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Published on: April 22, 2022
Tocopherols in rose hips (Rosa spp.) during ripening
Staffan C Andersson1, Marie E Olsson, Karl-Erik Gustavsson
1Department of Horticulture, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 103, SE-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden. Staffan.Andersson@slu.se
This study analyzed vitamin E content in rose hips, finding that tocopherol levels vary by species, harvest year, and date. Species selection is key for optimizing vitamin E in rose hip ingredients.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Plant Science
Background:
- Rose hips are widely used in food and health products.
- They contain bioactive compounds like carotenoids and vitamin C.
- Limited data exists on their vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols) content.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify tocopherol and tocotrienol content in four different Rosa species.
- To analyze vitamin E content during rose hip ripening.
- To assess the influence of harvest year on vitamin E levels.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of tocopherol and tocotrienol content in rose hips.
- Comparison across four Rosa species.
- Evaluation of samples from three different harvest years.
Main Results:
- Only alpha- and gamma-tocopherol were detected in rose hip flesh.
- Vitamin E content and activity varied significantly by harvest date, species, and year.
- Ripening had a minor impact on vitamin E levels compared to species and year.
Conclusions:
- Tocopherol content in rose hips is influenced by species, year, and harvest date.
- Species selection is crucial for optimizing vitamin E content in rose hip ingredients.
- Further research may elucidate specific tocopherol profiles for targeted applications.
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