Musk Rose (Rosa moschata) Grown at Middle Hill Climatic Conditions of the Western Himalayas: A Rich Source of Anti-Oxidants and Nutrients

Abstract

Musk rose (Rosa moschata) is an important wild aromatic climbing shrub of Rosaceae family. Scant scientific information is available on phyto-chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the Himalayan plant. Here we report, nutrient compositions, antioxidant constituents and activities of the different plant parts like leaves, petals, and rest of the flower parts of musk rose. Chlorophyll pigments and carotenoids contents were significantly higher in the mature leaves (2113.1 and 125.2 mg/g fresh weight respectively). The mature leaves also contained significantly higher amount of ascorbic acid (227.0 mg/100g) followed by the dried petals (141.6 mg/100g). The total antioxidant activity, determined based on ABTS and DPPH free radical scavenging ability, was higher in the hydro-alcoholic extracts from dried petals, dried flowers and mature leaves than that in the other parts. Analysis of the extracts from the dried petals revealed significantly higher contents of phenolics (62.9 mg/g), flavonoids (23.7 mg/g), tannins (133.8 mg/g), total carbohydrates (191.6 mg/g) and soluble protein (49.3 mg/g). The mature leaves were found to be the next richer sources for these nutrients. Correlation analysis revealed positive correlation of total antioxidant activities and the antioxidant constituents of the plant extract suggesting contribution of these compounds to the higher antioxidant activities. Thus, the phyto-chemical composition analyses suggest dried petals and mature leaves as potential natural sources of the nutrients and antioxidants. The study may further enhance utility of the Himalayan plant as source for preparing alternative natural medicines and functional foods.