An overview of therapeutic potentials of Rosa canina: a traditionally valuable herb

Rosa canina L. (Rosacea family) is an ornamental plant with erect prickly shrub and fragrant pink or white flowers, grown for decorative purposes in gardens and landscape designs projects. It is native to Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia. Its fruits are extensively used worldwide in food preparation. It is traditionally proposed as a dietary supplement and herbal remedy for the prevention and treatment of different human diseases. This review aimed to investigate the pharmacological and therapeutic properties of R. canina in traditional medicine and scientific papers. Results from numerous studies indicated that this plant owned many biological potencies, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, pain reduction, anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, neuroprotective, genoprotective, anti-obesity, skin-whitening, and anti-biotic resistance reversal activity as well as exerting a positive influence on the osteoarthritis, anxiety, depression, recognition memory, urinary and reproductive systems disorders, and neutrophil respiratory burst. Nevertheless, the exact mechanism of action for these properties is not fully recognized. Due to the lack of toxicity and side effects, this plant has been considered as a valuable complementary drug for various diseases. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm the reported promising experimental effects in clinical use