Variations in chemical compositions of Rosa damascena Mill. and Rosa canina L. fruits

Abstract

In this study, fruits, fruit flesh and seeds of damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) and rose hip (Rosa canina L.) were assayed for the composition of fatty acids, ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, β-carotene, and mineral elements. The content of linoleic acid in seed oil of Rosa damascena (54.18%) was found to be higher than in that of Rosa canina (48.84%). α-Tocopherol contents were found to be 7.10 μg/g and 34.20 μg/g for Rosa damascena and Rosa canina fruits, respectively. Ascorbic acid content was determined as the highest in the fruit flesh (546 mg/100 g in Rosa damascena and 2200 mg/100 g in Rosa canina), and as the lowest in the seeds of both species. Rosa damascena fruits were found to be richer in minerals such as Ca, Fe, K, Mn, Na, P, and Zn than Rosa canina fruits. The results of the present study showed that Rosa damascena fruits could be used as food and food additive equally as rose hip fruits.