Rosa Damascena and Digestive Health – What Does Science Say?
For centuries, Rosa damascena has been valued in traditional medicine for its soothing effects on the digestive system. Today, modern clinical research is beginning to confirm what generations have long believed. Scientific studies suggest that this remarkable flower may help support healthy digestion and relieve functional constipation. Particularly noteworthy is that clinical evidence now includes not only adults but also two more vulnerable groups – pregnant women and children. Although the available evidence is not yet sufficient to replace conventional medical treatment, it positions Rosa damascena among the best-researched medical herbs for digestive health.
What is functional constipation?
Functional constipation is the most common form of chronic constipation. It is described as “functional” because it is not caused by an underlying disease or structural abnormality of the digestive tract, but rather by impaired bowel function.
People with functional constipation typically experience infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, excessive straining, and a persistent feeling of incomplete evacuation.
Beyond physical discomfort, functional constipation often leads to bloating, abdominal heaviness, reduced energy levels, and a lower quality of life.
The largest scientific review to date
In 2025, Iranian researchers Nader Behgam, Sobhan Rahimi Esbo, Hossein-Ali Nikbakht and colleagues published a systematic review and meta-analysis entitled The Impact of Rosa damascena Mill. on Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Comprehensive Analysis Through Clinical Trials, Systematic Review, and Meta-analysis.
Rather than relying on a single clinical study, the researchers evaluated all available human clinical trials published through mid-2024. This type of research represents one of the highest levels of scientific evidence because it combines and critically analyzes the findings of multiple independent studies.
Their conclusions are encouraging. Among people with functional constipation, Rosa damascena products were associated with more frequent bowel movements, a significant reduction in the feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation, and improved quality of life. The only outcome that did not show a statistically significant improvement was stool consistency, measured using the internationally recognized Bristol Stool Scale.
How may Rosa damascena support digestion?
Although the exact mechanisms are still being investigated, researchers have already identified several plausible explanations.
A scientific review by Prof. Sadettin Demirel and Dr. İpek Nazlı Sınag examined the effects of Rosa damascena and its bioactive compounds on smooth muscle contractility. Smooth muscles are responsible for the rhythmic contractions—known as peristalsis—that move food and waste through the digestive tract. When these contractions become sluggish, constipation can occur.
According to the authors, naturally occurring compounds in Rosa damascena, including phenolic compounds and flavonoids, may help support healthy intestinal motility and promote normal bowel function.
Rosa damascena is also naturally rich in antioxidants. These compounds help protect cells from oxidative stress, a process linked to chronic inflammation and impaired function in many organs, including the digestive system.
What do studies show in pregnant women?
Constipation is one of the most common digestive complaints during pregnancy. Hormonal changes naturally slow intestinal movement, while the growing uterus places additional pressure on the digestive tract. At the same time, treatment options are limited because safety is a primary concern.
A clinical study involving pregnant women with constipation found that a Rosa damascena-based product improved constipation symptoms without serious adverse effects. However, the researchers emphasized that the study included a relatively small number of participants and that larger clinical trials are needed before firm clinical recommendations can be made.
For this reason, the use of Rosa damascena products during pregnancy should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.
What about children?
Perhaps the most remarkable evidence comes from pediatric research, where well-designed clinical trials are comparatively rare.
In 2022, researchers from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences conducted a double-blind randomized controlled trial involving 100 children aged 1 to 18 years with functional constipation. They compared the standard treatment—polyethylene glycol (PEG), considered the first-line therapy worldwide—with a syrup containing an aqueous extract of Rosa damascena petals and brown sugar.
After four weeks, both groups experienced substantial improvement. The Rosa damascena syrup demonstrated comparable effectiveness to standard PEG therapy, with no statistically significant difference between the two treatments. Importantly, no serious adverse effects were reported, and the only notable complaint from some children was that the syrup tasted overly sweet.
A second randomized clinical trial published in 2021 evaluated Goleghand®, a traditional preparation combining honey and Rosa damascena petals, in 60 children aged 2–15 years. After eight weeks, the researchers observed more frequent bowel movements, less painful defecation, and no serious side effects.
Is Rosa damascena safe for children?
Current scientific evidence indicates that Rosa damascena products appear to be well tolerated in children older than 12 months when administered in clinically studied formulations under medical supervision. No serious adverse reactions have been reported in published pediatric clinical trials.
However, this does not mean that Rosa damascena has yet become an established medical treatment for childhood constipation. International pediatric gastroenterology guidelines continue to recommend polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the first-line therapy for functional constipation in children. At present, Rosa damascena is considered a promising complementary or alternative approach, but additional large-scale international clinical trials are still needed before it can be included in official treatment guidelines.
What does this mean for the future of functional foods?
Today, clinical evidence from studies involving adults, pregnant women, and children suggests that Rosa damascena may help support normal digestive function and relieve symptoms of functional constipation. Although researchers have not yet determined the optimal dosage, duration of use, or most effective formulation, the scientific evidence continues to grow.
For Bulgaria, these findings are particularly significant. Bulgarian Rosa damascena is internationally recognized for its exceptional quality and unique phytochemical profile. As clinical evidence continues to accumulate, Bulgarian Rosa damascena has the potential to become not only a symbol of premium botanical heritage but also an important ingredient in a new generation of functional foods and natural digestive wellness products.
Scientific References
- Behgam N., Rahimi Esbo S., Nikbakht H.-A., et al. (2025). The Impact of Rosa damascena Mill. on Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Comprehensive Analysis Through Clinical Trials, Systematic Review, and Meta-analysis. DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
- Demirel S., Sınag İ. N. (2026). Effects of Rosa damascena and Its Compounds on Smooth Muscle Contractility. Journal of Smooth Muscle Research.
- Kargarzadeh Aliabadi Z., et al. (2021). Evaluation of the Effect of Rosa damascena Mill. Product on Constipation During Pregnancy: A Single-Arm Clinical Trial.
- Imanieh M. H., Honar N., Mohagheghzadeh A., et al. (2022). Rosa damascena Together with Brown Sugar Mitigate Functional Constipation in Children Over 12 Months Old: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
- Saneian H., et al. (2021). Comparing the Effect of a Herbal-Based Laxative (Goleghand®) and Polyethylene Glycol on Functional Constipation among Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Iranian Journal of Pediatrics.
- Gordon M., et al. (2025). European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition/North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Guidelines for Treatment of Functional Constipation in Children Aged 0–18 Years.
