• Damask Rose
  • Damask Rose

Damask Rose

  • Scientific Name
    Rosa damascena
  • Family
    Rosaceae
  • Origin
    Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, France, Morrocoetc.

CONTENTS

Plant description

Damask Rose, belonging to the Rosaceae family, is a shrub reaching a height of 2 meters. It features a diverse array of flower varieties, each displaying unique colors and aromatic intensities. Among these, the most notable is the “Damask rose,” due to its incredibly potent aroma. These palm-sized flowers are pink and exude a sweet, rich, and fragrant scent. The scientific name “damascena” is believed to originate from “Damas,” a reference made when the rose was introduced to Bulgaria. It was subsequently named “Rosa damascena” in Latin. Roses have been intertwined with human history since 3000 B.C., appearing in numerous myths and deeply influencing people’s lives through various uses, including rituals and medicinal purposes.

Essential oil composition

Rose Otto (steam-distilled)

  • Rose Otto (steam-distilled)

  • INCI
    Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
  • Parts of Plant Used
    Flower
  • Extraction Method
    Steam Distillation
  • Extraction Rate
    0.02%
  • Notes
    Middle - Base
  • Aroma Family
    Floral

Rose Otto (steam-distilled) Essential Oil Properties & Uses

Approximately 0.02% of Rose essential oil is extracted from rose flowers through steam distillation, resulting in a colorless to dark yellowish liquid. Its primary constituents include citronellol and geraniol. The oil has a slightly thickened consistency, solidifying at lower temperatures. Its fragrance is exquisitely rich and sweet like nectar with a subtle green undertone and a slightly dry quality. In comparison to Rose Absolute essential oil, it is renowned for its splendid aroma and a hint of fruity notes. While various Turkish essential oils are available, Bulgarian Rose essential oil is often considered the finest quality. This oil blends seamlessly with zesty citrus oils like lemon and grapefruit, as well as woody and herbal essential oils, creating a fresh and sweet aroma. Given its potent scent, it is advisable to maintain a balanced blend, ensuring not to overpower with excessive amounts.

Essential oil composition

Essential oil composition

※An example of one batch production is shown here.

  • Citronellol　26.3%
  • Geraniol　16.8%
  • Nerol　8.0%
  • Limonene　6.5%
  • Farnesol　1.6%
  • Citral　1.6%
  • Linalool　1.6%
  • 1,8-Cineole　1.2%
  • Methyl eugenol　1.1%
  • Other components　35.5%

Functions and Efficacies

1,8-Cineole

1,8-Cineole
  • IUPAC Name
    1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane
  • Molecular Formula
    C15H26O
  • Molecular Weight
    154.25 g/mol
  • CAS No.
    470-82-6
  • Structure
    Monocyclic monoterpene ether

Functions and Efficacies of 1,8-Cineole

in slico in vitro ex vivo in vivo
Non-clinical Clinical
Mice Rats Guinea Pigs Insects Rabbits Human
Anti-inflammatory Effects ○
Deodorizing Effects
Anti-malaria Effects ○

Anti-inflammatory Effects

A study reported that in mice with inflammation in the leg, swelling was concentration-dependently reduced in the 1,8-cineole-treated group.1)

Deodorizing Effects

A study reported that when common odorants like skatole and 3-methylbutanoic acid were stored in a sealed container with 1,8-cineole, the odorant components were significantly diminished.2)

Antimalarial Effects

A study reported that the addition of 1,8-cineole reduced the number of infected cells in malaria-infected erythrocytes. Furthermore, it was found to inhibit the intracellular growth of Plasmodium falciparum and mitigate the brain edema caused by the infection3)

  • 1)Yin et al., Br J Pharmacol., 2019
  • 2)Henmi et al., J. Japan Association on Odor Environment, 2020
  • 3)Santos et al., plos one, 2022

Geraniol

Geraniol
  • IUPAC Name
    (2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-ol
  • Molecular Formula
    C15H26O
  • Molecular Weight
    154.25 g/mol
  • CAS No.
    106-24-1
  • Structure
    Monoterpene alcohol

Functions and Efficacies of Geraniol

in slico in vitro ex vivo in vivo
Non-clinical Clinical
Mice Rats Guinea Pigs Insects Rabbits Human
Anti-inflammatory Effects ○
Anti-bacterial Effects ○
Anti-cancer Effects ○

Anti-inflammatory Effects

A study reported that the addition of geraniol to human umbilical vein endothelial cells inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, induced by Ox-LDL.1)

Anti-bacterial Effects

A study reported that growth-inhibitory effect on B. botulinum was observed in culture medium supplemented with geraniol. 2) Similar inhibitory effects have also been reported against several other bacteria.3)

Anti-cancer Effects

A study reported an increased hepatic apoptosis (cell death) index in the group of hepatocarcinogenesis model rats treated with geraniol．4)

  • 1)Ammar et al., Nutrients, 2022
  • 2)Ueda et al., Nippon Shokuhin Kogyo gakkaishi, 1982
  • 3)M˛aczka et al., Molecules, 2020
  • 4)Ong et al., Carcinogenesis, 2006

Citral

Citral
  • IUPAC Name
    (2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienal
  • Molecular Formula
    C10H16O
  • Molecular Weight
    152.23 g/mol
  • CAS No.
    5392-40-5
  • Structure
    Monoterpene

Functions and Efficacies of Citral

in slico in vitro ex vivo in vivo
Non-clinical Clinical
Mice Rats Guinea Pigs Insects Rabbits Human
Stress Reduction ○
Anti-bacterial Effects ○
Anti-cancer Effects ○

Stress Reduction

A study reported that mice exposed to cold stress at 4°C exhibited suppressed increases in brain monoamine levels within the citral-treated group.1)

Acti-bacterial Effects

A study reported that when Aspergillus niger was cultivated in a growth medium supplemented with citral, it exhibited superior antimicrobial activity compared to other essential oil components. Additionally, citral demonstrated a longer-lasting antimicrobial effect against multiple fungi.2)

Anti-cancer Effects

A study reported that the administration of citral to human breast cancer-derived 3D-cultured cells resulted in a concentration-dependent reduction in the size of cell aggregates. Additionally, in experiments utilizing AnnexinV/7AAD flow cytometry—a method used to detect apoptotic cells—an increase in apoptotic cells was observed following citral administration.3)

  • 1)Fukumoto et al., Stress and Health, 2008
  • 2)岡村、木材保存、2002
  • 3)Nigjeh et al., BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018

Limonene

Limonene
  • IUPAC Name
    1-methyl-4-prop-1-en-2-ylcyclohexene
  • Molecular Formula
    C10H16
  • Molecular Weight
    136.23 g/mol
  • CAS No.
    138-86-3
  • Structure
    Monocyclic monoterpene

Functions and Efficacies of Limonene

in slico in vitro ex vivo in vivo
Non-clinical Clinical
Mice Rats Guinea Pigs Insects Rabbits Human
Stress Reduction ○
Memory Improvement ○ ○
Anti-cancer Effects ○ ○ ○

Stress Reduction

A study reported that mice subjected to cold stress at 4°C (41°F) exhibited reduced elevations in blood corticosterone levels when treated with limonene. Furthermore, the same report demonstrated that limonene effectively lowered corticosterone levels in the blood of mice exposed to both physical and mental stress.1)

Memory Improvement

A study reported that when acetylcholinesterase reacts with acetylthiocholine in phosphate-buffered saline, the introduction of limonene inhibits the degradation by acetylcholinesterase. Acetylcholinesterase plays a role in the breakdown of acetylcholine, a hormone associated with memory and learning. In the same report, it was also noted that limonene suppressed memory impairment induced by scopolamine administration in rats.2)

Anti-cancer Effects

A report indicated that the consumption of limonene by breast cancer patients resulted in reduced expression of Cyclin D1, a protein crucial for cell division, within tumors.3)Furthermore, numerous other studies have also documented the anticancer properties of limonene.4)5)

  • 1)Fukumoto et al., Stress and Health, 2008
  • 2)Zhou et al., Nutritional Neuroscience,, 2013
  • 3)Miller et al., Cancer Prevntion Research, 2013
  • 4)Ajikumaran Nair S et al., Phytomedicine, 2018
  • 5)Chaudhary et al., Human & Experimental Toxicology, 2012

Linalool

Linalool
  • IUPAC Name
    3,7-Dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol
  • Molecular Formula
    C10H18O
  • Molecular Weight
    154.25 g/mol
  • CAS No.
    78-70-6
  • Structure
    Monoterpene alcohol

Functions and Efficacies of Linalool

in slico in vitro ex vivo in vivo
Non-clinical Clinical
Mice Rats Guinea Pigs Insects Rabbits Human
Anti-inflammatory Effects ○
Stress Reduction ○ ○
Anti-oxidant Effects ○

Anti-inflammatory Effects

A study reported that linalool reduced hindlimb edema in rats induced by carrageenan administration. 1)

Stress Reduction

A study reported that linalool treatment increased the time it took for mice to escape to a dark room when under light stress. Additionally, it reduced the number and duration of attacks on other mice in a confined room, indicating its stress-reducing effects.2) Linalool inhalation was observed to reverse gene expression alterations in the hypothalamus associated with stress response in mice.3) Numerous studies have documented the stress-reducing capabilities of linalool.4)5)6)

Anti-oxidant Effects

A study reported that the addition of linalool was found to suppress the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by UV irradiation in human skin fibroblasts.7)

  • 1)Peana et al., Phytomedicine, 2002
  • 2)Linck et al., Phytomedicine, 2010
  • 3)Yoshida et al., Neuroscience Letters, 2017
  • 4)Harada et al., Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 2018
  • 5)Souto-Maior et al., Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 2011
  • 6)Weston-Green et al., Frontiers in Scichiatry, 2021
  • 7)Gunaseelan et al., Plos One, 2017

IFRA

Citronellol：
There are restrictions on its use in the final product due to its potential to cause dermal sensitization.

Citronellol

※Only information for selected components are shown here.

Geraniol：
There are restrictions on its use in the final product due to its potential of having systemic toxicity and dermal sensitization.

Geraniol

※Only information for selected components are shown here.

References
Jennie Harding [Handbook of Essential Oil and Plant Oil] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2010.
Shinichiro Otsuki/Yukiko Ozaki [Scientific Name Etymology Dictionary of Herbs] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2009.
Jennie Harding [Illustrated Reference Book of Herbs] Sancho Publishing, 2012.
Freddy Ghozland/Xavier Fernandez [L’Herbier Parfume] Hara Publishing, 2013.
Kyohei Mikami [Comprehensive Guide to Essential Oils] Fragrance Journal, 2010.
Yuzuru Ogura [Dictionary of Plants] Tokyo-do Publishing, 1957.
Nobuo Ohashi [Dictionary of Medical Herbs] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2016.
Wanda Sellar [The directory of essential oils] Fragrance Journal, 1992.
Aroma Environment Association of Japan [AEAJ Aromatherapy Certification Official Textbook grade1&2] Sekaibunka, 1999.
Robert Tissearand [Essential Oil Safety] Fragrance Journal, 2018.
Ayako Berg [Aromatherapy Essential Oil Dictionary] Seibido Shuppan, 2022.
Azusa Annells [Enjoying Fragrance: An Illustrated Book of Aromas with Characteristics]Natsumesha CO.,LTD., 2023
International Fragrance Association, Citronellol, 2020.
International Fragrance Association, Geraniol, 2023.
(All written in or translated to Japanese.)
Supervisor
Yamamoto Perfumery co., ltd.

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