Autochthonous Rose Hybrid Rosa pendulina x spinosissima Overshines Main Genotype Rosa pendulina in the Biochemical Characteristics of Their Hips

The medicinal value of rose hips largely depends on the contents of vitamin C and flavonoids. Rose hips contain more vitamin C than most fruits and vegetables. We were particularly interested in how the bioactive substances of rose hips are inherited from main rose species. The aim of the study was to compare the contents of ascorbic acid, organic acids, and phenolics in the fruits, rose hips, of Rosa pendulina L. and the hybrid Rosa pendulina L. x spinosissima L. The contents of ascorbic acid in the studied hips were higher in R. pendulina x spinosissima than in R. pendulina. The contents of total organic acids were higher in the hips of R. pendulina x spinosissima than in the hips of R. pendulina. The contents of phenolics in the hybrid were significantly higher in flesh with skin and in seeds. The contents of cyanidin-3-glucoside were higher in R. pendulina x spinosissima. We can conclude that the contents of bioactive substances in our samples is rich and could potentially be used for human consumption. The results will help to increase transparency about which rose species provide rose hips that are the most suitable for nutritional purposes.

Automated summary

The study compared the contents of vitamin C, organic acids, and phenolics in the fruits of different rose species and found that certain hybrids had higher levels of these bioactive substances, including a specific type of anthocyanin. These findings can contribute to the selection of rose hips that are most suitable for nutritional purposes.