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Antioxidant capacity of Rosa damascena petals and leaves was studied using samples from seven
industrial-scale plantations (Kazanlak, Zelenikovo, Moskovets, Bratsigovo, Strelcha, Mirkovo and
Gurkovo) in Bulgaria, representing different climatic conditions, during two consecutive growing seasons
(2009 and 2010). In addition to the free radical-scavenging ability, the contents of total polyphenols and
anthocyanins (in rose petals) were determined. While higher total polyphenolic contents of rose petals
were observed in the year 2009 for all plantations, the total anthocyanin concentrations were significantly
smaller (except for Mirkovo sample). The antioxidant capacity correlated well, R = 0.78-0.88 and R =
0.97, with the contents of total polyphenols in rose petals and leaves, respectively. Interestingly,
significant correlations between both the radical-scavenging ability (R = 0.72) and total polyphenolic
content (R = 0.78) and rose plantation altitude were observed for the leaf samples. The results obtained
show that environmental stresses within the growing regions have significant effects on the polyphenolic
content and antioxidant capacity of Rosa damascena petals and leaves. This may affect their application
as a rich source of polyphenols that might be used as health-promoting ingredients of functional foods or
as natural antioxidants, preventing lipid oxidation in food systems.
Keywords: Rosa damascena, Total polyphenols, DPPH