Pharmacognostic study of Rosa rubiginosa L. fruits harvested in the Saratov region

Introduction. Rosehips are traditionally used in folk medicine, exerting a complex effect on the human body due to their high content of biologically active substances, such as ascorbic acid, tannins, and flavonoids. Rosa rubiginosa L., also known as rusty rose, is of interest to pharmacognosy due to the limited data available on its phytochemical composition.

Aim. Pharmacognostic study of Rosa rubiginosa L. fruits harvested in the Saratov region.

Materials and methods. The study involved air-dried Rosa rubiginosa L. fruits collected in 2024 in the Saratov Region. Macroscopic and microscopic analysis of Rosa rubiginosa L. fruits was performed in accordance with General Pharmacopoeial Article 1.5.3.0003 «Technique of microscopic and microchemical examination of medicinal plant materials and medicinal herbal preparations», General Pharmacopoeial Article 1.5.1.0007 «Fruits» and Pharmacopoeial Article 2.5.0106 «Rosehips» of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation, 15th edition. Ascorbic acid and tannins were determined using titrimetry, and flavonoids were determined spectrophotometrically at an analytical wavelength of 415 nm.

Results and discussion. The conducted studies revealed that the macro- and microscopic characteristics of Rosa rubiginosa L. correspond to the description given in Pharmacopoeial Article 2.5.0106 «Rosehips». Phytochemical analysis revealed ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds including hydrolyzable tannins and flavonoids. Titration revealed the tannin content (3.48 ± 0.30 % calculated as tannin) and ascorbic acid (0.28 ± 0.01 %). The flavonoid content was 0.56 ± 0.02 % calculated as rutin.

Conclusion. An analysis of the external and microdiagnostic characteristics of Rosa rubiginosa L. fruits was conducted. Tannins predominate in the fruits (3.48 ± 0.30 %). In terms of flavonoid content, Rosa rubiginosa L. fruits meet the requirements for high-vitamin rosehip raw materials (Pharmacopoeial Article 2.5.0106 «Rosehips» of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation, 15th edition). Further studies of Rosa rubiginosa L. fruits, including their pharmacological activity, are promising, with the aim of expanding the list of pharmacopoeial high-vitamin species.

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