Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Advertisement

Differences in the Makeup of Indigenous Rose Species and Modern Cultivars

by Bidita Debnath on May 27, 2014 at 11:45 PM
 Differences in the Makeup of Indigenous Rose Species and Modern Cultivars

The petals and leaves of roses are valued for their aesthetic and medicinal uses around the world.

A new study identified specific phenolic compounds found in the petals of indigenous rose species and compared them with the phenolic profiles of modern rose cultivars to determine differences in the makeup of roses traditionally used for medicinal purposes and those varieties cherished for aesthetic qualities. According to the results, distinct differences exist in the distribution of leaf phenolic compounds, especially between indigenous rose species and modern rose cultivars.

Advertisement

Vlasta Cunja, corresponding author of the study published in the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, said that previous research has linked phenolic and mineral composition of rose hips to their antioxidant activity. Phenolic antioxidants have also been identified in the petals of several rose species, but research on rose leaf polyphenols has been rare. Using high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, Cunja and colleagues determined leaf and petal phenolic profiles of four indigenous rose (Rosa) species (R. canina, R. glauca, R. rubiginosa, R. sempervirens) traditionally used for medicinal purposes and three modern rose cultivars (Rosarium Uetersen, Ulrich Brunner Fils, Schwanensee).

The researchers identified seven different anthocyanins--the principal pigments responsible for intense red to mauve colors--in the rose petals. They found a "strong correlation" between color parameters and total anthocyanin content in petals. Additionally, 31 flavonols were detected in the rose petals; flavonol content varied significantly among species and cultivars analyzed. The analyses tentatively identified 30 different flavonols in the leaves of different rose species and cultivars.
Advertisement

"Our analyses revealed significant variations in the content and composition of phenolic compounds among species, cultivars, and plant petals and leaves," Cunja said. Interestingly, distinct differences in the distribution of leaf phenolic compounds were found between indigenous species and modern rose cultivars. Among the species investigated, leaves of Rosa canina stood out for their high and varied phenolic content. "The traditional practice of using Rosa canina for medicinal purposes appears scientifically justified because (the species) contains significantly more phenolic antioxidants compared with other naturally occurring rose species of the region," Cunja said.

The modern cultivar 'Schwanensee' was determined to be most dissimilar of all cultivars analyzed as a result of the low levels of phenolic constituents found in the leaves. The authors said this could potentially be linked to the cultivar's susceptibility to diseases. They concluded that species are likely more suitable than cultivars as a potential source of leaf phenols with antioxidative activity.

Source: Eurekalert
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Research News

AI Shows Promise in Identifying ADHD
The AI method shows promise in identifying imaging biomarkers for diagnosing ADHD.
Life Expectancy Gap for Autistic Individuals Revealed
Diagnosed autistic individuals showed increased premature mortality in the UK, highlighting urgent needs to address associated inequalities.
Exploring How Hearing Impairment Shapes Dementia Risk
Study reveals a correlation between hearing impairment and distinct brain region variances, contributing to dementia.
Coffee and its Role in Neurodegenerative Disorders
Financial impact of caring for individuals with neurodegenerative disorders reaches hundreds of billions annually in the United States.
Healthcare Industry Struggles With Tech Skills Shortage
Experts emphasize that addressing the skills gap demands immediate attention and innovative solutions, including education, re-training, and significant time investment.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Differences in the Makeup of Indigenous Rose Species and Modern Cultivars Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests