Multidirectional characterisation of chemical composition and health-promoting potential of Rosa rugosa hips.

Rugosa rose provides one of the largest hips frequently used in the preparation of pharmaceutical and food products. The aim of work was to conduct multidirectional study of biological activity and chemical composition of Rosa rugosa hips. Antiradical, cytotoxic (against cervical and breast cancer cell lines), antibacterial (against eight bacterial strains) and antifungal potential of the species in question was evaluated. Total contents of phenolics, phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, carotenoids and ascorbic acid were determined. LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis was performed in order to investigate closely phenolic acids and flavonoid glycosides. As a result, interesting selective cytotoxic effects on cervical (HeLa) and breast cancer (T47D) cell lines, significant antiradical activity (EC50 2.45 mg mg-1 DPPH•) and moderate antimicrobial potential (MIC 0.625-1.25 mg mL-1) were observed. Nine phenolic acids and 11 flavonoid glycosides were qualitatively and quantitatively determined, including 7 compounds previously not reported in R. rugosa hips.