DEVELOPMENT OF DERMATO-COSMETIC HYDROGELS WITH ANTIOXIDANT ACTION USING MACERATES FROM ROSA CANINA L. PLANT

In recent years, active ingredients derived from natural sources have garnered significant attention in alternative medical therapies. This study examines the therapeutic potential and pharmaceutical relevance of Rosa canina L., focusing on a comparative analysis of phytoconstituents in fresh fruits, flowers, and commercial fruit tea to inform future antioxidant-based pharmaceutical applications. Hydroalcoholic macerates (60% and 96%) were prepared from these plant materials, and spectrophotometric methods were employed to identify the compounds contributing to antioxidant properties, focusing on polyphenols and flavonoids. The total polyphenol and flavonoid content were quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and the Romanian Pharmacopoeia method, respectively. Antioxidant activity was assessed through DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP assays. The results demonstrated that 60% of ethanolic macerates derived from fruits exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and ferric-reducing activity. Four formulations of dermato-cosmetic hydrogels were prepared with the macerates that showed the highest antioxidant potential. The physicochemical properties of the hydrogels, such as viscosity, pH, and spreadability, were analyzed to confirm their stability and appropriateness for dermato-cosmetic use. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH assays, revealing a strong activity for free radical scavenging. The findings revealed a strong correlation between antioxidant activity and polyphenol content, affirming Rosa canina's potential for use in pharmaceutical formulations.