Rosa damascena is an ornamental flower from the rose family. Evidence suggests that extracts of the plant may have medicinal effects that include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. Oxidative stress plays a role in the development of mood disorders such as depression because it leads to neuroinflammation in the brain tissue. This neuroinflammation then causes changes to the brain chemistry. Stress can trigger this oxidative process. Plants that can counteract this oxidative stress and inflammation may have antidepressant effects. Researchers have investigated the antidepressant effects of Rosa damascena on rats by administering oral rose oil to stressed animals. Compared to control animals that received no rose extract, the rose oil rats possessed significantly less oxidative stress in their brains. In addition, the rose oil rats also had higher levels of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C and β-carotene in their brains, suggesting that the antioxidant status of the brains had been increased by the rose extract.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
