Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Rosa Species
Summary
The genus Rosa encompasses a diverse array of species whose fruits (rosehips), petals and seeds are rich in bioactive compounds including polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, ascorbic acid and unsaturated fatty acids. These constituents act synergistically to scavenge free radicals, chelate transition metals and modulate intracellular antioxidant enzymes, thereby attenuating oxidative stress. Phenolic acids and flavonoids such as chlorogenic acid, quercetin and ellagitannins predominate in rosehip flesh and petals, while seed oils supply linoleic and α-linolenic acids that contribute to lipid-phase antioxidant protection. Variations in phytochemical profiles arise from species genetics, geographical origin, cultivation practices and post-harvest processing, influencing both nutritional quality and therapeutic potential. Practical applications span functional foods, dietary supplements and cosmeceuticals, with mounting evidence for hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, metabolic and anti-proliferative effects. The global significance of Rosa species lies in their adaptability to diverse climates and their capacity to yield sustainable sources of natural antioxidants for health promotion.
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Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Rosa Species publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of rosa species across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Polyphenols: A broad class of plant secondary metabolites characterised by multiple phenolic rings, responsible for most antioxidant activities in Rosa species.
Flavonoids: Subgroup of polyphenols including flavonols and flavan-3-ols, known for radical scavenging and modulation of cellular signalling pathways.
Ellagitannins: Hydrolysable tannins abundant in rose petals, which release ellagic acid upon digestion and contribute to anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects.
DPPH assay: A laboratory test measuring the ability of compounds to neutralise the stable free radical DPPH, indicative of radical-scavenging capacity.
FRAP assay: Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, quantifying the reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ by antioxidants under acidic conditions.
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS): Chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen, such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, which can damage cellular components when in excess.
PPARγ, C/EBPα, SREBP-1c: Transcription factors regulating adipocyte differentiation and lipid metabolism; their modulation reflects anti-adipogenic and metabolic effects.
References
- Research on Phenolic Content and Its Antioxidant Activities in Fermented Rosa rugosa ‘Dianhong’ Petals with Brown Sugar. Antioxidants (2024).
- Rosehip Extract Decreases Reactive Oxygen Species Production and Lipid Accumulation in Hypertrophic 3T3-L1 Adipocytes with the Modulation of Inflammatory State. Nutrients (2024).
- Phenolic Compounds of Rose Hips of Some Rosa Species and Their Hybrids Native Grown in the South-West of Slovenia during a Two-Year Period (2020–2021). Foods (2023).
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