Description
The genus Rosa comprises more than 200 species appreciated for their use in perfume and cosmetic industry. The aim of this study was to investigate chemical composition, antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Rosa centifolia L. essential oil, in an attempt to contribute to the use of this plant as alternative product for microbial control and cancer therapy. The results of GC/MS analysis showed the presence of 12 components. The major constituents were: phenyl ethyl alcohol (57 .71%), citronellol (21.61%), geraniol (12.09%). The rose
oil showed strong antimicrobial activity inhibiting the growth of selected oral microorganisms (MIC 0.13-0.25 and MBC 0.25-0.50; MIC 0.03-0.13 and MFC 0.06-0.25 mg/ml), assessed by the microdilution method. The results of OPPH activity (2.10 mg/ml), reducing power (0.66 mg/ml), β-carotene bleaching inhibition (0.43 mg/ml) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances
(TSARS} assay (0.11 mg/ml) indicate good antioxidant potential. Cytotoxic activity was tested against human tumor cell lines (breast, lung, colon, cervical and hepatocellular carcinomas} and
in a non-tumour liver primary culture (PLP2). R. centifolia oil was found to be very active against
tumour cell lines with Gl ranging from 49.55-90.94 μg/ml. Oil showed no hepatotoxicity in PLP2 cell line (GI v- 400 5~g/ml). Overall, R. centifolia contains important phytochemicals with bioactive properties (mainly antitumour potential) to be explored in the pharmaceutical and for medicinal purposes.
; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R. 
