Rosa multiflora
What's the taxonomical classification of Rosa multiflora?
Rosa multiflora belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it falls into the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. The plant is further organized under the order Rosales and the family Rosaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is defined by the genus Rosa and the species multiflora.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Rosa |
| Species | multiflora |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Rosa multiflora has a sprawling, arching growth habit characterized by long, slender canes that can reach lengths of up to several meters. These stems are heavily armed with sharp, curved prickles that aid in its climbing and scrambling movement through vegetation. The foliage consists of pinnately compound leaves typically featuring five to nine small, ovate leaflets with serrated margins. During its blooming period, the plant produces large, flat-topped clusters known as corymbs containing numerous small, white, five-petaled flowers. Following flowering, it develops small, fleshy red hips that serve as its primary fruit structure.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to East Asia, specifically spanning across China, Japan, and Korea. Since its introduction to North America in the late 19th century, it has spread aggressively throughout much of the United States and Canada. It thrives in diverse environments ranging from coastal regions to inland woodlands and disturbed sites. The species has also established significant populations in various parts of Europe and other temperate zones globally. Its ability to colonize various soil types and climates allows it to occupy a vast geographical range.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires full sun exposure and well-draining, fertile soil to thrive during its cultivation process.
Gardeners should provide regular watering, especially during the initial establishment phase, to ensure deep root development. Pruning is a necessary task to maintain shape and encourage vigorous new growth each spring. Because it can spread aggressively through runners, monitoring its placement is essential to prevent it from overtaking surrounding vegetation.
Proper fertilization during the growing season will further support its dense flowering habit.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Rosa multiflora is used medicinally through its flowers, fruits, hips, leaves, and seeds to treat various ailments. The fragrant flowers are often prepared as teas to soothe the nervous system and reduce inflammation. Its fleshy fruits and nutrient-dense hips provide a high concentration of vitamin C to support the immune system. The leaves can be brewed into a tonic to help alleviate digestive issues and skin irritation. Additionally, the seeds are sometimes utilized in topical applications or specialized extracts for their unique chemical properties.
According to a study published by "Guang pu xue yu guang pu fen xi = Guang pu", Flos Rosa multiflora is analyzed through spectral characteristics. This plant exhibits a sharp peak at 1318 cm(-1) and a specific peak for aromatic compounds at 1612 cm(-1), which shows a discrepancy of 5 to 6 cm(-1) compared to other species. It also possesses distinct fingerprint characteristics for glucide at 1 044 cm(-1). Furthermore, Flos Rosa multiflora has a shoulder peak at 1660 cm(-1) and shows aromatic compounds with autopeaaks at 1620, 1560 and 1460 cm(-1). In the range of 850-1250 cm(-1), this plant is distinguished by having no autopeak at 1050 cm(-1).
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- flower
- fruit
- hips
- leaves
- seed
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as Rosa multiflora, has been utilized in various traditional healing systems to address specific physiological ailments. In the context of Kampo traditional Japanese medicine, different parts of the rose are integrated into herbal formulations to regulate blood circulation and alleviate menstrual discomfort. Historically, practitioners have also employed the flowers and stems for their perceived calming effects on the nervous system. Some cultures have used decoctions made from the plant to treat skin irritations and digestive issues. These long-standing practices reflect a deep historical understanding of the species' bioactive properties.
According to a study published by "Chemical & pharmaceuatl bulletin", the pseudocarps or seeds of Rosa multiflora, known as the crude drug Eijitsu, have been used as a purgative in Japanese traditional medicine. The n-butanol fractions of the seeds were tested on mice with a 50% effective dose (ED50) value of 5.6 g/kg based on seed weight. From the pseudocarps of Rosa multiflora, a new purgative compound called multinoside A acetate was isolated. This compound had a tested ED50 value of 150 mg/kg with a 95% confidence limit of 77-291 mg/kg. Other compounds isolated from the pseudocarps included three known quercetin glycosides: quercetin 3-O-xyloside, isoquercitrin, and hyperin.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Kampo
- traditional Japanese medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Rosa multiflora?
This plant has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and purgative pharmacological activities. The presence of various phytochemicals allows its extracts to effectively relieve pain and reduce swelling in biological systems. It also exhibits significant inhibitory effects against diverse bacterial strains, making it a potential candidate for treating infections. Its potent antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals and mitigate oxidative stress within cells. Additionally, certain components of the plant function as a purgative to assist in promoting bowel movements.
According to a study published by "Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology", Rosae Multiflorae fructus possesses potent antioxidative, analgesic, and anti-inflammatoy properties. The Rosae Multiflorae fructus extract (RMFE) was found to inhibit the accumulation of eosinophils in nasal lavage fluid (NALF), goblet cells in the nasal epithelium, and mast cells in the respiratory region of the nasal cavity. This extract suppressed Th2-related cytokines including IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, while the Th1-associated cytokine IL-12 was up-regulated. The study identified 4 active components of RMFE, which are ellagic acid, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, and miquelianiin. These components may inhibit IL-4 secretion to modulate the relationship between Th1/Th2 responses in allergic rhinitis.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- analgesic
- anti-inflammatory
- antimicrobial
- antioxidant
- purgative
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds multiflorin A, multiflorin B, multinoside A, multinoside A acetate, and isoquercitrin. These specific flavonoids and glycosides are primarily responsible for the biological activities observed in Rosa multiflora extracts. Research indicates that these chemical constituents contribute to the plant's potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The presence of isoquercitrin and the various multiflorins allows the species to interact with various cellular pathways. Scientists continue to study these specific molecules to better understand their therapeutic applications in modern medicine.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural medicines", the dried achene or anthocarpous accessory fruits of Rosa multiflora Thunb. are used in traditional Japanese medicine to improve constipation. The plant contains the purgative component multiflorin A, which identifies it as Type I. Type I plants contain major index compounds including quercitrin, multinoside A, multiflorin B, and multinoside A acetate. While plants collected in Japan excluding Tsushima Island were all classified as Type I, both Type I and Type II were detected within Rosae fructus obtained from R. multiflora collected in South Korea and Tsushima Island, Japan. To ensure efficacy, Rosae fructus from R. multiflora Type I from Japan, excluding Tsushima Island, should be employed clinically.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- multiflorin A
- multiflorin B
- multinoside A
- multinosiide A acetate
- isoquercitrin
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating collagen-induced arthritis, inflammation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic pain. Researchers have investigated its potential to reduce swelling and joint damage caused by these various ailments. The bioactive compounds found within the plant help to suppress the immune responses associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Studies also suggest it may offer relief for the persistent discomfort of chronic pain. By targeting underlying inflammatory pathways, it serves as a subject of interest for managing osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint issues.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", the hip of Rosa multiflora Thunb. (HRM) is traditionally used in China to treat inflammation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic pain. Research evaluated the petroleum ether extractive of HRM (PEE) on type II collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis (CIA) in male Wistar rats. The study administered PEE at doses of 12, 36, or 120mg/kg bw per day, p.o. for 28 days. The PEE dose of 120mg/kg bw per day efficiently attenuated arthritis severity by reducing mean arthritis severity scores and fore/hind paw swelling. This treatment also reduced histological changes by decreasing cartilage surface erosion and cartilage proteoglycan depletion.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- collagen-induced arthritis
- inflammation
- osteoarthritis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- chronic pain
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is processed into various medicinal herbal preparations including Eijitsu, Flos Rosa multiflora, Rosae multiflorae fructus extract, and petroleum ether extractive. Eijitsu is a traditional formulation often utilized in herbal medicine for its specific therapeutic properties. Flos Rosa multiflora refers to the prepared medicinal use of the plant's flowers. The Rosae multiflorae fructus extract is derived from the fruit to concentrate its bioactive compounds. Additionally, the petroleum ether extractive serves as a specialized chemical preparation used for scientific or medicinal research purposes.
According to a study published by "Chemical & pharmaceuctical bulletin", the pseudocarps or seeds of Rosa multiflora, known as the crude drug Eijitsu, are used as a purgative in Japanese traditional medicine. The n-butanol fractions of the seeds were tested on mice, yielding a 50% effective dose (ED50) of 5.6 g/kg based on seed weight. A new purgative compound called multinoside A acetate was isolated from the pseudocarps of Rosa multiflora with an ED50 value of 150 mg/kg (77-291 mg/kg, 95% confidence limit). Additionally, three known quercetin glycosides, quercetin 3-O-xyloside, isoquercitrin, and hyperin, were also isolated from the pseudocarps.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Eijitsu
- Flos Rosa multiflora
- Rosae multiflorae fructus extract
- petroleum ether extractive
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause gastrointestinal distress including constipation and intense purgative activity if consumed in improper amounts. While some traditional practices utilize its components, the chemical composition can lead to unpredictable digestive reactions. Excessive ingestion often triggers a strong purgative activity that results in rapid bowel movements. Conversely, certain parts of the plant may lead to constipation depending on the specific preparation used. Users should exercise extreme caution to avoid these adverse health side effects.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural medicines", the dried achene or anthocarpous accessory fruits of Rosa multiflora are used in clinical practice to improve constipation. It has been claimed that the efficacy of this crude drug is decreasing because the purgative component, multiflorin A, was not detected within tested samples. Researchers identified two chemotypes based on the presence or absence of multiflorin A, where Type I contains quercitrin, multinoside A, multiflorin B, and multinoside A acetate. Both Type I and Type II chemotypes were detected within Rosae fructus obtained from Rosa multiflora collected in South Korea and Tsushima Island, Japan. The results indicate that Rosae fructus from Rosa multiflora Type I from Japan, excluding Tsushima Island, should be employed clinically as a purgative.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- constipation
- purgative activity
What herbs are paired with Rosa multiflora?
This plant, Rosa multiflora, pairs effectively with aromatic herbs like lavender, rosemary, and peppermint to create complex sensory profiles in botanical blends.
The delicate, sweet scent of its blossoms acts as a neutral base that allows the pungent notes of rosemary to stand out without overwhelming the fragrance. Lavender provides a soothing floral complement that enhances the subtle sweetness of the rose petals. When used in teas, peppermint offers a refreshing contrast to the heavy floral notes of the plant.
These combinations are frequently utilized in perfumery and herbal infusions to achieve a balanced aromatic experience.