Rosa Gallica Research Articles

Phytochemical Composition of Rosa Gallica and Prospects of Its Use

Natural bioactive compounds have recently become a popular trend in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, and nutraceutical industries due to their beneficial effects on human health. Rosa gallica is a rose species widely used in medicine and cosmetics. It exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. The study of R. gallica hydrolates – water-soluble, biologically active components that remain in distilled water – appears to be promising. The component composition and properties of the obtained samples of R. gallica hydrolate were investigated. Antimicrobial, bifidogenic, and antioxidant activities of R. gallica hydrolates were determined. It was found that the samples of R. gallica hydrolate contained the highest amount of gallic acid, ellagic acid and the lowest amount of astragalin. It was shown that samples of R. gallica hydrolate exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity against C. parapsilosis (inhibition zone was 6.9±2.1 mm) and against E. coli (inhibition zone was 7.4±2.2 mm). The results indicate that the obtained samples of R. gallica hydrolatum did not have pronounced bifidogenic activity against the test strain B. adolescentis; however, they had bifidogenic activity against the test strain L. casei. The results revealed that R. gallica hydrolate samples had significant antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP (831.67 mg TE g-1, 1825.28 mg TE g-1, and 71.69 mg TE g-1, respectively). It has been demonstrated that the use of hydrolates of plants containing essential oils enables the development of a new line of confectionery products with natural flavors, antioxidants, increased nutritional and biological value, and unique organoleptic properties.

Genotoxic and Anti-Genotoxic Potential of Hydrosols from Water-Steam Distillation of Oil-Bearing Roses Rosa centifolia L. and Rosa gallica L. from Bulgaria.

Rosa centifolia L. and Rosa gallica L. (Rosaceae) are grown as raw materials for valuable essential oils and hydrosols. There are scarce data about the biological activities and the genoprotective potential of the hydrosols of these roses. The aim of the study was to provide information on their cytotoxic/genotoxic activity and anti-cytotoxic/anti-genotoxic capacity against mutagenic N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). The evaluation was performed using classical tests for chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei in the higher plant Hordeum vulgare and human lymphocyte test systems. The experimental schemes included combined hydrosol and mutagen treatment. Both hydrosols (6, 14, 20%) had no cytotoxic effect on barley and showed low genotoxicity in both test systems as the injuries were enhanced to a lesser extent compared to the controls. Lymphocytes were more susceptible than H. vulgare. Under the conditions of combined treatment, it was found that the two hydrosols possessed good anti-cytotoxic and anti-genotoxic potential against MNNG. Both rose products exerted genoprotective potential to a similar extent, decreasing the frequencies of aberrations in chromosomes and micronuclei to a significant degree in both types of cells when non-toxic concentrations of hydrosols were applied before MNNG. This was performed both with and without any inter-treatment time. The observed cytoprotective/genoprotective potential suggests that these hydrosols are promising for further application in phytotherapy and medicine.

Bio- and synthetic fertilizers for reducing root rot and wilt and improving growth and flowering characteristics of rose

Root rot and wilt diseases are among the most pressing obstacles to the production of rose flowers in Egypt. Isolation results showed that these diseases are mainly caused by seven soil-borne fungi. However, Fusarium roseum, Verticillium dahlia, and Rhizoctonia solani were the most pathogenic fungi against Rosa gallica and R. chinensis compared to other isolated fungi. The present study aimed to investigate the potential of some bio- and synthetic fertilizers, including seaweed extract, Rhizobacterin, NPK, and potassium silicate, as well as the chemical fungicide vitavax 200, to control root rot and wilt and improve growth and flowering traits of both R. gallica and R. chinensis. Under in vitro conditions, the highest linear growth inhibition of pathogenic fungi was achieved by seaweed extract followed by potassium silicate, at 400 ppm each. In addition, vitavax 200 at 400 ppm completely inhibited the linear growth of these fungi. The results also showed that all treatments applied in vivo significantly reduced the incidence of diseases on rose plants in both seasons, leading to an improvement in all growth and flowering parameters and an increase in the content of photosynthetic pigments, total carbohydrates, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. In this regard, seaweed extract (4 and 2 g/L) and potassium silicate (4 g/L) were the most efficient, while Rhizobacterin (2 g/L) and NPK (2 g/plant) were the least effective. However, vitavax 200 was the most effective of all the treatments used. In conclusion, the results proved the possibility of increasing the tolerance of R. gallica and R. chinensis against root rot and wilt, while improving growth and flowering characteristics by using some bio- and synthetic fertilizers.

Study of the Chemical Composition and Biological Effects of Aromatic Waters in a Comparative Aspect

Introduction. Vegetable raw materials processing products are becoming very popular. Of particular value are the products of essential oil production – aromatic waters or hydrolates. Hydrolates are widely used as cosmetics because they contain a number of biologically active water-soluble components of essential oil, but unlike the latter they have a softer effect on the skin, which allows them to be used in their pure form.Aim. To study the chemical composition, antibacterial and antioxidant activity of hydrolates.Materials and methods. Hydrolates were used as objects of research of production JSC "AEMSZ" derived from plants: Lavandula angusifolia, Hyssоpus officinаlis, Sаlvia officinаlis, Rosmarinus officinalis, Rosa damascеna × Rosa gallica. The composition was analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. Antibacterial properties of hydrolates were studied with the use of bioluminescent marine bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri F1 and recombinant test-bacteria Escherichia coli MG1655 (pXen7). The study of the antioxidant effect was carried out by the method of Fe3+-induced lipid peroxidation of egg lipoprotein suspension in vitro.Results and discussion. It was found that salvia hydrolate contains α- and β-thujone, β-caryophyllene, α-terpineol; lavender hydrolate – camphene, linalool, linalyl acetate, geraniol, geranyl acetate; rosemary hydrolate – camphene, 1,8-cineol, β-pinene; rose hydrolate – phenylethanol, geraniol, citronelol, nerol; hydrolate hyssop – pinocamphone, isopinocamphone, spatulenol, β-caryophyllene. The antibacterial properties of the studied hydrolates were manifested in the inhibition of test bacteria bioluminescence and growth. Hydrolates of hyssop, lavender and rosemary were characterized by the greatest activity, rose and salvia had a lesser effect. It was also shown that hyssop and lavender hydrolates exhibited the bactericidal properties. Through the studying the antioxidant effect, the dynamics of accumulation of products of free-radical oxidation of lipids was observed, which in the presence of hyssop and rosemary hydrolates decreased by 40 and 36 %, respectively, in comparison with the control.Conclusion. As a result of the research, it was found that the studied hydrolates have pronounced antibacterial properties. Antioxidant properties of Hyssopus officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis hydrolates were also revealed. Prospects for further research are the development of medicinal and cosmetic products based on the hydrolates of the above-stated essential oil cultures.

Detailed Metabolic Characterization of Flowers and Hips of Rosa gallica L. Grown in Open Nature.

Our research aimed to investigate the primary and secondary metabolites of rosehips and petals of R. gallica in comparison with R. subcanina. R. gallica was chosen because it is still unexplored in terms of various bioactive substances and is strongly present in Slovenia. Given that roses are generally very variable and unstudied, our research will contribute to greater transparency and knowledge of the bioactive composition of rosehips and petals. We found a strong positive correlation between the total content of phenolics and ascorbic acid, between the total content of organic acids and the total content of carotenoids, and between the total content of sugars and the total content of organic acids. Hips of R. gallica contained higher amounts of sugars, ascorbic acid, and carotenoids than R. subcanina. Based on the composition of phenolic compounds in the petals, it is possible to distinguish between the two species. Among all the phenolic compounds in the petals, both genotypes are richest in gallotannins, followed by flavonols. Among anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-glucoside was determined, the content of which was also higher in R. gallica. It can be concluded that the studied hips had an extremely low sugar content and, consequently, an extremely high organic acid content. The content of carotenoids in hips was in the lower range of the average content compared to data from the literature. By optimizing the harvesting time, we could obtain a higher content of carotenoids, which could potentially be used for industrial purposes. However, we found that the analyzed petals were a rich source of phenolic compounds, which benefit the human body and could be potentially used in the food and cosmetic industries.

Anatomical study of the bud union in T-budded Rosa gallica ‘Duchesse d’Angoulême’ and ground cover rose ‘Vensar’ on selected rootstocks

Anatomical study of the bud union in T-budded <i>Rosa gallica</i> ‘Duchesse d’Angoulême’ and ground cover rose ‘Vensar’ on selected rootstocks

Rosa gallica and its active compound, cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside, improve skin hydration via the GLK signaling pathway.

Rosa gallica has been previously reported to display anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-skin wrinkle activities. However, the effect of Rosa gallica on skin hydration and its active components are largely unknown. Herein, we aimed to investigate the skin hydration effect of rose petal extract (RPE) in humans and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism. A double-blinded clinical study was performed to investigate the effect of RPE on skin hydration. Stratum corneum moisture analysis demonstrated that RPE treatment significantly improved hydration levels in human skin. Furthermore, HAS2 and hyaluronic acid levels were notably increased by RPE in keratinocytes and 3D human skin equivalent model. By comparing the modulatory effect on HAS2 expression, cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside (CDG) was identified as the most potent compound in RPE likely responsible for skin hydration. The kinase activity of GLK, an upstream regulator of MAPK signaling, was increased by CDG in a dose-dependent manner. Importantly, silencing GLK reversed CDG-mediated HAS2 upregulation, further supporting the involvement of GLK in the CDG-mediated effects. Binding of CDG to GLK was confirmed by pull-down assay and computer modeling. These findings suggest that RPE and its active component CDG increases skin hydration by upregulating HAS2 expression through modulating the GLK-MAP2K-MAPK signaling pathway.

Therapeutic Potential of Flavonoids and Tannins in Management of Oral Infectious Diseases—A Review

Medicinal plants are rich sources of valuable molecules with various profitable biological effects, including antimicrobial activity. The advantages of herbal products are their effectiveness, relative safety based on research or extended traditional use, and accessibility without prescription. Extensive and irrational usage of antibiotics since their discovery in 1928 has led to the increasing expiration of their effectiveness due to antibacterial resistance. Now, medical research is facing a big and challenging mission to find effective and safe antimicrobial therapies to replace inactive drugs. Over the years, one of the research fields that remained the most available is the area of natural products: medicinal plants and their metabolites, which could serve as active substances to fight against microbes or be considered as models in drug design. This review presents selected flavonoids (such as apigenin, quercetin, kaempferol, kurarinone, and morin) and tannins (including oligomeric proanthocyanidins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, catechins, and epigallocatechin gallate), but also medicinal plants rich in these compounds as potential therapeutic agents in oral infectious diseases based on traditional usages such as Agrimonia eupatoria L., Hamamelis virginiana L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Vaccinium myrtillus L., Quercus robur L., Rosa gallica L., Rubus idaeus L., or Potentilla erecta (L.). Some of the presented compounds and extracts are already successfully used to maintain oral health, as the main or additive ingredient of toothpastes or mouthwashes. Others are promising for further research or future applications.

Abundance and conservation status of Rosa gallica in Strzyżów Foothills (SE Poland)

Rosa gallica is a rare, threatened, and legally protected species; hence, research on this species is important for identification of threats and development of protection strategies. The aim of the study was to characterise plant communities with Rosa gallica and to determine the habitat conditions, abundance, and diversity of selected population traits. The study was conducted in 2016-2020 in two localities (Bukowa, Kołaczyce) in Strzyżów Foothills. Twenty phytosociological relevés were made using the Braun-Blanquet method. The habitat conditions were assessed using Ellenberg indicator values. The following parameters were used to evaluate the diversity and quantitative relationships between the species in the analysed communities: Shannon-Wiener diversity (H՛), Evenness (J՛), and Simpson dominance (SIMP) indices. The size of the analysed populations was estimated based on the number of vegetative and generative shoots. Height was measured in 100 randomly selected shoots, and the number of flowers per generative shoot was additionally determined. Rosa gallica was part of the community with Brachypodium pinnatum in the Bukowa locality and occurred in the association Arrhenatheretum elatioris in Kołaczyce. The diversity indices had higher values ​​in Kołaczyce. The population in Bukowa covered an area of 500 m2 and comprised 911 (578 generative and 333 vegetative) shoots. From 1 to 10 flowers per shoot were noted. The population from Kołaczyce occupied a twofold smaller area and was less numerous, i.e. 465 (168 generative and 297 vegetative) shoots were recorded. It was also characterised by less abundant flowering (1-5 flowers per shoot). There were differences in the height of the generative and vegetative shoots. The parameter exhibited higher values in Bukowa ​​(55.17 and 36.95 cm, respectively) than in Kołaczyce (33.79 and 26.79 cm, respectively). All the habitat indices (except for K and R) and the biodiversity indices had higher values in Kołaczyce. The present results show that Rosa gallica occurs in a wide range of habitats varying in light, moisture, and fertility requirements. It grows in different-sized clusters or sometimes produces single shoots. Advanced succession has a negative impact on the conservation status of the population, which is particularly evident in the Kołaczyce locality. Therefore, the conservation of this species will depend on active protection measures.

The effect of essential oils of plants on the psychoemotional state of a person

Has been investigated impact of essential oils of Ocimum basilicum L., Eugenia caryophyllata Thumb., Hyssopus officinalis L., Coriandrum sativum L., Nepeta cataria L., Nepeta transcaucasica, Lavandula angustifolia Moench., Laurus nobilis L., Mentha longifólia L., 4 sorts of Mentha piperita L, Abies alba Mill., Artemisia taurica Willd., Rosa gallica L., Pinus silvestris L., Thymus vulgaris L., Satureja montana L., Satureja hortensis L. on psycho-emotional state of women at age from 50 to 85 years, who were divided into control and experimental groups. Control group - psych relax during 10, 20 or 30 minutes, experimental groups - the same psych relax + inhalation by essential oils at concentration in air 1 mg/m 3 . Before and after procedure was measured parameters of anxiety, depression and other parameters of psych emotional state using hospital scale of anxiety and depression and method of investigation of self-estimation by Dembo-Rubinstein in original modification. It is shown there are essential oils with anxiolytic, antidepressant activity and make better psych emotional state.

Review on oral plant extracts in Skin Whitening

Skin whitening has become one of the aesthetic problems among humans around the world, especially on women which is highly attention to skin beauty and whitening. Many of the plant extracts in oral energy drinks have whitening effects and good taste, which can support the health of the skin. We use the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) as a search engine to find literatures about skin whitening, oral plant extracts. This review mainly introduces the mechanism of skin whitening and the application of oral plant extracts in skin whitening. Skin whitening at melanin synthesis, melanosome transport, metabolism, oxidative stress, UV stimulation, other environmental stimulation inseparable. Many oral plant extracts are natural tyrosine inhibitors. The review concludes the melanin synthesis and transporting, pathway of melanin synthesis, whitening mechanism and the function of whitening on Green tea polyphenols, Rose Petal Extract (Rosa gallica), Pears, Peony, Rosa roxburghii Tratt, Olive (Olea europaea L.), Pomegranates, Phyllanthus emblica L., Mulberry extract, Açaí berry, saussurea involucrate flavonoids extract, etc. These will provide a strong foundation for the application of oral plant extracts in skin whitening. Furthermore, the mixture with function of skin whitening/ skin anti-aging / anti-inflammatory antioxidant oral plant extract can be a good candidate for further development on skin care product.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Evaluation and Chemical Investigation of Rosa gallica var. aegyptiaca Leaf Extracts.

Rosa gallica var. aegyptiaca is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Rosaceae family that plays an important role as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of specific types of cancer, microbial infections, and diabetes mellitus. This work presents the first report on the evaluation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential along with the phytochemical analysis of Rosa gallica var. aegyptiaca leaves. Five leaf extracts of hexane, chloroform, methanol, hydromethanol 80%, and water were prepared. Assessment of antioxidant activity was carried out via DPPH radical scavenging assay. Antimicrobial activity against five foodborne pathogenic bacteria—including Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enteritidis—and the fungus Candida albicans, was examined using the disc diffusion method. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. Isolation, identification, and quantification of phenolic compounds were performed using HPLC-DAD analysis. Amongst the five leaf extracts that were investigated, hydromethanol 80% extract possessed the highest extraction yield, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and antimicrobial activity against all tested microbial strains. Moreover, this extract furnished six active phenolic compounds: gallic acid (1), (+) catechin (2), chlorogenic acid (3), (–) epicatechin (4), quercetin-3-O-α-d-(glucopyranoside) (5), and quercetin (6). This study provides an alternative utilization of R. gallica var. aegyptiaca leaves as a readily accessible source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobials in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Oral Administration of Rosa gallica Prevents UVB-Induced Skin Aging through Targeting the c-Raf Signaling Axis.

Rosa gallica is a widely used Rosa species for medicinal and culinary purposes. Rosa gallica has been reported to display antioxidant, anti−inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. However, the effect of Rosa gallica against skin aging in vivo is unknown and its active components have not been fully understood. Oral administration of Rosa gallica prevented UVB−mediated skin wrinkle formation and loss of collagen/keratin fibers in the dorsal skin of mice. Examination of biomarkers at the molecular level showed that Rosa gallica downregulates UVB−induced COX−2 and MMP−1 expression in the skin. Through a direct comparison of major compounds identified using the UHPLC−MS/MS system, we discovered gallic acid as the primary component contributing to the anti-skin aging effect exhibited by Rosa gallica. Examination of the molecular mechanism revealed that gallic acid can potently and selectively target the c−Raf/MEK/ERK/c−Fos signaling axis. In addition, both gallic acid and MEK inhibitor blocked UVB−induced MMP−1 expression and restored collagen levels in a reconstructed 3D human skin model. Collectively, Rosa gallica could be used as a functional ingredient in the development of nutraceuticals against skin aging.

Redox-Modulating Capacity and Antineoplastic Activity of Wastewater Obtained from the Distillation of the Essential Oils of Four Bulgarian Oil-Bearing Roses.

The wastewater from the distillation of rose oils is discharged directly into the soil because it has a limited potential for future applications. The aim of the present study was to determine in vitro the chromatographic profile, redox-modulating capacity, and antineoplastic activity of wastewater obtained by distillation of essential oils from the Bulgarian Rosa alba L., Rosa damascena Mill., Rosa gallica L., and Rosa centifolia L. We applied UHPLC-HRMS for chromatographic analysis of rose wastewaters, studied their metal-chelating and Fe(III)-reducing ability, and performed MTT assay for the evaluation of cytotoxic potential against three tumorigenic (HEPG2—hepatocellular adenocarcinoma, A-375—malignant melanoma, A-431—non-melanoma epidermoid squamous skin carcinoma) and one non-tumorigenic human cell lines (HaCaT—immortalized keratinocytes). The median inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were calculated with nonlinear modeling using the MAPLE® platform. The potential of the wastewaters to induce apoptosis was also examined. Mono-, di-, and acylated glycosides of quercetin and kaempferol, ellagic acid and its derivatives as main chemical components, and gallic acid and its derivatives—such as catechin and epicatechin—were identified. The redox-modulating capacity of the samples (TPTZ test) showed that all four wastewaters exhibited the properties of excellent heavy metal cleaners, but did not exert very strong cytotoxic effects. The lowest IC50 rate was provided in wastewater from R. centifolia (34–35 µg/mL of gallic acid equivalents after a 72 h period for all cell lines). At 24 and 48 hours, the most resistant cell line was HEPG2, followed by HaCaT. After 72 h of exposure, the IC50 values were similar for tumor and normal cells. Still, R. damascena had a selectivity index over 2.0 regarding A-431 non-melanoma skin cancer cells, showing a good toxicological safety profile in addition to moderate activity—IC50 of 35 µg/mL polyphenols. The obtained results related to wastewaters acquired after the distillation of essential oils from the Bulgarian R. alba, R. damascena, R. gallica, and R. centifolia direct our attention to further studies for in-depth elucidation of their application as detoxifying agents under oxidative damage conditions in other experimental datasets.

Subcritical Extracts from Major Species of Oil-Bearing Roses-A Comparative Chemical Profiling.

A comprehensive chemical profiling of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (freon R134a) subcritical extracts from the main genotypes of oil-bearing roses, was performed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) in order to reveal the differences in their chemical composition. One hundred and three individual compounds were identified using GC/MS and their quantitative content was determined using GC-FID, representing 89.8, 92.5, 89.7 and 93.7% of the total content of Rosa gallica L., Rosa damascena Mill., Rosa alba L. and Rosa centifolia L. extracts, respectively. The compounds found in the extracts are representatives of the following main chemical classes: mono-, sesqui- and triterpenoids, phenylethanoids and phenylpropanoids and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Fatty acids, esters and waxes were found, as well. The study revealed that 2-phenylethanol is the most abundant component, ranging 9.0–60.9% followed by nonadecane and nonadecene with 5.1–18.0% geraniol (2.9–14.4%), heneicosane (3.1–11.8%), tricosane (0.1–8.6%), nerol (1.3–6.1%) and citronellol (1.7–5.3%). The extracts demonstrate a specific chemical profile, depending on the botanical species—phenylethanoids and phenyl propanoids are the main group for R. damascena, aliphatic hydrocarbons for R. alba and R. centifolia, while both are found in almost equal amounts in R. gallica. The terpenoid compounds show relatively broad variations: monoterpenes—11.9–25.5% with maximum in R. centifolia; sesquiterpenes—0.6–7.0% with maximum in R. gallica and triterpenes—0.4–3.7% with maximum in R. gallica extract.

Rose Flowers-A Delicate Perfume or a Natural Healer?

Plants from the Rosacea family are rich in natural molecules with beneficial biological properties, and they are widely appreciated and used in the food industry, perfumery, and cosmetics. In this review, we are considering Rosa damascena Mill., Rosa alba L., Rosa centifolia L., and Rosa gallica L. as raw materials important for producing commercial products, analyzing and comparing the main biological activities of their essential oils, hydrolates, and extracts. A literature search was performed to find materials describing (i) botanical characteristics; (ii) the phytochemical profile; and (iii) biological properties of the essential oil sand extracts of these so called “old roses” that are cultivated in Bulgaria, Turkey, India, and the Middle East. The information used is from databases PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Roses have beneficial healing properties due to their richness of beneficial components, the secondary metabolites as flavonoids (e.g., flavones, flavonols, anthocyanins), fragrant components (essential oils, e.g., monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes), and hydrolysable and condensed tannins. Rose essential oils and extracts with their therapeutic properties—as respiratory antiseptics, anti-inflammatories, mucolytics, expectorants, decongestants, and antioxidants—are able to act as symptomatic prophylactics and drugs, and in this way alleviate dramatic sufferings during severe diseases.

Rose (Rosa gallica) Petal Extract Suppress Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Human Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 Cells through via the EGFR Signaling Pathway.

We sought to investigate the effect of rose petal extract (RPE) on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells. RPE significantly inhibited the growth of lung and colorectal cancer cell lines, with rapid suppression of A549 lung cancer cells at low concentrations. These effects occurred concomitantly with downregulation of the cell proliferation mediators PCNA, cyclin D1, and c-myc. In addition, RPE suppressed the migration and invasion of A549 cells by inhibiting the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-2 and -9). We hypothesize that the suppressive activity of RPE against lung cancer cell proliferation and early metastasis occurs via the EGFR-MAPK and mTOR-Akt signaling pathways. These early results highlight the significant potency of RPE, particularly for lung cancer cells, and warrant further investigation.

Fruit Properties of Rose Hip (Rosa spp.) Genotypes Selected from Akkuş, Ordu Province

In this study, fruit properties of 19 rose hip (Rosa spp.) genotypes selected from a large number of genotypes in the natural rose hip population in Akkuş district (Ordu province) in 2014-2015 were determined. The genotypes belonged to Rosa dumalis Bechst., Rosa gallica L. and Rosa canina species. They had a range of 1.22-3.47 g in fruit weight, 10.2-16.9 mm in fruit width, 13.2-25.2 mm in fruit length, 1.25-2.09 in fruit shape index, 62-72% in fruit flesh ratio, 16-35 in seed number, 13.6-24.4% in total soluble solids, 560-1025 mg 100g-1 in C vitamin content, and 1.06-2.48 Brix° in titratable acidity. The five genotypes were less thorny plants. The two genotypes (AK-75 and AK-20) were evaluated as promising in terms of fruit weight and fruit flesh ratio. In addition, AK-63 for TSS content and AK-16 for vitamin C content were found remarkable. Findings revealed that some genotypes could be valuable as genetic material for future breeding efforts.

Comparative studies of the biological activities of selected herbal extracts and phenolic compounds isolated from Rosa gallica.

This study aimed to compare the biological activities of 35 herbal hydroethanolic extracts and select high potential extract, which showed antioxidative activity and inhibitory activities of α-glucosidase, lipase, and hyaluronidase, and to investigate the isolation, structural elucidation, and biological activities of five phenolic compounds from the selected extracts of Rosa gallica. On the basis of one-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance together with the comparison with the literature values, the phenolic compounds were identified as methyl gallate (1), kaempferol-3-O-arabinofuranoside (2), multinoside A acetate (3), kaempferol (4), and quercetin (5), respectively. The results suggest that the extracts from R. gallica show the strongest biological activities in 35 herbal extracts and that 1, 4, and 5 among the five isolated compounds from rose extracts are effective in promoting antioxidative and enzymatic inhibitory activities.

Complex characterization of kurgans in the Csanádi-hát region, Hungary

During the inventory of the mounds of the Körös-Maros National Park, the completre characterisation of those situated in the Csanádi-hát micro-region was conducted as well. We visited every existing and already destroyed prehistoric burial mound (most of them are Yamnaya kurgans from the Late Copper Age) based mainly on maps of the 18th and 19th centuries. We prepared a complete list of vascular plant species of each kurgan, except those ones where the total surface was ploughed. The investigated area covers 1039.41 km2. 254 kurgans were documented. From these, 64 have been already carried away or destroyed (25.2% of the total number of mounds). We have evaluated the still existing 190 kurgan’s recent stage (74.8%). 96 features (37.8%) from the total amount are used as arable fields, these were inadequate for botanical studies. On 94 mounds (37.0%), despite the annually changing agricultural utilization, different vegetation fragments were documented (forest-belts, alleys, roadside, channel banks, triangulation points, cemeteries, etc.). Several burial mounds are still preserved as fragments of the ancient loess meadow STEPPE and forest steppe vegetation. Some of the valuable plant species found dining the study are: Agropyron cristatum, Ajuga laxmannii, Carduus hamulosus, Chamaecytisus virescens, Glaucium corniculatum, Hylotelephium maximum, Inula germanica, Ornithogalum pyramidale, Papaver hybridum, Phlomis tuberosa, Ranunculus illyricus, Rosa gallica, Sternbergia colchiciflora, Vinca herbacea. Despite the fact that nature and heritage protection laws provide national conservation for these kurgans, the practical operation of the legislative is not solved. For the long-term conservation of the special vegetation of kurgans it would be required to take out the entire surface of the most valuable mounds from agricultural production and maintain their habitat (abandonment of ploughing). With the introduction of the cross compliance system (common agricultural policy of European Union), forward-looking practical initiatives have already been taken.