Characterization of carotenoids and vitamin E in R. rugosa and R. canina: Comparative analysis

Recent advances and insights into the bioactive properties and applications of Rosa canina L. and its by-products

Rosa canina L., commonly known as rosehip, is of notable scientific interest for its applications in nutrition, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This review article highlights its health-promoting properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and anticarcinogenic effects, attributed to its rich content of phenolic acids, carotenoids, tocopherols, and vitamins. With growing interest in sustainable practices, rosehip by-products are increasingly valorized. For instance, cold-pressed rosehip seed oil is a valuable source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, while incorporating rosehip pomace into snacks enhances their nutritional profile, positioning them as potential functional foods and dietary supplements. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of advancements in utilizing rosehip and its by-products, emphasizing their role in enriching food and pharmaceutical products with nutritional and functional bioactivities.

The Antiobesity Effects of Rosehip (Rosa canina) Flesh by Antagonizing the PPAR Gamma Activity in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

SCOPE

The rosehip (Rosa canina) is a perennial shrub with a reddish pseudofruit that has demonstrated antidiabetic, antiatherosclerotic, and antiobesogenic effects in rodent models but there is low information about the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects on the onset and progression of diet-induced obesity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Four-week-old C57BL/6J male mice are subjected to a high-fat diet (HFD)-supplemented or not with R. canina flesh for 18 weeks. The results indicated that the R. canina flesh exerts a preventive effect on HFD-induced obesity with a significant reduction in body-weight gain and an improvement of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance caused by a HFD. At the tissue level, subcutaneous white adipose tissue exhibits a higher number of smaller adipocytes, with decreased lipogenesis. On its side, the liver shows a significant decrease in lipid droplet content and in the expression of genes related to lipogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, and glucose metabolism. Finally, the data suggest that most of these effects agree with the presence of a putative Perosxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) antagonist in the R. canina flesh.

CONCLUSIONS

R. canina flesh dietary supplementation slows down the steatotic effect of a HFD at least in part through the regulation of the transcriptional activity of PPARγ.

Comparative Study of Bioactive Compounds and Biological Activities of Five Rose Hip Species Grown in Sicily

Nowadays, research on plant extracts has attracted increasing interest. The aim of this study was to compare phenolic profile, vitamin C, and carotenoid content, as well as the biological activities of five different rose species, including Rosa canina, R. corymbifera, R. micrantha, R. rubiginosa, and R. rugosa. These species had different morphological characteristics, with R. rugosa showing higher size of flower petals and higher weight of hips. The highest vitamin C content was found in hip extracts of R. rubiginosa and R. rugosa, which also showed the highest carotenoid amount. R. corymbifera showed the highest phenolic content. No significant antimicrobial activity of extracts containing phenolic compounds against different indicator strains could be detected. Cell monolayer integrity was not affected by treatments with the above-mentioned extracts of R. canina, R. micrantha, and R. rugosa at different concentrations for up to 24 h, while those of R. rubiginosa and R. corymbifera affected intestinal permeability at the highest concentration tested. The partial least squares regression analysis generated a predictive model correlating phenolic compounds with cell monolayer integrity, suggesting a relevant role for catechin, quercitrin, and p-coumaric acid. In conclusion, this study highlights how rose hips belonging to different species can have a diverse phenolic profile, differently influencing intestinal monolayer integrity.

Dracocephalum jacutense Peschkova from Yakutia: Extraction and Mass Spectrometric Characterization of 128 Chemical Compounds

Dracocephalum jacutense Peschkova is a rare and endangered species of the genus Dracocephalum of the Lamiaceae family. The species was first described in 1997 and listed in the Red Data Book of Yakutia. Significant differences in the multicomponent composition of extracts from D. jacutense collected in the natural environment and successfully introduced in the Botanical Garden of Yakutsk were identified by a team of authors earlier in a large study. In this work, we studied the chemical composition of the leaves, stem, and inflorescences of D. jacutense using the tandem mass spectrometry method. Only three cenopopulations of D. jacutense were found by us in the territory of the early habitat-in the vicinity of the village of Sangar, Kobyaysky district of Yakutia. The aboveground phytomass of the plant was collected, processed and dried as separate parts of the plant: inflorescences, stem and leaves. Firstly, a total of 128 compounds, 70% of which are polyphenols, were tentatively identified in extracts of D. jacutense. These polyphenol compounds were classified as 32 flavones, 12 flavonols, 6 flavan-3-ols, 7 flavanones, 17 phenolic acids, 2 lignans, 1 dihydrochalcone, 4 coumarins, and 8 anthocyanidins. Other chemical groups were presented as carotenoids, omega-3-fatty acids, omega-5-fatty acids, amino acids, purines, alkaloids, and sterols. The inflorescences are the richest in polyphenols (73 polyphenolic compounds were identified), while 33 and 22 polyphenols were found in the leaves and stems, respectively. A high level of identity for polyphenolic compounds in different parts of the plant is noted for flavanones (80%), followed by flavonols (25%), phenolic acids (15%), and flavones (13%). Furthermore, 78 compounds were identified for the first time in representatives of the genus Dracocephalum, including 50 polyphenolic compounds and 28 compounds of other chemical groups. The obtained results testify to the unique composition of polyphenolic compounds in different parts of D. jacutense.

CO2 supercritical extraction and microencapsulation of oleoresins from rosehip fruits for getting powders with multiple applications

The supercritical fluids extraction (SFE) was used to extract the oleoresins from rosehip, followed by an in-depth phytochemical analysis and the development of two design-customized powders for different food and pharmaceutical applications. The SFE experiments allowed obtaining an oleoresins extraction yield of 11.85%. Two fractions were separated (S40 and S45), with significantly different phytochemical profile (p < 0.05), highlighting the efficiency of extraction of fatty acids in S40 extract, whereas the extraction of polyphenols, phytosterols, carotenoids and polyphenols was favored in S45 extract. The phytochemical profile revealed that the linoleic acid (C18:2) and α-linolenic acid (C18:3) represented approximatively 82% and 58% from the total fatty acid content in S40 and S45, respectively. α-Tocopherol and γ-tocopherol prevailed in both extract fractions, with a higher concentration in S45 (229.66 mg/g dry matter (DM) and 112.36 mg/g DM, respectively), whereas β-sitosterol was the major phytosterol in S45 fraction (118.75 mg/g DM). The S40 fraction was used to design two microencapsulated powders, by combining emulsification, complex coarcevation and freeze-drying. In order to develop new wall materials, with unique properties, the soy protein isolates were used for cross-linked reactions, by using an approach in one step (transglutaminase mediated) (coded as N) and two-steps (heat-induced and transglutaminase mediated) (coded as T). The N powder showed a better phytochemical content, leading to a higher antioxidant activity (5.27 mM Trolox equivalents/g DM), whereas for variant T, the bioactive were apparently doubled encapsulated.

Zostera marina L.: Supercritical CO2-Extraction and Mass Spectrometric Characterization of Chemical Constituents Recovered from Seagrass

Three types of Zostera marina L. collection were extracted using the supercritical CO2-extraction method. For the purposes of supercritical CO2-extraction, old seagrass ejection on the surf edge, fresh seagrass ejection on the surf edge and seagrass collected in water were used. Several experimental conditions were investigated in the pressure range 50–350 bar, with the used volume of co-solvent ethanol in the amount of 1% in the liquid phase at a temperature in the range of 31–70 °C. The most effective extraction conditions are: pressure 250 Bar and temperature 60 °C for Z. marina collected in sea water. Z. marina contain various phenolic compounds and sulfated polyphenols with valuable biological activity. Tandem mass-spectrometry (HPLC-ESI–ion trap) was applied to detect target analytes. 77 different biologically active components have been identified in Z. marina supercritical CO2-extracts. 38 polyphenols were identified for the first time in Z. marina.

Functional Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Rosa Species Grown In Turkey

Rose hips differ from other fruits with their high vitamin C, vitamin E, phenolic, and antioxidant content, making it an economical source of antioxidants. Exploring the fruit and seed components of different Rosa species could enable better use of their potential for various industries. Thus, rose hips of Rosa corymbifera , Rosa rugosa (Thunb.), Rosa alba  L., and Rosa canina  L. cultivated in the same growing conditions were analyzed. Their antioxidant activity and capacity, vitamin C, total carotenoids and phenolics, tocopherols and seed oils, as well as their fatty acid composition were determined. In addition to having highly polyunsaturated fatty acids, R. canina was also found to have noticeably high antioxidant components. In the overall evaluation (both fruit and oil characteristics), R. canina was found to have the most favorable content, while R. rugosa has the most desirable oil characteristics. As a result of the evaluation of fruit (excluding oil), R. corymbifera and R. canina were determined as prominent species. Despite medium level oil content, R. rugosa can be recommended for seed oil uses. R. corymbifera and R. canina are recommended for the food and food supplement industry. Production of rose hip species that contain the remarkable functional components of fruits and the health-promoting fatty acids of seeds may be used in combination as a marketing tool. In this way, the medicinal plant market share and profitability rate of rose hip will increase.

Fluorescence and UV/visible spectroscopic investigation of orange and mango fruit juice quality in case of Adama Town

Extracted Mango and Orange juices were investigated by using spectroscopic techniques such as UV/Visible and Fluorescence. Three portions of samples (fresh juice) were stored at 22 °C for eight days, stored in a water bath and heated at 40 °C, 60 °C, and 80 °C for ten minutes. The highest wavelengths (455 nm) were observed from the UV/Vis results for fresh Mango juices, while 270 nm and 460 nm were observed for stored Mango juices. Furthermore, wavelengths of 320 nm were observed in heat-treated mango juice (40 °C). No absorption peaks were observed at 60 °C and 80 °C due to temperature effects. Absorption peaks of fresh fruit were observed at 330 nm and 390 nm, while 260 nm and 320 nm reflect stored orange juices absorptions peaks. From heat-treated stored (40 °C and 60 °C) samples, 320 nm and 260 nm absorption peaks were observed, respectively. Wavelength observed (454 nm, 540 nm & 700 nm) peaks represent the fresh mango juice spectra, while 460 nm and 700 nm are for stored Mango juices. The peaks observed in the region of 400–500 nm and at 700 nm represent heat-treated mango juices at 40 °C. Heat stored Mango juices (60 °C & 80 °C) have peaks at 700 nm. Peaks observed at 700 nm, 500 nm, and 455 nm reflect fresh orange juice, while 460–500 nm and 700 nm represent the emission spectra of the samples. The stored orange juice peaks at 460–500 nm and at 700 nm, but heated-stored orange juice peaks only at 700 nm. The pH values for orange and mango juices were 3.52–3.73 and 4.02–4.72, respectively.

Valorization of Rose Hip (Rosa canina) Puree Co-Product in Enriched Corn Extrudates

Serious issues and challenges of the world’s population are represented by dwindling natural food resources and the scale-up of sustainable food manufacturing. Therefore, the valorization of co-products from the food industry represents new methods for food development. The principal goal of the study was to capitalize rose hip (Rosa canina) co-product powder in extrudates, highlighting its influence on extrusion parameters, physicochemical, and nutritional characteristics. The water absorption index, swelling index, and hygroscopicity increased with the rose hip co-product addition. Furthermore, water solubility index, expansion index, porosity, image parameters (area and perimeter) of the extrudates decreased. Lycopene, β-Carotene, Zea-esters, and lutein were the main carotenoids identified in the extrudates; whereas Catechin, Di-gallic acid, Procyanidin dimmer 1, Procyanidin dimmer 2, and Isorhamnetin-glucuronide were the main flavonoids. Strong Pearson correlations were identified between carotenoids, total flavonoids, vitamin C, total folate, and antioxidant activity. Valorization of the Rosa canina powder co-product led to value-added products—corn extrudates—rich in bioactive compounds.

Effect on Nutritional and Functional Characteristics by Encapsulating Rose canina Powder in Enriched Corn Extrudates

Wild Rose canina fruit represents a rich source of bioactive compounds such as minerals, phenolic compounds, vitamins, carotenoids, folate, and antioxidant activity that still needs to be further exploited. Thus, this study aimed to use wild Rosa canina fruit encapsulated powder with different biopolymers aiming to manufacture ready-to-eat products, such as corn extrudates. To achieve this goal, extrudate physicochemical characteristics, such as water content (x_w), water activity (a_w), water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), swelling index (SWE), hygroscopicity (Hy), expansion index (SEI), bulk density (ρ_b), porosity (ε), textural, optical; nutritional; and functional analysis (phenolic acids, flavonoids, ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids, vitamin C, carotenoids, folates, antioxidant activity, and minerals) were determined. Results highlighted that 4 and 8% addition of wild Rose canina fruit encapsulated powder could be successfully used in the corn extrudates, showing the positive influence on its nutritional and functional value. Strong positive Pearson correlations were identified between antioxidant capacity and total flavonoids, carotenoids, folates, and vitamin C of mixtures and extrudates Minerals increased their amount during the extrusion process, reaching the highest values at an addition of 8% rosehip encapsulated with pea protein biopolymer. Furthermore, from the biopolymers used in the present study, pea protein powder exhibited the highest protection on the analyzed bioactive compounds against the extrusion process.

European Database of Carotenoid Levels in Foods. Factors Affecting Carotenoid Content

Many studies indicate that diets including carotenoid-rich foods have positive effects on human health. Some of these compounds are precursors of the essential nutrient vitamin A. The present work is aimed at implementing a database of carotenoid contents of foods available in the European market. Factors affecting carotenoid content were also discussed. Analytical data available in peer-reviewed scientific literature from 1990 to 2018 and obtained by HPLC/UHPLC were considered. The database includes foods classified according to the FoodEx2 system and will benefit compilers, nutritionists and other professionals in areas related to food and human health. The results show the importance of food characterization to ensure its intercomparability, as large variations in carotenoid levels are observed between species and among varieties/cultivars/landraces. This highlights the significance of integrating nutritional criteria into agricultural choices and of promoting biodiversity. The uncertainty quantification associated with the measurements of the carotenoid content was very rarely evaluated in the literature consulted. According to the EuroFIR data quality evaluation system for food composition tables, the total data quality index mean was 24 in 35, reflecting efforts by researchers in the analytical methods, and less resources in the sampling plan documentation.

Current developments on the application of microbial carotenoids as an alternative to synthetic pigments

Microbial carotenoids have attracted rising interest from several industries as a sustainable alternative to substitute the synthetic ones. Traditionally, carotenoids available in the market are obtained by the chemical route using nonrenewable sources (petrochemicals), revealing the negative impact on the environment and consumers. The most promising developments in the upstream and downstream processes of microbial carotenoids are reviewed in this work. The use of agro-based raw materials for bioproduction, and alternative solvents such as biosolvents, deep eutectic solvents, and ionic liquids for the recovery/polishing of microbial carotenoids were also reviewed. The principal advances in the field, regarding the biorefinery and circular economy concepts, were also discussed for a better understanding of the current developments. This review provides comprehensive overview of the hot topics in the field besides an exhaustive analysis of the main advantages/drawbacks and opportunities regarding the implementation of microbial carotenoids in the market.

A comprehensive review on carotenoids in foods and feeds: status quo, applications, patents, and research needs

Carotenoids are isoprenoids widely distributed in foods that have been always part of the diet of humans. Unlike the other so-called food bioactives, some carotenoids can be converted into retinoids exhibiting vitamin A activity, which is essential for humans. Furthermore, they are much more versatile as they are relevant in foods not only as sources of vitamin A, but also as natural pigments, antioxidants, and health-promoting compounds. Lately, they are also attracting interest in the context of nutricosmetics, as they have been shown to provide cosmetic benefits when ingested in appropriate amounts. In this work, resulting from the collaborative work of participants of the COST Action European network to advance carotenoid research and applications in agro-food and health (EUROCAROTEN, www.eurocaroten.eu, https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA15136/#tabs|Name:overview) research on carotenoids in foods and feeds is thoroughly reviewed covering aspects such as analysis, carotenoid food sources, carotenoid databases, effect of processing and storage conditions, new trends in carotenoid extraction, daily intakes, use as human, and feed additives are addressed. Furthermore, classical and recent patents regarding the obtaining and formulation of carotenoids for several purposes are pinpointed and briefly discussed. Lastly, emerging research lines as well as research needs are highlighted.

Carotenoids, Polyphenols, and Ascorbic Acid in Organic Rosehips (Rosa spp.) Cultivated in Lithuania

Carotenoids, polyphenols, and ascorbic acid are valuable and important biologically active compounds that contribute to the health benefits of different foods, and rosehips are known for their high biologically active substance contents. The aim of this research is to identify and compare the contents of carotenoids, polyphenols, and ascorbic acid in the flesh and seeds of different rosehip species grown organically. A field experiment was conducted during the period 2017–2018 on an organic farm in Lithuania. Rose fruits were collected at full ripening in September. The quantitative and qualitative determinations of polyphenols and carotenoids in rosehips flesh and seeds were conducted by HPLC methods. The following polyphenolic compounds were identified: five different flavonoids (rutin, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, luteolin, quercetin, and quercetin-3-O-glucoside) and five phenolic acids (gallic, chlorogenic, caffeic, p-coumaric, and ferulic) from different rose fruit fleshes and seeds species. In addition, six carotenoids (β-carotene, α-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, cis-lycopene, and trans-lycopene) in rosehip flesh and five different carotenoids in rosehip seeds (α-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, cis-lycopene, and trans-lycopene) were identified. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that the highest content of total phenolic acid is in rosehip seeds, while higher concentrations of carotenoids, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid are present in rosehip flesh.

Morphological and antiradical characteristics of Rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa Thunb.) fruits canned in different kind of honeys and in beverages prepared from honey

The aim of the work was to determined the basic morphological and morphometric traits of rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa Thunb.) and antiradical activity of fruit pulp canned in different kind of honeys and in beverages prepared from honey. In experiments there were used 4 genotypes of roses originated from arboretum Mlyňany (Slovakia). The evaluation of 11 morphometric traits of fruit showed that the average weight of the fresh fruit without pedicle reached up 5.14 - 5.46 g, the weight of pedicle was 0.05 - 0.08 g, weight of pulp and seeds 4.80 - 5.13 g, weight of calyx 0.25 - 0.31 g, length and width of fruit (16.10 - 18.13 mm, 21.38 - 22.46 mm), the number of seeds in fruit 48.45 - 71.05, thickness of pulp 2.63 - 2.97 mm. Separated fruit pulp was canned at 40 °C and 80 °C and premixed in robinia honey and honeydew honey. Beverages were prepared by mixture of fruit pulp in honey (15 g) with cold water (150 mL). Antiradical activity was determined by DPPH method in fruit pulp (in methyl alcohol and water extracts), in honeys (black locust honey and honeydew honey) and beverages. There had been confirmed statistically significant differences in morphological traits, especially in colour and shape of fruit. Antiradical activity of fresh fruit pulp in methyl alcohol extract was determined 94.59%, in water extract 89.71%. Antiradical activity of black locust honey was 7.63%, honeydew honey 6.54%. Antiradical activity was determined also adding honeydew honey and black locust honey to fresh pulp of fruit prepared at 80 °C (33.55% and 77.58%). In beverages prepared from fresh pulp, honey and water it was investigated the higher values of antiradical activity in samples with addition of honeydew honey (81.81 - 83.86%) in comparison with robinia honey (75.57 - 79.96%).

Simultaneous determination of tocopherols, carotenoids and phytosterols in edible vegetable oil by ultrasound-assisted saponification, LLE and LC-MS/MS

A method was developed to simultaneously determine eight bioactive compounds in edible oil based on ultrasound-assisted saponification, liquid-liquid extraction and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Central composite design was employed to optimize ultrasonic temperature and time of saponification. Sample treatment was conducted by ultrasound-assisted saponification at temperature of 75 °C for 40 min. Limits of detection and limits of quantification ranged from 2.0 to 3.2 and from 6.1 to 10.0 ng/mL, respectively. Linear correlations were obtained (R² > 0.99) and the recoveries at three spiked levels were between 81.7% and 112.0%. This method was employed to determine eight compounds in camellia oils and olive oils. As results, the contents of stigmasterol, δ-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, β-carotene and lutein in camellia oils were significantly higher than those in olive oils (p < 0.05). The proposed method can be successfully used to determination of these eight active compounds in camellia oil and other edible oils.

Production and extraction of carotenoids produced by microorganisms

Carotenoids are a group of isoprenoid pigments naturally synthesized by plants and microorganisms, which are applied industrially in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical product formulations. In addition to their use as coloring agents, carotenoids have been proposed as health additives, being able to prevent cancer, macular degradation, and cataracts. Moreover, carotenoids may also protect cells against oxidative damage, acting as an antioxidant agent. Considering the interest in greener and sustainable industrial processing, the search for natural carotenoids has increased over the last few decades. In particular, it has been suggested that the use of bioprocessing technologies can improve carotenoid production yields or, as a minimum, increase the efficiency of currently used production processes. Thus, this review provides a short but comprehensive overview of the recent biotechnological developments in carotenoid production using microorganisms. The hot topics in the field are properly addressed, from carotenoid biosynthesis to the current technologies involved in their extraction, and even highlighting the recent advances in the marketing and application of "microbial" carotenoids. It is expected that this review will improve the knowledge and understanding of the most appropriate and economic strategies for a biotechnological production of carotenoids.

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Rosa rugosa Depending on Degree of Ripeness

Maturity stage affects the bioactive compounds as well as the antioxidant capacity in the fruit. This study was designed to identify and quantify carotenoids, as well as to evaluate vitamin E, vitamin C, antioxidant capacity and total phenolic compounds of Rosa rugosa hips at different degrees of ripeness. HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) analysis showed different types of carotenoids at different stages of maturity of R. rugosa hips with significant differences (p ˂ 0.05), where the maximum concentration was observed at late harvesting. In the hips investigated, only α-tocopherol was detected, the maximum concentration of both vitamin E and vitamin C was obtained in the orange hips with significant difference (p ˂ 0.05). On the other hand, the highest hydrophilic and lipophilic TEAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) values, as well as total phenolic contents, were determined in the mature hips (red colour) with significant difference (p < 0.0001) and (p < 0.001) respectively, whereas ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) showed lower activity in the mature hips with significant difference (p ˂ 0.05). Late harvesting is recommended if a high content of carotenoids is desired, while harvesting should be carried out earlier if a higher vitamin E and vitamin C content is desired, which in turn affects the antioxidants capacity.

In Vitro Bioaccessibility of Carotenoids and Vitamin E in Rosehip Products and Tomato Paste As Affected by Pectin Contents and Food Processing

Limited bioavailability of antioxidants present in food from fruits and vegetables matrices is determined by their low bioaccessibility due to the physical and chemical interactions of the antioxidants with the indigestible polysaccharides of cell walls. Therefore, this in vitro investigation aimed to assess the bioaccessibility of carotenoids and vitamin E from rosehips as well as from tomato paste and to investigate several aspects of effects of pectin contents and food processing on bioaccessibility. Following the addition of the enzyme mixture Fructozym P6-XL, the bioaccessibility of carotenoids from rosehips as well as from tomato paste significantly increased. The average relative increase in bioaccessibility from rosehips was lower for ( all-E)-β-carotene compared with ( all-E)-lycopene and ( all-E)-rubixanthin. In contrast, increases of bioaccessibility of α-tocopherol were comparable for rosehip samples and tomato paste.