As the seasons shift and temperatures drop, protecting your immune system becomes a priority. While many turn to traditional immune-boosting supplements like zinc or echinacea, maintaining a consistent routine can be challenging. Thankfully, nature offers a delicious and powerful alternative: rosehip. This vibrant red fruit, derived from the wild rose plant, has been a treasured source of vitamin C for centuries. During World War II, rosehip gained prominence in the UK as a substitute for scarce citrus fruits, becoming a staple in supporting immune health. Today, rosehip continues to be a potent, natural ally in fortifying the immune system, rich in vitamin C and packed with antioxidants that enhance overall wellness.
1. Introduction
As the cooler temperatures approach, the threat of getting sick is a concern for many people. But many immune-supporting supplements – like zinc or echinacea – can be tough to keep up with every day. But, there’s a solution that not only tastes great, but is also packed with immune-supporting vitamin C: rosehip!
Derived from the small, red fruit that grows on rose plants, rosehip (also referred to as the “rose haw”) is a type of botanical. In fact, rosehip was very popular during World War II, as some people within the UK government realized there would be very little citrus fruit imported to the country for the duration of the war. So, they decided to use rosehip to make a sort of “fake” vitamin C-rich fruit syrup that was given to expectant mothers and young children. In what’s sometimes referred to as the “Rosehip Supper”, over 500 tons of fruit were collected. In total, 30 tons of vitamin C-rich syrup were produced and were widely distributed, with no associated nutritional problems. As a result of these efforts, rosehip was a part of the British pharmacopeia, and rosehip syrup was approved as an adjuvant to war rations.
1.1. Significance of Vitamin C for Immune Health
There are few dietary nutrients as widely recognized for their role in immune health as vitamin C. This vitamin is often a quick go-to after illness to help support faster recovery, but the body’s need for vitamin C is constant, particularly for the immune system, which requires a steady supply to function. Individual immune cells harbor vitamin C and use it frequently when working to reduce inflammation, increase immune activity, and fight off infections. This is one reason why increased vitamin C intake is emphasized at the first signs of illness, as it helps to build up those immune system stores. But a consistent role of vitamin C to promote overall strong immune health is often overlooked in the everyday focus of managing illness symptoms. Since the body does not make vitamin C on its own, it needs a daily supply to keep the immune system running properly.
With more people noticing the importance of vitamin C for everyday health and wellness, a broader range of brands are adding it to foods, beverages, and supplements for its immune support benefits. This isn’t isolated to foods and supplements specifically marketed for immune health, such as commercial cold remedies, but also to things like rehydration drinks, once used strictly for electrolyte replenishment during sports events, that now take advantage of vitamin C’s added immune support clout. When looking for sources of larger supplemental doses out of convenience, most consumers think of pharmaceutical-grade tablets, dissolving pills, or powders. These items aim for fast availability to the immune cells in their time of need, in the hopes of reducing the duration or severity of a viral threat after catching a bug.
2. Botanical Background
Rosehip refers to the large, round, fleshy structure referred to as the hypanthium that develops in place of the “fruit” (achenes) that would result from rose (Rosa spp.) flowers being successfully fertilized. Botanically, this hypanthium is a form of the floral receptacle, the part of the flower stalk (pedicel) that bears the flower parts, including the petals and sepals. The floral receptacle is located at the end of the pedicel, and upon fertilization of a flower’s egg cell, the sterile floral parts fall off. The remaining parts of the pedicel and floral receptacle increase in size and transform into structures that form the “fruit” that contains and protects the developing seed.
Rosa species are members of the family Rosaceae, a plant family rich in species of agricultural, ornamental, and medicinal importance. The rose species are distributed widely, primarily in northern temperate regions, and most are deciduous shrubs or herbaceous perennials, with a few species growing as climbers. While just a few species are cultivated for the flowers, a larger number of them are valued for the aesthetic and therapeutic properties of their fruits, which are categorized as “rosehips.”
2.1. Characteristics of the Rosehip Plant
If you launched into the rosehip chapter, read on to learn about the harvesting and processing beneath that red shell. But if you are just jumping into the pool of rosehip knowledge, then picture rosehip as your vitamin C savior. Just as kale has shot up to lead the list of must-dos in your grocery cart, now rosehip is rising in the group of fruits for wellness. Americans are discovering rosehip as an immune system partner in those “first sign of an imbalance” moments in life. Centered in the middle of the beautiful bright fleshy orange-red fruit of the rosehip is what you want – the seeds! If you forgo the seeds, then you throw away the benefit of the rosehip. Jutting out where the petals and bulbs once stood is the red stem – known as the curl in trade jargon. It is of no use to you, so call the seeds and fruit, minus the curl, the receptacle.
3. Nutritional Composition of Rosehip
Rosehip is the best source of vitamin C, not unmatched in nature. The fruits of the Càm-càm are even richer and creamier than rosehip. The bud of this rose bush resembles a moderate, flat, and thin-layered bomb. The other hypocarp is the red, fragrant taste of nourishing rosehips, which are eaten by people and animals. They are also used in making jams and teas. Collecting fresh or dehydrated rosehips is also a way to store vitamins. Rosehip is our folk harbor, and it is recommended for preparing for the flu epidemic and other infectious diseases. It is recommended to discontinue or use other resources.
Dog-rose (Rosa canina L.) has been used in folk medicine for many years. It is known for its fruit, which is rich in vitamin C and has been used to treat whooping cough, scurvy, and other ailments. Authorities have also recognized other physiological benefits. The active ingredient in rosehip is vitamin C, and this composition is an important nutrient-rich component. Rosehips play an important role in increasing the potential value and functionality of special foods. Vitamin C is usually consumed as a safe and harmless food. However, innovative lifesaving vitamins are also important in reducing food waste because addressing nutritional deficiencies and hunger is a priority. Czar’s lettuce contains a number of other vitamins, and according to research, artichokes and grapes contain vitamins B, B2, E, and K, among others, making them excellent sources of nutrients.
3.1. Vitamin C Content in Rosehip
Rosehip has the highest vitamin C content among various fruits. The best-known source of vitamin C is citrus fruit: oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins, grapefruits, clementines, and others. It is renowned for having the highest content of vitamin C among various fruits and can therefore be referred to as a “reservoir” of this important vitamin. Its high content in rosehip compared to other related fruits such as oranges has been demonstrated, for example, with a concentration of 2100 mg in 100 g of fresh weight, while oranges present a concentration of 50 mg in 100 g of fresh weight. The relative content of vitamin C ranges in rosehip from 0.5 to 1.6 g/100 g of fresh weight; these values are superior to the content of the aqueous extracts from rose or hawthorn phytocomplexes, presumably due to the lower solubility of vitamin C. The increased demand for vitamin C during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as investments in research that have led to its popularity, reinforce the relevance of rosehip as a source of this vitamin.
In this sense, the interest in producing and commercializing rosehip-based products, such as dry extract or beverages, to supplement the daily diet without adding an extra demand for calories has significantly increased, facilitating the access of consumers to a natural source of vitamin C. This fruit has always had the highest vitamin C content among all types of roses and throughout the ripening period. It could be a promising supplement for families that are affected by health problems that are linked to a deficiency in vitamin C. This is a vital medical area to research as a supplement of fruit-fortified products.
4. Health Benefits of Vitamin C
Rosehip (the fruit of the rose plant) is one of the best plant sources of vitamin C, which is a potent antioxidant, very effective at protecting the cellular constituents of the body. It provides protection against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, skin wrinkling, and eye disease. Vitamin C is necessary for the building of collagen, a structural part of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone. Clinical research suggests that vitamin C may reduce the risk of progression of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and may slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. It protects the body from damage by free radicals, while at the same time promoting the healing process, rebuilding tissue, and activating the immune system. This antioxidant vitamin also improves the absorption of iron from plant-based foods and helps the body neutralize and remove toxins. Vitamin C has been used to prevent or reduce the symptoms of many common illnesses, but there is not sufficient evidence to support its use for every condition.
4.1. Antioxidant Properties
Rosehip is a particularly rich source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is well known for its immune supporting role, but it also plays an essential role in the area of skin health, acting as a potent antioxidant to protect the skin against oxidative stress factors. Vitamin C, in particular, contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system, skin, blood vessels, bones, cartilage, and teeth, and it also aids in the formation of collagen. Collagen provides exceptional internal and external support, acting as a glue to hold the body together, aiding in healing and supporting tissue strength and elasticity. It is essential for the efficient absorption of other nutrients and is also required for neurological function.
Rosehip is rich in vitamin C, which stimulates collagen synthesis and provides key support for skin health and healing injuries. A deficiency results in impaired immunity and higher susceptibility to colds. Like all fruits and vegetables, rosehip is rich in natural antioxidants with free radical scavenging properties. When taken orally, its nutritional components improve the radiance of the skin, while also strengthening the skin’s barrier function, providing protection from the natural aging process. As well as its citrus-like aroma, the powder is a lightening whitening agent. Antioxidant protection is one of the major benefits of vitamin C, acting to protect tissues from free radicals, especially as it is the first line of protection for the dermis. Antioxidants prevent oxidation of lipids and have a recognized role in the prevention of a range of diseases. The ascorbic acid content of rosehip plays a significant role in these protective activities.
5. Role of Vitamin C in Immune Function
Vitamin C is both a powerful antioxidant and an essential dietary nutrient. As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C offers protection against harmful molecules created when the body converts food into energy or comes into contact with tobacco smoke or radiation. As an essential nutrient, vitamin C is crucial in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and collagen. It’s also vital for the immune system, supporting numerous important cellular functions of both the innate first line of defense and adaptive arms of the immune system. The importance of having adequate vitamin C available to support these functions is reflected in the symptoms produced by vitamin C deficiency. Of particular importance to the diseases studied in this book, the symptoms of scurvy while at first being neurological also include fever and swollen joints because the immune system is drowning in its own debris as the neutrophils die and the inflammasome is unable to degrade the interleukins it would normally process into their active forms.
Encouraging the intake or production of vitamin C is one proposed approach for managing the detected symptoms in some situations that we will discuss later, although the absorption of vitamin C is affected by a major receptor that is decreased or completely missing in some conditions, conditions where the use of medical management potentially including hemodialysis to remove ascorbate and hydrate the patient might be the first line of defense. Not only that, but unchecked release of vitamin C can cause hemolysis or methemoglobinemia and it can be fatal. The diets and supplemental choices for treating systemic carnitine deficiencies, secondary carnitine deficiencies due to severe sodium wasting, deficiencies of certain ions that are accompanied by releasing vitamin C, vitamin D intoxication and hemochromatosis are covered elsewhere in this book.
5.1. Supporting Immune Cell Activity
The interest in rosehips being beneficial for the immune system is largely due to its significant vitamin C content. In fact, using rosehips for support for those down with a cold suggests this might be a better natural option than the commonly used orange juice. However, the emerging understanding of immune functional improvement of plant-based foods goes beyond just nutrient content. Research shows other active compounds in rosehips, such as flavonoids and carotenes, have immuno-stimulatory activities. It also has high fiber content that can impact immune function of the gut.
Immune cells are exposed to various types of oxidative stresses from a variety of sources, both internal and external to the body. Exposure to high levels of oxidative stress can impair the function of these cells. Vitamin C is a major water-soluble antioxidant, and it could play a key role in scavenging free radicals and combating oxidative stress. This capability suggests vitamin C might be a key immune support nutrient. Indeed, research shows it can aid in reinforcing the body’s resistance to certain infections. In addition to being an antioxidant, vitamin C is essential for normal immune cell function, including both the innate and adaptive immune responses.
6. Bioavailability of Vitamin C in Rosehip
Vitamin C supplementation is a common alternative therapy for people who develop the common cold, yet support for its efficacy in treating such colds, much less coronavirus-caused respiratory illness (COVID), has been largely lacking, due in large part to the incomplete understanding of the roles vitamin C plays in the pathophysiology of these infections. As an exogenous source of vitamin C, rosehip offers some unique features that are only now being exploited, which could hold the key to unlocking the potential of vitamin C in immune health.
6. Bioavailability of Vitamin C in Rosehip Rosehip has a stable, natural multi-vitamin C complex, meaning that it is more biologically available than a single purified molecule and that it has higher bioactivity. Ascorbic acid is water-soluble, meaning that it is more difficult for the body to store it, instead being rapidly excreted by the renal system when plasma levels are saturated. As vitamin C is water-soluble, gastrointestinal absorption may be hindered, meaning that not all of a vitamin C salt present in solution may become bioavailable. Furthermore, elevated systemic levels of ascorbic acid are not important and in some cases even dangerous, such as when the vitamin is acting as an iron chelator, during which times maximum vitamin C uptake by the body is urgently vital. Ascorbate is also far less stable during food preparation and storage, degrading and losing bioactivity more rapidly than other food-bound vitamin C.
6.1. Comparison with Synthetic Vitamin C
Natural sources of vitamin C also have antioxidant effects as a result of their synergistic vitamin C and phytochemical content. These phytochemicals can scavenge free radicals that are the reactive byproducts of energy metabolism and chemical reactions. The high antioxidant activity seen in rosehip extracts has led to research that suggests that these extracts have anti-inflammatory effects, useful for helping to protect the cells encapsulating lung air passages. And the high cholinergic and GABAergic activity in rosehips, which has been shown to reduce paralysis in Caenorhabditis elegans, has implications for those seeking a better mood or relief of myoclonus, spasticity, or abnormal muscle hyperactivity. Secondly, vitamin C supplements are known to be both chemically unstable and subject to rapid loss of biological activity. Although the very first consumption of foods, using only unmasked taste and preference, probably resulted in the discovery of medicinal food, the palatability of certain herbal products may be unpalatably strong or of insufficient taste.
As for the higher cost, one approach is to capitalize on the known benefits of rosehips. These have been shown to act preventatively. Encouraging consumption of rosehips, then, can be preventive medicine whose benefits extend to the ingestion of lesser bioactive compounds. And its multiple health advantages, compared with synthetic vitamin C, increase the value to the taker. Looking at rosehips in this way makes the economic case for consumption of rosehip powder and juice extracts from vegetables more attractive. Lastly, and most intriguingly, testing the therapeutic benefits of rosehip-phytochemical mixtures used in conjunction with standard medical treatments has potential rewards that could lead to profound consequences, for it is a novel therapy employing ancient wisdom. This complements the cognitive enhancement of food phytochemicals caused by hormone treatments.
7. Forms of Rosehip Supplements
Rosehip is available in several supplemental forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, and topical products. Different types of rosehip supplements offer different benefits. Both oral and topical forms of rosehip supplements deliver vitamin C, which can help support skin health and provide antioxidant properties. Depending on the method of extraction, rosehip supplements can also be a source of flavonoids and galactolipids – natural ingredients known for their ability to protect cells and manage inflammation.
Galactolipids are components of rosehip that can be an important consideration when selecting your supplement, especially when it comes to oral supplements. However, these compounds are often destroyed during the extraction process, so the correct technology is required to produce a whole food rosehip supplement. A natural rosehip shell tablet offers other complementary components from the ground seed – vitamins, such as tocopherols, and omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids. In addition, the natural fiber helps to add bulk to the stool, making it easier for gut bacteria to produce the complex bioactive molecules needed to maintain optimum gut health.
7.1. Capsules vs. Powders
If you’re deciding between capsules or powders, the main differences are going to be between personal convenience and price. Personal convenience is fairly straightforward. If you’re on the go and you don’t want to mess with having to mix something that might be bitter, go with capsules. If you’re a little more adventurous and you might want to use the powder in recipes or your morning juice for a helpful vitamin C boost, you might want to go with the powder. It can be fun experimenting with the different ways you can include your vitamin C as a supplement into your daily routine.
Some people feel that the pure powder form is more easily absorbed by the body, but if you’re getting a high-quality option there really isn’t going to be too much of a difference when comparing the two. It really comes down to the quality and potency of the product itself. With powders, you may not be getting as high a potency per serving as with capsules but can always adjust your dosage to get the same benefits. Always remember to incorporate healthy lifestyle choices into your routine if you want to maintain a strong, resilient immune system!
8. Research on Rosehip and Immune Support
Studies of different rosehip products, including rosehip syrup, tablets, and puree, have linked them to increased immunity against conditions such as colds. In China, specifically, a pilot clinical trial compared the immune-boosting power of rosehip syrup to that of powdered acerola—a species of cherry routinely consumed throughout South America and commercially harvested for its extraordinarily high vitamin C profile. Forty individuals took three grams of rosehip syrup (providing 29 mg vitamin C), three grams of acerola powder (providing 39.6 mg vitamin C), or a placebo.
In those taking the syrup or the acerola powder, a significantly higher quantity of phagocytes were present at the end of the seven-day testing period, meaning the immune system was better prepared to tackle bacterial and viral infections. Other studies have shown that rosehip puree increases the production of white blood cells in individuals with low vitamin C status. This is particularly important, given that the immune system cannot function effectively if insufficient macrophages, neutrophils, and other white blood cells are present to ward off infection. This group also showed improved migration of immune cells to the site of infection. Quantities of proteins often called “antioxidant milkmen” were higher in those taking the supplement. These plasma transport proteins ferry quadrillions of molecules of oxidized vitamin C from the mitochondria to the lymph and the bloodstream, where the body can eliminate them. Recent in vitro research has shown that vitamin C protects against enveloped viruses such as the common cold. Furthermore, inflammation features as part of any infection, and ascorbic acid has significant anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties.
When people ingest vitamin C, the human body distributes it all around them, chaperoning the nutrient to where it needs to be. The vitamin targets immune cells, especially phagocytes. These antigobblers munch through harmful bacteria and viruses, breaking down infected cells. Once consumed, the phagocyte releases the remaining vitamin C, which then neutralizes any remaining pathogens. Crucially, these cells secrete cytokines to both cooperate and dictate to each other, enabling greater defense against harmful microorganisms. This process is called “mitochondrial extracellular release.” At a fine biological level, vitamin C induces mitochondrial activity in the phagocytes, providing a two-way potentiation of the immune defense system. Furthermore, ascorbic acid can also mitigate the harmful time it takes for a patient suffering from viral infections to recover.
8.1. Clinical Studies
In a study in a school, in which the occurrence of colds decreased when the children were given sufficient amounts of vitamin C, 10 g of rosehip powder was compared to 300 mg of synthetic ascorbic acid (vitamin C). After 3 months, the number of colds was well below zero in both the rosehip powder group as well as the ascorbic acid group. No significant difference could be evidenced between the two kinds of treatment. It is very remarkable that also lower doses of ascorbic acid were equally effective as high doses, when administered together with the rosehip fruit powder. The vitamin C content in the blood was about twice as high in the group treated with ascorbic acid, but the average vitamin C content in the blood of the children who received rosehip powder was significantly higher than that of those who received the standard diet; in the rosehip powder group, the content in the blood was almost within the range of the optimal value.
This study confirms other observations, according to the results of which the absorption rate of vitamin C is higher from fruit preparations like, e.g., rosehips than from pure vitamin C, and no overdosing is experienced. With typical daily doses of natural vitamin C from edible plants and food, much higher concentrations occur in the blood than with single high doses of synthetic ascorbic acid. In the case of overdoses, as occurs with the use of synthetic ascorbic acid, unpleasant side effects occur, such as diarrhea, renal overloads, and destruction of the thymus. However, with fruit preparations, if the intake of the active substances is adjusted to the needs, there are no side effects. This applies to all fruit preparations containing ascorbic acid.
9. Incorporating Rosehip into Your Diet
Rosehip is typically consumed in the form of a rosehip-based product such as rosehip extract, tea, or syrup. Accessible and available in a variety of forms, rosehip preparations can be easily integrated into a modern diet to provide the immune-support linked benefits of vitamin C, which exists at high levels in rosehip. For those seeking immune-support benefits in traditional rosehip substances but are concerned that any amount of sugar may dampen the health benefits of vitamin C, supplementing with a rosehip extract could be ideal. In this form, the sugar content is substantially reduced relative to syrup, but the nutrition content remains high.
Empirical evidence supports both the immune-stimulating effects of ingesting rosehip as well as the use of rosehip and its products in fighting and preventing the common cold. However, to reap these benefits it is important to incorporate rosehip into a healthy, balanced diet. In today’s world, the invention of rosehip supplements has gone a long way in making the consumption of this immuno-boosting ingredient as simple as taking a daily pill. Whether used in tea, as a vitamin C supplement, as a food or drink additive, or in any other form, rosehip as a dietary supplement harnesses the power and versatility of the rosehip fruit while potentially contributing to the alleviation of the public health challenges precipitated by weakened immune systems caused by poor nutrition.
9.1. Recipes and Usage Tips
Teas – Rose hips can be purchased as part of traditional tea blends in conjunction with hibiscus, strawberries, cherries, apples, and other fruity flavors. You can save costs by purchasing pure rose hips, which have a tart taste, perfect for flavoring hot or iced tea. Lemon juice and/or a sweetener of your choice can be added. If brewing in large quantities, take care to only boil water once using a cast iron or stainless steel teapot. Minerals can leach from the china and/or aluminum pot, altering its properties.
Jellies and syrups – Homemade jellies and syrups breathe new life into old baked goods like biscuits, breads, and muffins. Although the slightly tart taste of rose hips lends itself to the slightly sweet jellies and syrups, which are a perfect complement for savory dishes. Reach for an old standby such as poultry dressing, pork dishes, tofu and tempeh entrees, or hearty sandwiches with plenty of taste.
10. Safety and Potential Side Effects
Safety issues and potential toxicity of rosehips are not well documented. No significant side effects or drug interactions have been associated with rosehips in the published literature. According to traditional literature, overconsumption of rosehips can cause mild adverse digestive effects including diarrhea, but these effects have never been systematically studied in human beings. Nonetheless, based on knowledge of its properties and uses, rosehip should probably only be taken with caution by individuals with a history of OS-related iron overload, because vitamin C promotes the absorption of dietary nonheme iron from the gut, or with anticoagulants or other drugs (such as aspirin) that affect platelet function because vitamin C can enhance the activities of these drugs.
The safety of high doses of vitamin C during pregnancy and lactation has received some attention in the literature, but the issue is far from being resolved. As with many supplements, people who want to take it during these periods should consult a specialist to determine the proper dose and use. The vitamin C in rosehips may also be harmful for people allergic to vitamin C. However, this is an extremely rare allergy. Due to its many uses, other unknown contraindications and safety issues may possibly remain associated with rosehips. Like other vitamin C-rich botanicals, individuals who want to take rosehip on a regular basis should seek advice on its use from specialist healthcare professionals.
10.1. Interactions with Medications
Vitamin C, one of the most popular supplements, is often overlooked in terms of its interactions with various medications. Vitamin C can greatly enhance the absorption of non-heme iron from iron-rich foods or iron supplements. Normally, doctors will advise separating the intake times of vitamin C and iron, especially when taking both together in supplement form. It is also particularly important to bear in mind that intakes of vitamin C in excess of 2000 mg/day in combination with dicumarol, warfarin, and/or aspirin-containing drugs will dilute blood and increase these drugs’ tendency to cause bleeding. For those on diabetes medication, vitamin C can considerably lower blood sugar levels and may lead to hypoglycemia if both drugs are taken together or very close in time. Similarly, for those with diabetes who are on blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants) or other medications that may have blood thinning properties (such as aspirin), caution is needed when taking vitamin C supplements since it may increase the risk of bleeding. Blood levels of vitamin C in female hormone users, organ transplant recipients as well as H pylori-infected subjects increase within a few months when treated with vitamin C supplements at 1000 mg/day.
11. Conclusion
Rosehip is an exceptional natural source of vitamin C, as well as other important bioflavonoids with supporting roles to play, and with their help, vitamin C might seem more like a team sport than a solo act. For health in general and immune health in particular, including a good source of nutrients like vitamin C can be a handy, modern, friendly day helper, and like all superheroes, that can make a big difference out there in the real world.
Everyone, from infants to the elderly, can benefit from regularly consuming foods that contain health-promoting nutrients, like vitamin C, and as conditions in the marketplace improve, you are likely to see more and more foods incorporating this exceptional source of vitamin C. If you want to make a friend at the store, just treat it as an added reason to tuck a box in his basket.
11.1. Key Takeaways
Rosa canina, well-known for its edible fruits (rosehip), is an important and rich source of vitamin C. Pummelo has some uses in regional folk medicine but also offers potential for commercial demand. Even though some important commercial products have been developed, no specific gene in rosehip has been isolated. In addition, large scale development and commercial exploitation need to be developed and coordinated, and cultivars with ideal flavor, appearance, and functional components still need to be cultivated. Metabolomics is an effective method to reveal the metabolite composition of fruits and may facilitate genetic improvement in rosehip. Proteomics provide a global expression profile of fruit protein and are used to analyze proteins related to taste, antioxidant activity, and other features in different rosehip varieties. Transcription factors are important regulators in plants, particularly in controlling the synthesis and accumulation of fruit metabolites.
Rosehip is a rich source of vitamin C. Therefore, it is extremely nutritious and has a high content of vitamin C and other functional components. In addition, rosehip also has a pleasant taste and aroma, so it has been developed and utilized as a nutritional food resource in recent years. Rapid and convenient detection of vitamin C in rosehip products for quality control and component analysis has attracted the research community’s attention. Antioxidant activity is a highlight of the functional components in rosehip, which led to a blossom in the market. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode is an efficient and highly sensitive method for the determination of bioactive compounds that can be used to determine the metabolite profile related to the antioxidant protection of rosehip. Therefore, increasing accumulation of functional components in cultivated rosehip is the main focus of the research group.
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