Rockrose
Botanical name
Cistus x incanus L. Cistus creticus L.
Family
Cistaceae
Common name
Rock rose, Hairy rockrose Pink rockrose, Cretan rockrose
Information about the plant
Rockroses are native to the Mediterranean region, where they are very common in the maquis and garrigues, growing as shrubs between 30 cm to 1 m in height, significantly shaping the landscape.
The genus name Cistus is derived from the Greek ‘kisthos’ or ‘chistos’, which, according to Pliny, was a plant name for a shrub with pink-colored flowers that produced a resinous substance. This became ‘cistus’ in German. It could also be derived from the Latin ‘cista’ (= a small wooden box for storing money or sacred objects), which could be a reference to the fruit shape of the cistus family. The species epithet incanus means ‘ash-gray’, referring to the white-grey hairs on the stems, branches, flower stalks, and sepals. The species epithet creticus indicates that this species is very common on Crete. It owes its name ‘rose’ to its close resemblance to the dog rose, referring to the shape and color of its pink flowers. In contrast to the dog rose (Rosa canina), the petals of the rockrose are always somewhat wrinkled (crumpled), a characteristic of this flower. The flowering period is from December to June.
The hairy rockrose (C. x incanus L.), a hybrid between C. albidus L. and C. crispus L., is a 30 to 100 cm tall, many-branched shrub. It has an aromatic scent and is densely hairy. Its ovate-lanceolate leaves appear grayish-green due to numerous oil droplets. The flowers are 5 to 6 cm in diameter, with five slightly wrinkled and bright pink petals. The Cretan rockrose (C. creticus L.) is very similar in appearance to the hairy rockrose, also with an aromatic scent. Its ovate-lanceolate leaves are smaller than those of the hairy rockrose. The pink flowers are 4 to 6 cm in diameter and the petals are also wrinkled.
Medicinally used parts of plants (herbal drug)
The dried leaves (rockrose leaves - Cistus folium - C. creticus L.) or the dried annual shoots at flowering time (rockrose herb - Cistus herba - C. incanus L.) are used. The commercially available drug comes from wild collections in the Mediterranean region. In the past, a resin was extracted from the leaves and twigs of various Cistus species, including C. creticus L. and C. ladanifer L. (Resina Ladanum), commercially available under the name ‘Ladanum’ or ‘Labdanum’.
Constituents of the herbal drug
Rockrose leaves and herbs contain polyphenolic compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins, as well as essential oil (sesquiterpenes) and resin. Cretan rockrose is characterized by a higher content of resin and wax with a high diterpene content.
Quality of the drug
Pharmacopoeia quality specifications of rockrose leaves (Cistus folium) and rockrose herb (Cistus herba) are currently not available.
Medical applications
Recognised medical use
HMPC: A monograph ‘Cistus leaves’ is in progress.
Traditionally, rockrose leaves and rockrose herb are used internally for diarrhea and colds and externally for skin conditions such as neurodermatitis. A few years ago, with the emergence of avian and swine flu, hairy cistus was discussed for its antiviral properties as a preventive agent against viral infections, including seasonal flu or avian and swine flu. This indication is based on experimental results demonstrating the prevention of H7N7, H5N1, and H1N1 viruses from attaching to and penetrating body cells. Subsequent in vivo studies confirmed this effect.
In the past, the Cretan rockrose was mainly used to extract the resin ‘ladanum’, which was used not only for fumigation purposes but also to treat respiratory tract infections and inflammations.
Traditional use
Rockrose (Cistus incani herba): Registration as a traditional medicinal product: For the relief of irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat.
Herbal drug preparations in finished dosage forms
- Cut rockrose leaves or herb for tea preparation.
- Rockrose herb dry extract in the form of coated tablets.
Dosage
Tea: drink a cup of rockrose herb tea twice a day. Daily dose 3 to 6 g of the drug. External use: Apply an aqueous decoction of rockrose herb in the form of a compress to affected skin areas three times a day.
Preparation of a tea
Pour approximately 150 ml of boiling water over 1.5 g of chopped rockrose herb and strain after 7 to 10 minutes.
Notes
No safety studies are yet available on use during pregnancy and lactation. The use in children under 12 years of age is not recommended due to a lack of evidence.
Side effects
None known.
Interactions
None known.