Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Rosa canina L. Seeds and Determining Their Potential Use

Rosa canina is well-known plant, and its fruits have been used for centuries. The seeds have been less utilized and remain untested. The objective of this study was to examine the physico-chemical properties of rosehip seeds and to identify potential applications based on their properties. The physico-chemical properties of the seeds were determined, including swelling index (2.51), color in the CIE L * a * b * space (b * = 26.2), as well as carbohydrate (79.2 g/100 g), soluble dietary fiber (71.6 g/100 g), protein (7.67 g/100 g), fat (6.23 g/100 g), and ash (1.96 g/100 g) content. Among the amino acids, glutamic acid dominated (1.58 mg/100 g), while among the fatty acids, linoleic acid (53.19%), linolenic acid (20.24%), and oleic acid (17.63%) were the most dominant. In addition, rosehip seeds contained large amounts of calcium (3851 mg/kg), potassium (2732 mg/kg), and phosphorus (991 mg/kg), as well as vitamin C (1783 μg/g). It was found that the content of other valuable phytochemicals, such as phenolic compounds (2633 μg/g) and carotenoids (3.13 μg/g) influenced the antioxidant properties of the tested raw material. This activity examined by the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and DPPH radical scavenging activity methods was assessed at a level of 191 and 229 μmol TE/g, respectively. The results indicate the potential use of rosehip seed, a by-product of the food processing industry, as a new high-value ingredient for health products, such as nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmeceuticals.