We evaluated fruit availability, phytochemical characteristics and mineral content of R. rubiginosa L. rose hips, at two experimental sites in San Luis province: Potrero de los Funes-El Volcán (PF-V) and Estancia Grande (EG). Plant density was 70 plants/ha (1 ha = 10,000 m 2) in PF-V and 50 plants/ha in EG. Fruit availability ( DF) in fresh fruits (FF) was 4.39 kg (PF-V) and 3.10 kg (EG) during March, and decreased during June. Ascorbic acid in FF increased during ripening period, peaking on late April, early May, and diminished 75% - 85% in dried fruits. Total soluble solids in FF ranged from 32.55 to 55.20 °Brix. Elements Ba, Ca, Fe, K, Zn and Cu, determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), were significant for human health. Dried fruits maintain a high level of ascorbic acid, a characteristic added to content of mineral elements, particularly calcium content, providing an important nutritional value to R. rubiginosa rose hips.
Invasion of natural woodland by exotic plant species is recognized as a major threat to biodiversity [
R. rubiginosa and R. moschata are considered non-timber forest products (NTFP) by the Food and Agriculture Organization [
According to the United Nations Organization for Food and Agriculture [
Like other species, R. rubiginosa has been used by the Mapuche rural communities located in Neuquén province and suburban areas of Bariloche (Río Negro, Argentina), considered as a useful exotic plant for those families who have dietary restrictions or limited access to medicines [
Rose hips of R. rubiginosa are extensively used worldwide in food preparation and traditional medicine, because of the high content of vitamin C, mineral content and its potential antioxidant capability. Edible rose hips contain approximately 500 - 2200 mg/100g in fresh fruit of vitamin C [
In Argentina, the availability of rose hip fruits was assessed in the Neuquén province in order to contribute to making a decision for the promotion of industrial exploitation of wild populations of this species [
Damascos et al. [
For the province of San Luis only a few studies have been conducted at the time. Genetic variation within and among populations of R. rubiginosa was assessed in samples from San Luis and Neuquén provinces, by using of RAPDs (Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA) markers [
The aim of the present study was to evaluate rose hip fruits from R. rubiginosa, a species of medicinal use and interest for sustainable use as NTFP, as a source of vitamins and minerals. This study was conducted using an approach from applied ecology to estimate fruit availability, and phytochemical and analytical procedures to assess the content of vitamin C, soluble solids and mineral elements in fruits of R. rubiginosa in native forests of San Luis.
The study area falls within the Dry Chaco Ecoregion, subregion of Chaco Serrano in the province of San Luis, Argentina.
The study area belongs to the Dry Chaco Ecoregion, subregion of Chaco Serrano in the province of San Luis, Argentina. The Chaco Serrano constitutes most of the western boundary of the Dry Chaco region. It is conformed by elements of the Sierras Pampeanas and lower lands in the Sierras Subandinas. At the West limit of the semiarid Chaco, the hills constitute an orographic barrier for the wet winds from the East, a fact that causes higher precipitations on the eastern hillside while dry climates developed on the western side of the hilly areas. This fact, together with the thermic variation associated to the altitude might establish particular climate conditions which determine vegetation development [
The area under study has been subject of anthropic action for different uses: deforestation, over grazing, fire regimes, settlement and tourism use. All these processes favor the degradation of the environment. The altitudinal gradient mountain forest comprises: forest Prosopis flexuosa (850 to 920 m a.s.l.), then the forest Lithraea molleoides (950 to 1300 m a.s.l.) including communities of streams, riparian, river beds and shrubs slope. At higher altitudes, the forest is replaced by grasslands or grass steppes predominant species of Stipa sp. and Festuca hieronymi [
Fruit sampling of R. rubiginosa was carried out at two experimental sites, situated on the Eastern slope of the southern end of the Sierra de San Luis, with the following characteristics:
Experimental site 1: is situated between the towns of Potrero de los Funes and El Volcán (PF-V), 33˚14'21"S 66˚11'02.5"WO, at 990 m a.s.l. The area has sandy, gravelly soils, with gravel, but also found some loam with organic matter content. Average annual precipitation totals about 700 mm or higher and its rains more frequently during the summer. Higher peaks, above 1400 m a.s.l. see occasional snow in winter. The described rainfall regime renders this area a humid to subhumid zone in San Luis province, allowing species with higher humidity requirements to growth.
Experimental site 2: it is located at the town of Estancia Grande (EG), 33˚13'32"S 66˚10'35"WO, at 1020 m a.s.l. The area is one of the most humid in the whole province, where average annual precipitation is superior to 700 mm. In this area, the climate is highly variable and presents major seasonal changes. However, the weather has very strong seasonal characteristics, 80% of torrential rains concentrated between October and March, reaching intensities of up to 80 mm/ha. The average annual temperature is 17˚C with highs exceeding 35˚C in summer and minimum below 0˚C in winter. The soil, characteristics of Loesoid Plain, consists of three main geomorphological units: loesoid hills, valleys and streams [
Rosa rubiginosa (Rosa eglanteria L.) belongs to the Rosaceae family, Rosa genous, vulgar name “rosa mosqueta”. It is an introduced species in Argentina and it growths as an erect or scrambling shrub, of variable height (up to 2.5 m tall), frequently in groups of several plants of about 3 m diameter. The numerous branches present abundant prickles. The crushed foliage has a sweet apple-like fragrance, a distinctive character for R. rubiginosa [
R. rubiginosa was sampled from two experimental sites as pointed out above, during year 2009, to estimate fruit availability and plant density. At each experimental site we selected an area of 50 × 100 m (1/2 ha) as representative of the native woodland. Separately, rose hip fruits were collected to evaluate the content of minerals elements.
To estimate fruit availability, rose hips from three plants were collected at each experimental site, considering a minimum plot size of 1 m2 surface. Harvests were conducted at the beginning and final stages of the maturation period (March and June). Two plots were sampled for each individual plant, by cutting the rose hip fruits with scissors and collecting them on a plastic underneath the plant. Wet weight was determined immediately on arrival to the lab and an aliquot was kept in cold storage (4˚C) until use. A second fraction of the rose hip was desiccated in a drying oven, ventilated, thermostatically controlled, operating at 50˚C ± 1˚C under forced air circulation until constant weight. Afterwards, samples were prepared for phytochemical analysis.
Fruit availability (DF) was determined according to the following Equation (1):
where: Dm was the average availability obtained in 3 plots per site, expressed in Kg/m2; Co was average coverage of R. rubiginosa.
At each site the number of R. rubiginosa plants was counted and coverage and height of the plants was obtained to determine density and coverage. Plant density (D) was determined as the number of plants per area (ha). Coverage (Co) was estimated measuring the diameter of projection of the plant on soil, determining the covered surface by measuring two diameters in a cross.
With the aim to estimate the content of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in R. rubiginosa rosehips, periodic harvests were performed during year 2010 according to the following schedule: sample 1 (M1)―day 1, first week of March; sample 2 (M2)―day 8; sample 3 (M3)―day 28; sample 4 (M4)―day 48; sample 5 (M5)―day 68; sample 6 (M6)―day 98, during the maturation period (March-June 2010).
In a separate way, 0.5 to 1 kg of rose hips were collected from 10 randomly selected plants at the two experimental sites during 2011 period. Aliquots from each collected sample were separated to measure the rose hips (length and diameter). Samples were weighted, then desiccated at 50˚C ± 1˚C until constant weight as indicated. Total soluble solids were estimated in wet rosehip fruits.
The content of L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in a specific sample of biological origin is highly conditioned by factors such as maturity, growth conditions of the plant, fruit processing after harvest, time of consumption, among others.
Vitamin C content was determined by the titrimetric method which relies on the reduction of 2-6-dichlorophenol-indophenol (DCFI) by ascorbic acid [
Fresh fruits (10 g) were picked at random from each sample and its ends and seeds eliminated. The flesh obtained was homogenized with distilled water until 80 g and then filtered. The content of soluble solids was determined in three different aliquots from each solution, by using a refractometer ABBE RL3 PZO. The refraction index obtained was expressed as percentage of soluble solids, referred as ˚Brix. The standard unit used to express soluble solids is the ˚Brix, which is defined as the refraction due to a solution of 1 g of sacarose per 100 g solution.
The concentration of mineral elements was determined in R. rubiginosa dry rose hips by using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), (BAIRD ICP 2070).
Rose hips were desiccated as indicated above, seeds were separated and fruits were grounded to powder. Samples were put into a burning cup and H2O2 + HNO3 were added. The samples were incinerated in a microwave oven. Solubilized samples were analyzed with BAIRD ICP 2070 equipment, by ICP-OES.
The concentration of mineral elements in the different samples was obtained by comparison with standard solutions of known concentration, for each one of the analyzed elements: Al, Ba, Bi, Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Ti, Zn.
The results were statistically evaluated by using the Statgraphics plus program. Data distribution was fit and the Mann-Whitney W test was used for median comparisons. The standardized skewness and standardized kurtosis, which can be used to determine whether the samples come from normal distributions, were applied to compare standard deviations.
The habitat preferences of R. rubiginosa, have been described by Bran et al. [
The study areas (PF-V and EG) are moderately disturbed environments, a woodland of anthropic use for activities such as cattle breeding, agriculture and tourism. In the areas under study, all the requirements for the development of R. rubiginosa proposed previously [
A scattered presence of R. rubiginosa is observed in the village of Potrero de los Funes, with low frequency in the remaining woodland fragments, particularly in the low foothills. It occurs most abundantly on the roadside of the provincial road nº 18, between Potrero de los Funes and El Volcán (experimental site 1). The density observed in the experimental site 1 was 70 plants/ha, with an average coverage of 2.9 m. Higher density was observed in the populated areas of the tourist village El Volcán as compared to the presence of rose species observed in Potrero de los Funes.
R. rubiginosa was present in water gaps in the forest and the sides of the gravel road between El Volcán and Estancia Grande (EG site). It occurs in small patches, particularly in areas with grazing cattle. The density observed in the experimental site 2 was 50 plants/ha, with an average coverage of 2.59 m.
Experimental site | Sample N˚ | Geographical location | March harvesta | June harvesta |
---|---|---|---|---|
PF-V | C1 | 33˚14'21.0"S 66˚11'2.4"W | 0.585 | 0.374 |
PF-V | C2 | 33˚14'21.5"S 66˚11'2.5"W | 0.699 | 0.556 |
PF-V | C3 | 33˚14'22.5"S 66˚10'57.5"W | 0.711 | 0.483 |
EG | C4 | 33˚13'32"S 66˚10'33.3"W | 0.655 | 0.504 |
EG | C5 | 33˚13'29.7"S 66˚10'36.4"W | 0.524 | 0.575 |
EG | C6 | 33˚13'28.7"S 66˚10'35.6"W | 0.590 | 0.560 |
aFresh weight (kg).
The average availability of fresh fruits (Dm) obtained considering three plants of R. rubiginosa for each experimental site estimated in March was 0.665 kg/m2 and 0.590 kg/m2 for PF-V and EG, respectively. During June, the estimated Dm was 0.471 kg/m2 and 0.546 kg/m2 for PF-V and EG, respectively. Besides, fruit availability (DF) was estimated considering Dm relative to the medium/plant covered total area, as indicated. Rose hip fruits availability (DF) during March was 4.39 kg and 3.10 kg for PF-V and EG, respectively, and 3.11 kg and 2.87 kg for PF-V and EG, respectively for the late harvest of June.
For assessment of L-ascorbic acid content, sample C1 collected in PF-V was used as a control. The fresh and dried rose hip fruits showed a pH of 3 and 4, for PF-V and EG, respectively. The ascorbic acid content of rose hips showed an increase during the maturation period in both sites, reaching a pick between the late April and early May. In fresh rose hip fruits, the content of L-ascorbic acid varied in a range of 1040 to 1770 mg/100g and 1410 - 1770 mg/100g for PF-V and EG, respectively. In dried rose hip fruits, it varied in a range of 210 to 360 mg/100g and 230 to 360 mg/100g and PF-V and EG, respectively. Thus, a decrease in the ascorbic acid content of 75% - 85% was observed in dried rose hip fruits. Comparison of the medians by using the Mann-Whitney
Variable | Site | n | Me | SD | W | P value |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lenght | PF-V | (n = 20) | 1.82 | 0.18 | 170 | 0.5082 |
EG | (n = 10) | 1.83 | 0.13 | |||
Diameter | PF-V | (n = 20) | 1.32 | 0.10 | 236 | 0.0003 |
EG | (n = 10) | 1.14 | 0.06 |
W test for the content of ascorbic acid in either fresh or dried rose hip, showed not statistically significant difference between samples in the two experimental sites (P ≥ 0.05; 95% confidence). However, the W test showed that there is statistically significant difference between the medians of ascorbic acid content in fresh and dry rose hips analyzing each particular site (PF-V or EG), (P < 0.05; 95% confidence). The ascorbic acid content in fresh and dried rose hips expressed in grams of vitamin C/100g of fruit, was plotted for the PF-V site (
Total soluble solids in fresh rose hips showed a variation between 32.55 to 55.20 ˚Brix for PF-V site and 34.56 to 50.48 ˚Brix for EG site. Comparison of the medians with W test evidenced a statistically significant difference between the two sites (P < 0.05; 95% confidence).
To quantify the loss of weight after desiccation at 50˚C ± 1˚C until constant weight, rose hips aliquots (100 g) of each sample were evaluated: a percentage of 36.19 and 39.72% loss of weight for PF-V and EG was observed, respectively. Using W test to compare the medians, a statistically significant difference between the two sites (P < 0.05; 95% confidence) was observed.
In order to make a comparative analysis between data from San Luis province with other sites, samples from Andacollo-La Primavera (A-LP) in the province of Neuquén were included for evaluation of mineral content.
Calcium contents varied between 654.9 - 8169.94 ppm for the different experimental sites evaluated. Surprisingly, the lower and the higher content were in samples from San Luis province, where similar soil and climate conditions are given. PF-V site showed closest values to those reported for Neuquén (15,433 - 11,387 ppm) [
The content of K element in rose hip fruits ranged from 24,459 - 23,095.4 ppm, similar to values reported by Damascos et al. [
Site | PF-V | EG | A-LP |
---|---|---|---|
Element | Values expressed in ppmb | ||
Al | 40.09 | 70.96 | 73.49 |
Ba | 8.42 | 8.75 | 18.37 |
Bi | * | ||
Ca | 8169.94 | 654.9 | 5180.78 |
Co | * | ||
Cu | 1.002 | 1.216 | 6.246 |
Fe | 4.46 | 1.35 | 39.035 |
K | 23,095.4 | 24,459.9 | |
Mg | 2012.83 | 1790.01 | 1579.95 |
Mn | 29.73 | 29.39 | 19.41 |
Ni | * | 6.886 | |
Pb | * | ||
Ti | 0.892 | 0.229 | |
Zn | 6.68 | 7.77 | 11.658 |
bUndetected element, values could be below the detection level.
19,933.33 ppm). The content of Fe observed ranged from 1.35 to 4.46 ppm for EG and PF-V sites in San Luis province, comparatively lower than those observed in various sites in Neuquén province, where values of 21.3 ppm have been reported [
Magnesium content in rose hips varied between 2012.83 and 1790.01 ppm for PF-V and EG sites respectively, while an intermediate value for A-LP (1579.95) was observed. Manganese content was similar at the three experimental sites compared ranged from 1579.95 (A-LP) to 2012.83.
The content of Ba was 8.75 ppm and 8.42 ppm for PF-V and EG, respectively, while a higher value was observed at the site A-LP (18.37 ppm). Similarly, Damascos et al. [
Regarding Zn content, the determined values were 7.77 ppm for PF-V 6.68 ppm for EG and 11.658 ppm for A-LP. The content of Zn observed in this study fall within the range reported for sites in Neuquén (7.94 - 5.97) [
Unconventional resources such as Non-Timber Forest Products increase the food supply, representing new sources of vitamins and minerals. R. rubiginosa is considered an NTFP by FAO, as some of its products are relevant to the rural economy, complementing traditional agricultural production with the supply of products for food and health care.
The aim of this study was to estimate the availability of rose hip fruits of R. rubiginosa growing in hilly environments of central San Luis province. We evaluate fruit availability, phytochemical characteristics such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C) content, soluble solids and minerals elements in this species introduced in Argentina. For sample collection Rosa rubiginosa plants were selected at two experimental sites in the Chaco Serrano Ecoregion of the Province of San Luis, Argentina: PF-V (Potrero de los Funes-El Volcán) and EG (Estancia Grande).
Rose hips of R. rubiginosa have a long maturation period (March to June), and can be harvested at different times. The average production observed was higher at the beginning harvest period for both sites (PF-V and EG) than during June. The present data are comparable to those obtained by Bran et al. [
The variation of vitamin C content in fresh rose hips was 1040 - 1770 mg/100g, similar to that reported by other authors for the genus Rosa. Pirone et al. [
Rose hips of R. rubiginosa are used fresh in various ways (sweets, jellies, liquors, etc.) but mostly are dehydrated to preserve them and export them. The results obtained show that there is an increase in the vitamin C content in fresh fruits, reaching a plateau in late April, early May. Thus, it follows that this would be the optimum period of fruit harvest. A lower content of vitamin C was observed in dry rose hips.
According to Chamorro and Fernández Heredia [
Since a significant amount of rose hips is used in dried form (for infusions, soups and cream base yugourt, etc.) the ascorbic acid content was evaluated in dehydrated fruits. Dehydration produces changes in fresh product, both edible and organoleptic quality and nutritional value of food [
In this study, the dehydration process was in an oven at 50˚C under hot air stream until constant weight, which ensures that enzymes are not degraded since the activation energy of ascorbic acid degradation is between 60˚C and 90˚C [
Since the dried crystals of ascorbic acid are not altered by the action of air and sunlight, the dehydrated rose hips may be stored longer [
Changes related to the maturity of rose hips include increased total soluble solids (SST), total sugars, pH and others. Our results indicate that the content of SST, in fresh rose hip fruit varies in a range between 32.55 and 55.20 ˚Brix, higher than the values reported by Uggla et al. [
The content of minerals elements (traces) is important and of great interest because of the use of rose hips of R. rubiginosa as food or dietary supplement. Damascos et al. [
The content of minerals elements such as K, Ba and Zn observed in rosehip fruits at the experimental sites PF-V and EG in San Luis province were similar to those obtained in A-LP in Neuquén province and those reported by Damascos et al. [
The values of Ca and Mg evaluated in this study are similar to those reported by Türkben et al. [
The content of Fe observed was lower in samples from San Luis province and high in A-LP, Neuquén, being highly variable depending on the experimental site for fruit collection [
Although some of the minerals elements evaluated such as K, Ba, Zn exhibited similar values among the sites studied in San Luis when compared with sites of Neuquén, in other elements such as Ca and Fe we found differences among the sites evaluated. These data were expected since we evaluated the minerals elements in the same species growing in different geographical locations. Other authors [
Regarding the mineral content, we should emphasize the presence of minerals such as calcium, iron and potassium in significant quantities to human health. Dry fruits maintain a high level of vitamin content, a characteristic added to the content of minerals elements. Particularly calcium content is important for adults with digestive problems to consumption of milk, providing an additional nutritional value to rose hips of R. rubiginosa. Thus, ingestion of rose hips in different forms could supply part of the Ca needed by humans (the recommended daily intake is 800 to 1200 mg, depending on age).
In summary, these results show a variation of vitamin C during the harvest period, with high content in dried rose hip fruits. On the other hand, scientifically validate the presence of metabolites of pharmacological application in fruits of R. rubiginosa, which, together with the content of different mineral elements, reinforce the popular knowledge and cultural use of the rose hips as food and medicinal resources.
This paper provides information on the vitamin C content of rose hip fruits and minerals elements of R. rubiginosa (NTFP) in the central area of the province of San Luis. The importance of this unconventional product is due to the content of ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid. The second one also has considerable antiscorbutic activity, as is readily reduced to ascorbic acid in animal organisms. Dry rosehip fruits maintain a high level of ascorbic acid content. The high content of minerals elements, particularly calcium, becomes valuable for adults with digestive problems to the consumption of milk. Taken together, the high content of Vitamin C and minerals elements confers an important nutritional value to fruits of R. rubiginosa.
Aguirre, GU has fellowship from CONICET (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Argentina). G. M. Ciuffo is a member of the researcher’s career of CONICET. This work was supported by grants from Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Argentina.
Aguirre, G.U., Loza, M., Gasquez, J., Fusco, M., Sosa, A., Ciuffo, G.M. and Ciuffo, L.E.C. (2016) The Potentiality of Non Timber Forest Products. Fruit Availability, Phytochemical Properties of Rosa rubiginosa L. Rose Hips. American Journal of Plant Sciences, 7, 2272-2287. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/ajps.2016.715200