Taif Roses: Historical Richness, Modern Industrial Vitality, and Global Reach—An Integrative Evidence Review, 2000–2026

Taif rose (Rosa damascena Mill. var. trigintipetala) is the defining crop of the Taif highlands of Saudi Arabia, a heritage practice inscribed by UNESCO in 2024 and a working industry whose farms, distilleries, and residue streams have only recently become objects of systematic study. This integrative review assembles the peer-reviewed evidence published between 2000 and 2026 and reads it against three claims embedded in the crop’s public identity: that it has a rich history, that it sustains a thriving modern industry, and that it holds a global presence. Crossref and OpenAlex were searched on October 15, 2026; 727 records were screened against verified bibliographic metadata, and 39 studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings were analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis and interpreted using the Evidence-Based Field-to-Formulation (EFF) framework developed here, which combines value-chain, circular-bioeconomy, translational-evidence, and place-based quality lenses over a digital enabling layer. Five themes emerged: chemical identity and terroir; bioactivity and safety; circular valorization of residues; propagation, stress physiology, and plant health; and digital and process innovation. The evidence confirms a measurable place-based chemical identity, a substantial and partly characterized residue stream, and a maturing propagation toolkit. It does not yet support the industry’s highest-value claims: no study has tested Taif rose material in humans, origin authentication remains unvalidated, and one included-adjacent study was retracted during the review. Taif rose is historically rich and industrially active, but its global presence is cultural and commercial rather than evidential. Closing that gap requires authentication science, safe residue routing, and early-phase clinical research.