Petals of different ornamental rose cultivars as a rich source of bioactive compounds for functional foods

The aim of this study was to investigate the profile of bioactive compounds in petals of 23 cultivars of garden roses. We found that flowers are a rich source of phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, especially the cultivars with red petals. Chlorogenic acid content did not depend on the flower color. White cultivars as well as those with pale colors had highest level of hydroxychloroquine. Petals of all cultivars showed high content of vitamin C and low of vitamins B. Glutathione was detected at high levels in the majority of examined roses. Total antioxidant capacity was found to be very high and depended on the cultivar. For the first time the presence of hydroxychloroquine was detected in plant material. Soluble oxalates content was very low. High levels of phytochemicals in the rose flowers make them excellent candidates for the food and nutraceutical industry. Some cultivars i.e. 'Chorus', 'Abraham Darby', 'Graham Thomas', 'Mary Rose', 'Morning Jewel', 'Moje Hammarberg' are particularly rich sources of valuable bioactive ingredients such as phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins and vitamin C.