosa, which are the two most commercial species in the Rosa genus, are used to make rose oil, cosmetics, and functional foods. The majority of polysaccharide constituents of both species is structurally diverse and demonstrates promising biological activities, such as moisturizing, immunomodulation, and antioxidant activity. The extraction technique has a significant impact on the yield, purity, and bioactivity of polysaccharides. Traditional extraction methods (hot water, ethanol) are simple and economical, yet they typically produce low yields and degrade sensitive compounds. Novel extraction methods (pressurized liquid extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction) offer higher efficiency, selectivity, and sustainability, while better preserving polysaccharide structure and bioactivity. This review serves as a comparative summary of conventional versus novel extraction methodologies of polysaccharides from R. damascena and R. rugosa, with particular consideration towards the yield, polysaccharide structural integrity, sustainability, and industrial conduct of each methodology. In addition, it summarizes the distribution and functional role of selected polysaccharides in the various organs of the plants, while also providing an overview of their antioxidant mechanisms and potential bioactive applications in health. Challenges and critical factors that surround specific species, standards for processes, and extraction methods, and that therefore appeal to time and economic considerations, are identified. In efforts to optimize the extraction methodology, the high economic and functional potential of the Rosa species can be maximized in the interest of healthy, functional consumables for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. Full article

The side effects of conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc., worsen the quality of life of patients. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the possibilities of creating new drugs containing natural products with low toxicity. The experimental scientific pharmacological research of rose preparations in Bulgaria began in the first half of the 20th century. Bulgarian rose essential oil (BREO) is qualified by GC FID analysis. To study the effect of the BREO, we used HCT-8 and HT-29 tumor cell lines. As a model of healthy tissue, we used the non-tumorigenic cells MCF-12F. Cells were treated with twofold increasing concentrations of BREO from 7.5 µg/mL to 1000 µg/mL. The NRU test and MTT assay were used for evaluation of the safety, antiproliferative activity and colony formation assay. Our results showed low cytotoxicity (CC₅₀ = 629.72 ± 22.38 μg/mL) and high level of photosafety (PIF = 0.92) of BREO. The antiproliferative activity test shows that the BREO has an IC₅₀ = 290.45 ± 10.79 μg/mL for the HT-29 cells. In the normal cell line MCF-12F, this effect is lower (IC₅₀ = 383.90 ± 34.75 μg/mL). Furthermore, colony forming assay showed a significant reduction in IC₅₀ value (IC₅₀ = 163.79 ± 10.25 μg/mL) in HT-29 cells. The in silico experiments confirmed the potential of the BREO for antiproliferative effect and further activation of different pathways leading to apoptosis. Full article

Recently, essential rose oils and rose products have gained increasing importance in both the cosmetic and food industries, as well as in the composition of medicinal products. We investigated the in vitro antiviral activity of essential oil and floral water from Rosa damascena Mill against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection in rabbit retinal cells (RRCs). The composition of the main chemical components in the rose essential oil was determined by means of gas chromatographic analysis. The effect on the viral replication cycle was determined using the cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition assay. The virucidal activity, the effect on the adsorption stage of the virus to the host cell, and the protective effect on healthy cells were evaluated using the endpoint dilution method. The effects were determined as deviation in the viral titer, Δlg, for the treated cells from the one for the untreated viral control. The identified main active components of rose oil are geraniol (28.73%), citronellol (21.50%), nonadecane (13.13%), nerol (5.51%), heneicosane (4.87%), nonadecene (3.93), heptadecane (2.29), farnesol (2.11%), tricosane (1.29%), eicosane (1.01%), and eugenol (0.85%). The results demonstrated that both rose products do not have a significant effect on the virus replication but directly affect the viral particles and reduce the viral titer by Δlg = 3.25 for floral water and by Δlg = 3.0 for essential oil. Significant inhibition of the viral adsorption stage was also observed, leading to a decrease in the viral titers by Δlg = 2.25 for floral water and by Δlg = 2.0 for essential oil. When pretreating healthy cells with rose products, both samples significantly protected them from subsequent infection with HSV-1. This protective effect was more pronounced for the oil (Δlg = 2.5) compared to the one for the floral water (Δlg = 2.0). We used the in silico molecular docking method to gain insight into the mechanism of hindrance of viral adsorption by the main rose oil compounds (geraniol, citronellol, nerol). These components targeted the HSV-1 gD interaction surface with nectin-1 and HVEM (Herpesvirus Entry Mediator) host cell receptors, at N-, C-ends, and N-end, respectively. These findings could provide a structural framework for further development of anti-HSV-1 therapeutics. Full article

Background: Scar formation and impaired wound healing represent significant challenges in dermatology and aesthetic medicine, with limited effective treatment options currently available. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and long-term outcomes of Damask rose stem-cell-derived exosome (RSCE) therapy in the management of diverse dermatological conditions, including traumatic wounds, surgical scars, and atrophic acne scars. Methods: We conducted a case series study from June 2023 to November 2024, documenting four cases with different types of skin damage treated with lyophilized RSCE products. Treatment protocols included a variety of delivery methods such as topical application, microneedling, and post-procedure care. Follow-up assessments were performed at intervals ranging from 7 days to 10 months. Results: All patients demonstrated significant improvements in scar appearance, skin elasticity, hydration, and overall tissue quality. In traumatic facial injury, RSCE therapy facilitated reduction in scar contracture and improved functional outcomes. For atrophic acne scars, comparative treatment of facial sides showed enhanced results with RSCE addition. Acute wounds exhibited accelerated healing with reduced inflammation, while chronic wounds demonstrated improved epithelialization and long-term scar quality. Conclusions: This case series provides preliminary evidence suggesting that RSCE therapy may offer significant benefits in wound healing and scar management. The observed improvements in tissue regeneration, inflammatory modulation, and long-term aesthetic outcomes warrant further investigation through controlled clinical trials. Full article

The re-usage of byproducts needs urgent attention as the recycling and reduction in wastes can minimize environmental pollution and ameliorate the present situation by creating new products, such as animal feed and ingredients for the food industry. The industrial production of rose oil from Rosa damascena Mill. generates tons of byproducts, due to the low oil yield. Byproducts such as spent petals are systematically used as feed supplements, while the polyphenol-rich extracts are incorporated in numerous animal products. Among their benefits, exogenous (through a dietary strategy) antioxidants such as polyphenols, play a pivotal role in the antioxidant system in intensive farmed animals—influencing the growth performance and increasing the feed conversion. On the other hand, incorporated extracts serve as natural antioxidants retaining the discoloration of meat products, as well as inhibiting the lipid and protein oxidation during storage, extending their shelf-life. Rosa damascena Mill. extracts are used as additives in functional and more healthier products with reduced nitrite content and enhanced the biological value of the consumed products. The aim is to systematize the existing knowledge about the potential use of spent Rosa damascena Mill. petals and their extracts, as well as highlight the need for further research in dairy and meat products. Full article

This study on the isolation, identification, and characterization of the probiotic properties of lactic acid bacterial strains from the rose blossom of Rosa damascena Mill. (R. damascena) is crucial for discovering novel, plant-derived probiotics with potential health benefits and applications in food, medicine, and cosmetics. Nine lactic acid bacterial (LAB) strains were isolated from rose blossom of R. damascena, and they were identified to the species level by applying physiological and biochemical (API 50 CHL), and molecular genetic (16S rRNA gene sequencing) methods. The isolates were identified as belonging to the Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum species. Some probiotic properties of the newly isolated and identified LAB strains were examined: their antibacterial activity against pathogens by the agar well diffusion method, and their antibiotic resistance profile by the agar paper disc diffusion method. The LAB strains studied demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against the Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Abony, Proteus vulgaris, Listeria monocytogenes, and Enterococcus faecalis pathogens and were resistant to most of the antibiotics used in clinical practice, which in turn suggested the possibility of their joint inclusion in therapy, in the composition of probiotic preparations. A batch fermentation process was conducted with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 5/20, and the kinetic parameters of the batch fermentation process were determined in order to obtain a concentrate with a high viable cell count (10¹³CFU/cm³). The resultant concentrate was freeze-dried, and freeze-dried preparations with a high viable cell count (over 10¹² CFU/g) were obtained. Research on LAB strains isolated from R. damascena could reveal valuable LAB strains with significant probiotic properties. These strains will be suitable for various applications in the composition of starter cultures for functional beverages and foods, as well as probiotic preparations, showcasing the untapped potential of plant-associated microbiota. Full article

Rosa damascena Mill., widely recognized for its remarkable skincare benefits, is extensively used in the cosmeceutical industry. This study introduces a novel green approach to extract bioactive compounds from R. damascena for cosmeceutical applications while also evaluating its stability in terms of physical, chemical, and biological properties. R. damascena petals were extracted using deionized water instead of organic solvents, using various green extraction methods, including infusion, microwave, ultrasound, pulsed electric field, and micellar extraction. Their chemical composition was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The extract with the highest concentration of bioactive compounds was further evaluated for its cosmeceutical properties and stability and compared with its individual chemical components. Various factors influencing stability were evaluated, including pH level (5, 7, and 9), temperature (4 °C, 30 °C, and 45 °C), and light exposure. The findings indicate that the extract obtained through microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) contained the highest concentration of bioactive constituents, with corilagin being the most abundant, followed by cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside, gallic acid, ellagic acid, L-ascorbic acid, and rutin, respectively. Additionally, MAE exhibited excellent antioxidant, whitening, and anti-skin-aging effects, demonstrating significantly higher activities than both the positive control (L-ascorbic acid for antioxidant effects, kojic acid for anti-tyrosinase effects, and epigallocatechin gallate and oleanolic acid for anti-skin-aging effects) and the individual chemical constituents. However, the physico-chemical and biological stability of MAE was influenced by pH, temperature, and light exposure, and as such, light-protected and controlled temperature (not exceeding 30 °C) is essential to maintain the extract’s efficacy in skincare products, and optimal formulation strategies are strongly recommended to ensure long-term stability. Full article

Mushrooms are a valuable food in the human diet due to their superior nutritional properties. However, mushrooms’ short shelf life presents a challenge for their commercial application. Mushrooms’ air drying kinetics were determined, and the impact of prior osmotic dehydration was quantitatively evaluated. Additionally, the sustainable utilization of Rosa damascena distillation wastewater, rich in phenolics, was explored. Samples were impregnated with hypertonic solutions including rose wastewater, glycerol, salt and calcium chloride, and air-dehydrated at 40, 55, and 70 °C. Texture and color changes were determined during drying. Seven acknowledged mathematical models were successfully applied to describe the drying kinetics, with the effect of process temperature being incorporated into the drying constant. The simplest first-order model is deemed adequate for describing moisture reduction and quality degradation. Pretreatment significantly reduced the drying time to reach a final moisture content of 10% w.b, especially at 70 °C, where the reduction obtained was more than 40% (5 h for untreated vs. 2.5 h for pretreated samples). At the end of drying, pretreated samples reached lower values of water activity and maintained their color better (25–50% improvement). This study aims to provide a basis for producing a novel, mushroom-based, nutritionally fortified dry snack, following results confirmed by a sensory examination. Full article

Fusarium graminearum is a common plant pathogen among cereals worldwide. The application of chemical antifungal compounds is the most frequently used method in controlling F. graminearum. However, its excessive use and the genomic plasticity of the fungal genome lead to increased resistance levels to these chemical antifungal compounds. In this context, plant-derived compounds might play a role in protecting against Fusarium head blight (FHB) and crown rot (CR) as an alternative. In this study, we aimed to examine the antifungal effects of an essential oil obtained from Rosa damascena Mill. on the plant pathogen F. graminearum using molecular and analytical methods. The chemical composition of the essential oil was determined by GC-MS. The half effective concentration (EC₅₀) value of R. damascena essential oil (REO) for F. graminearum was determined as 604.25 µg mL⁻¹. Water-soluble tetrazolium 1 (WST-1) analyses revealed that REO caused cytotoxicity in F. graminearum. The potential oxidative stress and autophagic cell death capacity of REO towards F. graminearum was revealed via gene expression analysis and fluorescence microscopy. It was also revealed that, due to the plant-protective effect of REO, the disease severity of treated plants decreased by up to 27.78% in juvenile wheat seedlings infected by F. graminearum. Our data show that R. damascena essential oil might be used as an alternative natural ingredient in the field of plant protection. Full article

The highly valued oil of Rosa damascena Mill. (Rosaceae), widely used in high perfumery, cosmetics, and other spheres of human life, obliges us to know and study the safety profile of the product obtained from the water–steam distillation of fresh rose petals. The genotoxicity of the essential oil (EsO) has not been thoroughly studied despite its wide range of applications. That predetermined the object of this study—to evaluate, through classical cytogenetic methods, the possible cytotoxic/genotoxic activities of R. damascena Mill. EsO (EsORdm) in three different test systems: plant root meristem cells, mammalian bone marrow cells, and human lymphocyte cultures. The rose essential oil showed varying concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxic and genotoxic effects depending on the test system used, and it was established that the oil showed moderate cytotoxicity in lymphocyte cultures and non-high cytotoxicity in ICR mice but none in barley. Both barley and human lymphocytes showed a genotoxic effect with a dose-dependent increase in chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and a substantial rise in micronucleus (MN) frequency, while no genotoxicity was observed in bone marrow cells at the applied concentrations. Human lymphocytes exhibited the highest susceptibility to cytotoxic and genotoxic actions of the EsO. As a valuable plant-derived aromatic product with versatile uses in human life, R. damascena Mill. essential oil should be used in an appropriate concentration range tailored to cellular sensitivity. Full article

Assessing and determining genetic diversity in rose species is a crucial step for conservation efforts, the establishment of a core collection, and the development of new varieties. This study represents the first investigation of genetic diversity among various rose species at different ploidy levels in Tunisia, with the aim of elucidating the genetic structure of the Rosa genus. It encompasses both spontaneous and cultivated accessions, featuring local and introduced species recognized for their adaptability, ornamental value, and fragrance. A total of 114 accessions representing eight rose species were collected. Significant genetic diversity was assessed using seven SSR markers, yielding an average of 21 alleles per locus and a PIC value ranging from 0.882 to 0.941. The results identified 343 phenotypic alleles across the seven primers, with 72 for the primer RhE2b (LG6), 55 for H10D03 (LG7), and 54 for RhB303 (LG2). One key finding was that most perfumed rose accessions (R. damascena Mill. and R. centifolia L.) are distinct from the other rose accessions, indicating a unique genetic pool for these roses. Another important finding was that the Tunisian accessions of ‘Rose of Ariana’ were closely related to R. centifolia accessions, commonly known as the ‘Rose of May’ from Grasse, France. To clarify the phylogeny of this species or subspecies, further molecular studies are warranted. Additionally, nomenclature confusion was identified between R. sempervirens L. and R. canina L. in the northwestern region of Tunisia, indicating that all wild accessions correspond to R. sempervirens. Full article

Rosa damascena is mostly grown for its usage in the food, medical, and perfume industries, while it is also used as an attractive plant in parks, gardens, and homes. The use of R. damascena essential oil may yield new results in relation to the antimicrobial activity of essential oils and their use mainly in extending the shelf life of foods. This study investigates the chemical composition and antimicrobial properties of Rosa damascena essential oil (RDEO) using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and various bioassays to explore its potential applications in food preservation and microorganism growth control. The GC-MS analysis revealed that RDEO is predominantly composed of phenylethyl alcohol (70%), which is known for its antimicrobial and aromatic properties. Additionally, other significant constituents were identified, including nerol, citronellol, and geraniol, which may contribute to the EOs overall bioactivity. The antimicrobial activity was assessed through the minimal inhibition concentration against five Candida yeast strains, four Gram-positive, and four Gram-negative bacteria, including biofilm-forming Salmonella enterica. Determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) revealed the strongest effects of RDEO’s on Gram-negative species, with MIC₅₀ values as low as 0.250 mg/mL for S. enterica. Moreover, an in situ assessment utilizing fruit and vegetable models demonstrated that the vapor phase of RDEO significantly suppressed microbial growth, with the most substantial reductions observed on kiwi and banana models. As a result of our study, the antimicrobial effect of RDEO on the microbiota of sous vide processed eggplant was detected, as well as an inhibitory effect on S. enterica during storage. The insecticidal activity against Megabruchidius dorsalis Fahreus, 1839, was also studied in this work and the best insecticidal activity was found at the highest concentrations. These results suggest that RDEO has the potential to serve as a natural antimicrobial agent in food preservation and safety applications, providing an alternative to synthetic preservatives. Full article