Phytochemical insights and antioxidant capabilities of rose cultivars: implications for traditional medicine and modern industry

Rose is a commercially important flower and has been an important part of traditional medicine and cuisines around the world with its unique flavor and potential health benefits. This study aimed at examining the phytochemical properties and antioxidant potential of different dehydrated petal samples of rose cultivars underscoring the versatility and significance of these natural resources. The cultivars, ‘Pusa Pitamber’ and ‘Summer Snow’ displayed elevated phenolic content, rendering them versatile for applications in skincare products, culinary enhancements, traditional medicine, and aesthetic colorants. Among the cultivars, ‘Pusa Gaurav’ and ‘IHT’ cultivars exhibited the highest tannin content which can be an important insight for industries seeking natural colorant in textile dyeing, leather industry, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The rose cultivars, ‘Pusa Mohit’ and ‘Pusa Abhishek’ displayed a promising antioxidant potential, capturing the interest of the food and health sectors. The carotenoids viz., β-carotene, Neoxanthin and Antheraxanthin were identified as potential biomarkers based on Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) from diverse carotenoid profiles obtained in rose cultivars. The PLS-DA emphasized phenols and flavonoids as potential biomarker in differentiating rose cultivars in terms of antioxidant potential. The cluster analysis could divide the samples in four distinct groups based on their phytochemical composition, giving summarized information to breeder for improvement of rose varieties. Principal Component Analysis unveiled the intricate relationships between phytochemicals and their combined effects on antioxidant properties. This analysis enhances our understanding of the dynamic interactions between diverse compounds and their collective role in augmenting the overall antioxidant potential of these rose cultivars.