Quantification of Methanol, Ethanol, and Essential Oil Contents of Commonly Used Brands of Rosewater (Rosa Damascena) in Iran

Background: Rosa damascena Mill. (Rosaceae) is a relevant ornamental and medicinal flower, whose distillation is known as Golab (Rosewater) in Iran. Due to the nature of the distillation process, methanol and ethanol are likely to be formed in the final product. Therefore, due to their toxicity, along with their frequent prescription, this study aims to investigate the concentrations of essential oil, methanol, and ethanol in commonly used brands of Rosewater available in Tehran, Iran. Methods: Methanol and ethanol concentrations were determined by gas chromatography, using a Flame Ionized Detector. Results: The mean essence level in the tested samples was 204.1 ± 18.0 ppm, which was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than the Iranian standard level. The mean methanol and ethanol levels in the tested samples were 1.25 ± 0.70 ppm and 700.0 ± 100.0 ppm, respectively, which were significantly lower than the maximum residues levels. Conclusion: The mean essence level in the tested samples well coped with the Iranian standard level. Moreover, there is no health risk to methanol and ethanol through Rosewater consumption.