Inhibition of COX-2 mRNA expression by damask rose flowers

Rosa x damascena Mill., commonly known as damask rose, is the most important scented rose species. It is industrially cultivated around the world and mainly used for fragrance production. However, preparations of damask rose flowers are traditionally also used to reduce inflammation and pain [1].

This study investigated the effect of damask rose flowers on gene expression of COX-2, one of the key enzymes involved in the production of inflammatory mediators. Damask rose flowers were successively extracted with n-hexane, CH₂Cl₂ and MeOH. All extracts were tested at a concentration of 20 µg/ml in LPS-stimulated, PMA-derived THP-1 macrophages.

n-Hexane extracts inhibited LPS-induced COX-2 mRNA expression by 57.37±8.2%. CH₂Cl₂ extracts exhibited a moderate inhibition rate of 31.84±6.1%, whereas MeOH extracts did not show a reproducible inhibition of COX- 2 mRNA expression.

The chemical composition of the n-hexane fraction has been investigated using LC-MS. Various flavonoids, fatty acids and (gluco-)lipids were detected. Further investigations regarding chemical composition of active fractions are in progress.

• References

• 1 Mileva M, Ilieva Y, Jovtchev G, Gateva S, Zaharieva MM, Georgieva A, Dimitrova L, Dobreva A, Angelova T, Vilhelmova-Ilieva N, Valcheva V, Najdenski H. Rose Flowers-A Delicate Perfume or a Natural Healer?. Biomolecules 2021; 11