Description
Phenolic metabolites are common constituents of fruits and vegetables, and t he
interest of plant phenolic extracts derives from the evidence of their potent
antioxidant activity and their wide range of pharmacologic properties including
anticancer, antimicrobial and platelet aggregation inhibition activities [1]. Rosa
canina L. fruits are eaten raw as snacks and possess prophylactic and
therapeutic activities against a wide range of ailments. Rosa micrantha ex Sm.
fruits are used to prepare homemade remedies that prevent or heal several
human disorders and animal diseases [2] This study aimed to characterize the
phenolic compounds present in the above mentioned wild fruits. The analysis of
phenolic compounds was carried out by reversed-phase HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS, in
order to establish the specific phenolic profile in two Rose species. R. canina
and R. micrantha presented a very similar profile being detected different
classes of flavonoids, but no phenolic acids were found in these samples. The
highest flavone/ols (11.16 mg/100g), flavan-3-ols and galloyl derivates (19.90
mg/100g), and anthocyanins (1.19 mg/100g) content were found in R.
micrantha fruits. Taxifolin pentoside was the most abundant flavanonol found
in these fruits and represented 1.18 mg/100 mg for R. canina and 2.68 mg/100
g for R. micrantha. Methyl gallate hexoside was only found in R. micrantha (2.45
mg/ 100g). (+)-Catechin was the most abundant flavan-3-ol found in the samples (R. canina 3.59 mg/100 g and R. micrantha 4.93 mg/ 100g), whereas cyanidin 3-D-glucoside was the only anthocyanin detected (R. canina 0.68 μg/100 g and R. micrantha 1.19 μg/100 g). The studied fruits may have great potential for food
industries as a source of colors and flavors, as well as bioactive molecules such
as phenolic compounds for dietary supplements or functional foods.
; Barros, Lillian 
