1. Antiviral Activity: Cistus incanus has demonstrated significant antiviral properties, particularly against enveloped viruses. Its polyphenols act by blocking viral         envelope proteins and receptors, thereby preventing viruses from entering host cells and replicating. This mechanism helps to prevent the spread of viral infections   within the body, giving the immune system a chance to eliminate the virus and prevent illness. This has been observed in studies monitoring its effects on upper   respiratory tract infections, where it was found to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms. The water-alcoholic extract of Cistus incanus L. has   demonstrated antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in in vitro studies. This includes effectiveness against variants such as the "Indian" Delta variant. Research   indicates that Cistus incanus extract, specifically a special preparation known as Cystus Pandalis® extract, can significantly inhibit the cytopathic effect (CPE) of   SARS-CoV-2 in human intestinal cells (Caco-2). At concentrations greater than 100 μg/ml, the extract almost completely inhibited virus growth, with a calculated mean   inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 101 µg/ml for the Delta variant. This suggests that the extract can prevent cell cultures from being infected by SARS-CoV-2. The   mechanism of action is believed to involve targeting viral envelope proteins, as observed in studies against HIV and Filoviruses. The development of viral resistance   to Cistus incanus extract is considered unlikely, and it is generally well-tolerated with no significant side effects reported. Beyond SARS-CoV-2, Cistus incanus has   shown broad antiviral properties against various viruses, including influenza viruses, HIV, and herpes simplex viruses. Its efficacy is often attributed to its rich content   of polyphenolic compounds, such as ellagitannins and flavonoids. These compounds can interfere with different stages of viral infection, including attachment and   replication. The plant's extracts have also been studied for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities.

2. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Chronic inflammation is a contributing factor to various health issues, including respiratory problems. Cistus incanus contains   compounds that can help mitigate inflammation, which could be beneficial for soothing irritated mucous membranes in the respiratory tract and promoting overall   respiratory health. 

3. Antioxidant Properties: The plant is a rich source of polyphenols, flavonoids, and pro-anthocyanins, which are potent antioxidants. These compounds help combat   oxidative stress and cellular damage caused by free radicals. Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the development of cardiovascular diseases and can also impact   lung health. By reducing oxidative stress, Cistus incanus may offer protective effects for the lungs and overall cardiovascular system.[

4. Antibacterial Activity: While its primary impact on the lungs is often discussed in the context of viral infections, Cistus incanus has also shown antibacterial activity,   particularly against Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans. Some research suggests its potential to disrupt bacterial   biofilms, which are implicated in various chronic infections, including those of the respiratory tract. This could make bacteria more susceptible to eradication by   antibiotics and the immune system, though further studies are needed to fully understand this mechanism in a pulmonary context.

5. Traditional and Complementary Use: Historically, Cistus incanus has been used in folk medicine for treating colds, flu, and respiratory tract infections. It is often   consumed as an herbal tea or in tinctures. While scientific validation for its use in respiratory allergies is considered weak, its traditional application for soothing   irritated mucous membranes and supporting respiratory health persists.

Medical Properties of Rock rose (cistus incanus) on Joints

Cistus incanus has several medical properties that may benefit joint health, primarily due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects . Chronic inflammation is a significant factor in various joint conditions, including arthritis. The plant's rich polyphenol content, including compounds like myricetin, quercetin, and isoquercetin, helps to mitigate inflammation and combat oxidative stress, which can contribute to cellular damage in joints.

Research indicates that Cistus incanus can help reduce inflammatory markers. A study published in Cosmetics in 2023 demonstrated that a Cistus incanus extract could block psychological stress signaling and reduce neurogenic inflammation, which can indirectly impact joint health by reducing systemic inflammatory responses. Furthermore, the extract was shown to inhibit the NF-κB master inflammation regulator, a key pathway involved in inflammatory processes.

In a pilot study involving healthy adults, daily consumption of Cistus incanus herbal tea for 12 weeks led to a significant decrease in serum concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), both markers of oxidative stress. While this study focused on cardiovascular risk factors, the reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation is broadly beneficial for overall health, including joint health, as oxidative stress can exacerbate joint degradation.

Specific compounds found in Cistus incanus, such as myricitrin, have been shown to modulate NADPH oxidase-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, thereby inhibiting endotoxin-mediated inflammation by blocking the JAK/STAT1 and NOX2/p47phox pathways. Myricitrin also exhibits anxiolytic properties, which can be beneficial as stress can contribute to inflammatory responses.

Medical Properties of Rock rose (cistus incanus) on Skin

Cistus incanus, commonly known as rockrose or hairy rockrose, possesses several medical properties beneficial for skin health, primarily due to its rich content of polyphenolic compounds, including flavonoids like myricitrin, epicatechin, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). These properties contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and protective effects on the skin.

1. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Cistus incanus extract is rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, which are three times greater than green tea and four times greater than vitamin C in terms of antioxidant potential. These antioxidants help combat environmental damage by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are unstable molecules that can damage skin cells and contribute to aging. This protective action helps reduce oxidative stress, a key factor in premature skin aging, carcinogenesis, and hyperpigmentation disorders.

The plant also exhibits significant anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that Cistus incanus extract can block psychological stress signaling and reduce neurogenic inflammation. This is achieved by inhibiting the effects of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) signaling, specifically by blocking the CRH-R1 receptor, and by reducing the levels of the NF-κB master inflammation regulator. Chronic psychological stress can trigger the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to immune dysfunction and inflammation, which accelerates skin aging. By interrupting this pathway, Cistus incanus helps to calm and soothe irritated skin, reducing redness and supporting a healthy inflammatory response.

2. Anti-aging and Skin Barrier Support

The anti-aging effects of Cistus incanus are multifaceted. Its antioxidant capacity directly protects skin cells from damage that leads to visible signs of aging. Furthermore, its ability to reduce neurogenic inflammation, as demonstrated in clinical trials, contributes to reduced skin wrinkling in individuals with high-stress levels after 28 days of treatment. The extract's ingredients have an astringent effect, which can tighten the skin, making it smoother and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It also supports the skin barrier function, which is crucial for maintaining skin health and resilience against environmental aggressors.

3. UV Protection and Anti-hyperpigmentation

Cistus incanus extracts possess natural sun-protecting activity, with an in vitro Sun Protection Factor (SPF) ranging from 3.33 to 4.37 at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. This UV-absorbing activity helps protect the skin from harmful UV radiation, a major risk factor for skin cancer and photoaging.

Moreover, the extract demonstrates tyrosinase inhibitory activity, which is crucial for addressing hyperpigmentation disorders. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that plays a key role in melanin synthesis, and its inhibition can lead to skin lightening. Compounds like epigallocatechin, epicatechin, and myricitrin found in Cistus incanus are responsible for this inhibitory effect, making it a potential ingredient for skin-lightening cosmetics.

4. Anti-cancer Potential

Research indicates that Cistus incanus extracts exhibit cytotoxic activity against human malignant melanoma cells (A375), with IC50 values between 57.8 µg/mL and 109.41 µg/mL. Importantly, these extracts showed significantly lower cytotoxicity against non-cancerous human keratinocytes (HaCaT), suggesting their potential safety for topical application in melanoma prevention. The anticancer activity is likely due to the synergistic action of its various phytochemical ingredients, including EGCG.

5. Traditional and Modern Applications

Historically, Cistus incanus has been valued in Greek folk medicine for both healing and beautifying purposes, with its resin used for cosmetics and skin/hair problems. Modern research continues to validate these traditional uses, highlighting its potential as a multifunctional active ingredient in cosmetic formulations aimed at protecting the skin from harmful external factors and addressing various skin concerns.

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