The Role of Rose Water in Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: Anti-Amyloid and Neuroprotective Effects

Part 1 | The Role of Rose Water in Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Part 1 | The Role of Rose Water in Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders, resulting from abnormal accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) protein in the brain. This aggregation leads to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal death.Bioactive compounds in Rosa damascena Mill., especially in the form of rose water, possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research indicates that rose water can inhibit amyloid aggregation and protect neurons from damage. Regular consumption or inhalation of rose water may improve memory, concentration, and mood, and prevent cognitive decline.

Introduction

Alzheimer’s disease develops through complex molecular processes, including amyloid-beta aggregation, abnormal tau phosphorylation, and excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These processes damage cell membranes and reduce endogenous antioxidants in the brain.In traditional Persian medicine, rose water is recognized as a memory enhancer, neurotonic, and antidepressant. Modern studies confirm that aromatic and phenolic compounds in rose water can modulate neural pathways related to cognition, stress, and mood.

Active Compounds and Biochemical Functions

Rose water, obtained by steam distillation of Rosa damascena, contains multiple bioactive and aromatic compounds with significant effects on the central nervous system:

Active Compound	Biological Property	Neural Effect
Citronellol	Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory	Reduces neuronal oxidative stress
Geraniol	Anti-amyloid, Antidepressant	Inhibits amyloid aggregation, improves mood
Phenethyl alcohol	Neuro-calming	Enhances sleep quality, reduces anxiety
Flavonoids & Polyphenols	Strong antioxidants	Protects neuronal DNA and mitochondria

In vitro and in vivo studies show that these compounds inhibit inflammatory pathways (e.g., NF-κB) and prevent neuronal apoptosis, providing neuroprotective effects.

Part 2 | Mechanisms of Action and Cognitive Benefits of Rose Water Inhalation

Mechanisms of Action in Alzheimer’s Prevention

1. 🧠 Inhibition of Amyloid Aggregation:Polyphenols in rose water bind to the beta-sheet structure of Aβ protein, preventing fibril formation. This mechanism is similar to some anti-amyloid drugs like Donepezil.

2. ⚡ Antioxidant Activity:Rose water increases plasma antioxidant capacity and reduces lipid peroxidation, protecting neurons from oxidative damage.

3. 🌬️ Improved Cerebral Blood Flow and Oxygenation:Aromatic compounds in rose water dilate blood vessels and enhance blood flow in the brain, supporting focus, attention, and memory.

4. 💧 Neurotransmitter Modulation and Anxiety Reduction:Rose water affects GABAergic and serotonergic receptors, reducing neural excitability and promoting relaxation, similar to natural anxiolytics.

5. 🔬 Anti-Neuroinflammatory Effects:Geraniol inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6) and reduces microglial activation, protecting neurons from death.

Cognitive Effects of Rose Water Inhalation

Inhalation of rose water is an effective method for delivering volatile compounds to the brain via the olfactory pathway. Aromatic molecules reach the hippocampus and amygdala, key regions for memory and emotion.Studies indicate that regular inhalation of rose water:

• Reduces anxiety and cortisol levels.

• Enhances concentration and cognitive performance.

• Prevents synaptic degeneration in the hippocampus.

• Improves sleep quality and memory consolidation.

Conclusion

Considering the multiple neuroprotective effects of rose water—including inhibition of amyloid aggregation, antioxidant defense, anti-inflammatory activity, and neurotransmitter modulation—it can be considered a natural multi-target neuroprotective agent.Regular oral or inhalation use of rose water, especially in middle-aged and elderly individuals, is a safe, affordable, and natural approach to enhance brain health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.

This article was researched and written by Galbanum Oil Fragrance

The use of this article is permitted by citing the source.

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