Unveiling the therapeutic promise of Rosa canina L.: A phytochemical and ethnopharmacological approach

Rosa canina L., commonly known as “rosehip” or “dog rose,” belongs to the family Rosaceae and is recognized as a rich reservoir of polyphenolic compounds. Traditionally valued for its therapeutic and health-promoting properties, it has been employed not only in the treatment of dog bites but also as an antirheumatic, astringent, ophthalmic, and vermifuge agent. The berries, noted for their high vitamin C content, are frequently consumed as tea believed to enhance vitality and alleviate various ailments. Data pertaining to its phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and toxicological evaluations were retrieved from scientific databases including Elsevier, PubMed, Sci-Finder, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Botanical nomenclature was verified through The Plant List and World Flora Online (accessed August 8, 2024). This review comprehensively examines the ethnomedicinal relevance, chemical composition, traditional applications, and experimentally validated pharmacological effects of R. canina . The major phytoconstituents identified in this species include flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids, galactolipids, tannins, and various organic and inorganic acids. Pharmacological investigations have demonstrated its anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antihyperglycemic, antiarthritic, and analgesic potential in both in vitro and in vivo models. Clinical studies available in the literature are also discussed. Overall, the present review provides an integrative and updated account of the ethnobotanical significance, bioactive constituents, and therapeutic potential of Rosa canina L.