Rosa rugosa
What's the taxonomical classification of Rosa rugosa?
Rosa rugosa belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Following its progression through the order Rosales and the family Rosaceae, the plant is further identified by its genus, Rosa, and its specific species, rugosa.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Rosa |
| Species | rugosa |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Rosa rugosa has a deciduous, shrubby growth habit characterized by arching stems that feature dense, recurved prickles and pinnately compound leaves with heavily wrinkled, rugose surfaces. The foliage typically consists of five to nine leaflets that are oblong or elliptical in shape with serrated margins. During the blooming season, the plant produces large, solitary flowers that can range in color from deep pink to pure white. These blossoms possess numerous stamens and lead to the development of distinctive, fleshy, orange or red hips. The root system is robust and spreading, which allows the plant to stabilize itself in coastal or sandy environments.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to East Asia, specifically spanning the coastal regions of Japan, China, and the Korean Peninsula. While it originated in these eastern territories, it has since become widely naturalized across much of the Northern Hemisphere. It is frequently found growing along maritime coastlines in North America and Europe due to its high tolerance for salt spray. Many gardeners also cultivate it in temperate zones worldwide for its ornamental value and hardiness. Its ability to thrive in sandy, poor soils allows it to spread easily into coastal dunes and disturbed habitats.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
It is exceptionally salt-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for coastal landscapes where other roses might fail. Growers should prune the shrubs in early spring to encourage vigorous new growth and maintain a tidy shape. Because it is naturally resistant to many common pests and diseases, it requires minimal chemical intervention.
Regular watering at the base of the plant helps prevent fungal issues while supporting its hardy nature.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant provides medicinal benefits through its flowers, fruits, leaves, petals, and roots. The rose hips, which are the fruit, are highly valued for their intense concentration of vitamin C. Dried petals and flowers are frequently brewed into soothing teas to aid digestion or reduce inflammation. The leaves can be utilized in topical applications or infusions to treat skin irritations. Additionally, the root is sometimes processed for its traditional role in supporting various systemic health functions.
According to a study published by "Talanta", the flower of Rosa rugosa is used for the isolation of quercetin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside. The study involved a 200 mg crude sample for the separation process. During a single separation run using this 200 mg sample, approximately 30 mL of the stationary phase is lost. To maintain performance, a 30 mL replenishment of the stationary phase was completed prior to each sample loading. This strategy allowed for the consecutive isolation of the target compound from ten successive 200 mg crude samples.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- flower
- fruit
- leaf
- petal
- root
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant has been utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to treat various ailments by targeting the liver and spleen meridians. Practitioners historically used the dried rosebuds to regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate pain associated with stagnation. In other folk medicine traditions, infusions of the flowers were often prepared to calm the nervous system and reduce emotional distress. Some cultures also applied topical preparations made from the plant to soothe skin irritations and promote healing. These long-standing medicinal practices reflect the diverse ways historical societies integrated the species into their healing rituals.
According to a study published by "Food additives & contaminants. Part A, Chemistry, analysis, control, exposure & risk assessment", medicinal herbs like rose flower are used in health foods. These herbs play a very important role in health protection and disease control. In the study, the rose flower was found to have a phenanthrene level of 435.2 µg kg⁻¹. This research investigated the content of 16 PAHs in nine Chinese medicinal herbs used as additives.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Rosa rugosa?
This plant has potent pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, and antitumor properties. Its rich concentration of polyphenols and flavonoids allows it to effectively neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in biological systems. The bioactive compounds found in its petals and roots also demonstrate the ability to inhibit the growth of various pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, research suggests that its extracts can help regulate blood glucose levels and interfere with the proliferation of malignant cells. These diverse medicinal qualities make Rosa rugosa a significant subject for natural product drug development.
According to a study published by "Phytotherapy research : PTR", Rosa rugosa Thunb. is a medicinal plant known for its anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory activities. Using an extract consisting of 95% EtOH, researchers investigated phytochemical substituents including compounds 1-13, 11-methoxy polisin A, and 13-methoxy bisaboroosaol F. The derived Rugosic acid A (RA) acts as a novel inhibitory agent for the NF-κB and IL-6/STAT3 axis in an acute lung injury model. Specifically, RA suppresses IL-6 secretion and IL-6-mediated STAT3 activation while ameliorating NO production and iNOS. In the acute lung injury model, RA leads to the amelioration of the condition by decreasing myeloperoxidase (MPO) and inhibiting the phosphorylation of NF-κB and STAT3.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- antioxidant
- antibacterial
- anti-diabetic
- anti-tumor
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds rosa multiin, rosa nol, acteoside, kaempferol, and quercetin. These bioactive substances contribute to the plant's significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Specifically, the presence of flavonoids like kaempferol and quercetin helps protect cells from oxidative stress. Additionally, the phenylethanoid glycoside acteoside is known for its potential neuroprotective effects. Together, these diverse chemical constituents support the traditional use of Rosa rugosa in various therapeutic applications.
According to a study published by "The American journal of Chinese medicine", Rosa rugosa contains the compound rosamultiin. This medicinal plant also provides polyphenols that show promise as therapeutic agents for various disorders involving free radical reactions. The study investigated the inhibitory effects of 12 medicinal plants and their component compounds on lipid peroxidation. The peroxide levels increased over 3 days during the incubation in the presence of linoleic acid.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- rosamultin
- rosanol
- acteoside
- tannins
- kaempferol
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating bacterial infection and inflammation while mitigating the harmful effects of oxidative stress. Its inherent antibacterial activities make it a valuable resource in medicinal applications. Researchers are particularly interested in its potential to combat antimicrobial resistance in various pathogens. The bioactive compounds within the plant help reduce cellular damage caused by free radicals. These diverse therapeutic properties support its role in managing complex physiological ailments.
According to a study published by "Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology", Rosa rugosa Thunb. is a traditional Chinese medicine that possesses antioxidant, anti-tumor, antidepressant, and antibacterial activities. The total flavonoids from Rosa rugosa Thunb. (TFR) can effectively prevent and treat cardiovascular, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and other diseases. A total of 102 distinct flavonoids have been isolated from Rosa rugosa Thunb. These TFR components are used for various medical applications based on their biological effects. Further research into these 102 flavonoids will contribute to the development of TFR products.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- anti-tumor activities
- antibacterial activities
- antidepressant activities
- antioxidant activities
- inflammation
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is utilized to create medicinal preparations such as Flos Rosae Rugosae, aqueous extracts, Rosa rugosa flower extract, dried flowers, and essential oil. The dried flowers serve as a primary base for many traditional herbal infusions and teas. Aqueous extracts are frequently produced by steeping these blossoms in water to capture their water-soluble properties. For more concentrated applications, Rosa rugosa flower extract provides a potent source of bioactive compounds. Finally, the essential oil is distilled from the plant to offer a highly aromatic and concentrated medicinal form.
According to a study published by "Guang pu xue yu guang pu fen xi = Guang pu", the genuine Flos Rosae Rugosae possesses a peak of 1318 cm(-1) that is not obvious. This plant shows aromatic compounds with distinct fingerprint characteristics at 1 617 cm(-1). It also exhibits aromatic compounds with autopeaks at 1620, 1560, and 1460 cm(-1). Within the range of 850-1250 cm(-1), Flos Rosae Rugosae has the strongest autopeak at 1050 cm(-1). The study confirms that the method is effective for distinguishing the contents of aromatic compounds and glucide in Flos Rosae Rugosae.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Flos Rosae Rugosae
- Rosa rugosa flower extract
- aqueous extracts
- dried flowers
- essential oil
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhoea, stomach aches, and abdominal pain if consumed in large quantities or incorrectly prepared. While many use the hips for nutritional purposes, the high concentration of certain compounds may irritate the digestive lining. Some individuals report significant stomach aches following ingestion. Severe cases of diarrhoea may occur if the plant is used as a laxative without proper moderation. These side effects generally subside once the consumption of the plant ceases.
According to a study published by "Biomolecules & therapeutics", Rosa rugosa Thunb is a deciduous shrub used to treat stomach aches, diarrhoea, pain, and chronic inflammatory disease. The research team developed a standard extract enriched in phenolic compounds named PRE. This PRE significantly inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and interleukin 1β (IL-1β). It also inhibited the expression of synthesizing enzymes including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase2 (COX-2). Additionally, PRE inhibited the activity of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- diarrhoea
- pain
- stomach aches
What herbs are paired with Rosa rugosa?
This plant pairs exceptionally well with culinary and medicinal herbs such as peppermint, lavender, lemon balm, and ginger.
The fragrant rose hips provide a tart base that balances the cooling properties of mint or the floral notes of lavender in teas. Adding lemon balm enhances the citrusy undertones found naturally in the petals, creating a bright aromatic profile. Ginger serves as a warming counterpart that complements the acidic brightness of the fruit during infusions.
These combinations are frequently used in herbalism to create soothing digestive tonics and flavorful syrups.