NIR-FT-Raman spectroscopic analytical characterization of the fruits, seeds, and phytotherapeutic oils from rosehips.

In this study nondestructive Raman spectroscopic analysis of rosehips has been conducted by laser excitation at 1064 nm, with the objective of direct measurement of different parts of the fruit, including the inside and outside of the seeds, while preserving the integrity of the more representative chemicals. Carotenoid substances are responsible for the major Raman features in the spectra of the fruit parts; analysis of the nu(1) mode (1520 cm(-1)) strongly indicates the presence of a C(9) carotene, and analysis of the main characteristic carotene band set (C=C, C-C, and C-CH(3) stretching modes at 1520, 1157, and 1007 cm(-1), respectively) suggests the presence of beta-carotene as the main constituent. Raman spectra of the seed parts show the presence of unsaturated fatty acids, which are predominant inside the seed; these spectra also reveal the fatty products content comprises cis isomers. Analysis of the CH-stretching region bands and comparison with those in the spectra obtained from linoleic acid and commercial rosehip oil indicate that the relative band intensity of the CH-stretching mode is strongly affected by the chemical environment of the fatty acid esters present in both parts (inside and outside) of rosehips seeds.