Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) oil

Abstract

Rosehip (Rosa canina L.), is a member of Rosaceae family. The seeds of Rosa canina contain approximately 15% crude oil. Different extraction techniques are widely used to extract the oils from the seeds. The traditional extraction techniques are classified into two fundamental classes: (I) pressing and (II) solvent extraction method. The modern extraction techniques such as ultrasound, microwave, sub- and supercritical fluid extraction are the other useful methods to extract the oil from rosehip seeds. Rosehip oil is considered a valuable oil because the oil contains essential fatty acids, tocopherols, sterols and phenolics with functional properties. Major essential fatty acids are linoleic, linolenic and oleic acids. Additionally, beta-sitosterol is the predominant phytosterol compound. A gamma-Tocopherol isomer of tocols is the most abundant in rosehip seed oil. The anti-cancer effect takes the first place among the several health-promoting effects of rosehip oil. Moreover, the rosehip oil is generally preferred to use in cosmetics because of its therapeutic effect on skin disorders.