Phytochemical Evaluation of Wild-Grown Rosehips from Native Greek Rosa canina Genotypes

Rosehip (the “fruit” of Rosa canina L, commonly known as dog rose) is an emerging functional food, yet native Greek populations remain under-explored. This study screened 76 wild genotypes from Northern Greece for radical scavenging activity (% RSA), total phenolic content (TPC), and ascorbic acid (AsA). The results showed remarkable antioxidant potential (RSA > 70%), with TPC ranging from 1.02 to 35.96 mg g−1 DW, and AsA between 0.72 and 3.57 mg g−1 FW. Stepwise multiple regression analysis identified altitude as the primary predictor for RSA (adjusted R2 = 0.139, p = 0.001) and latitude as a significant modulator for TPC (p = 0.034), reflecting subtle environmental adaptations over a robust genetic baseline. HPLC-PDA-MS characterization revealed a complex profile dominated by procyanidins, catechin derivatives, flavanonols (eriodictyol conjugates), and flavonol 3-O-glycosides (mainly quercetin hexosides and pentosides). Exploratory multivariate analysis (PCA) visualized high phenotypic plasticity and identified elite chemotypes (e.g., RPK-5, RCZ-12). Notably, the Rhodopi population exhibited the most extensive multidimensional dispersion despite its geographically restricted collection radius, suggesting a diverse local genetic reservoir. These findings establish a phytochemical map of Greek dog rose germplasm, providing essential criteria for selecting high-quality genotypes for future domestication and exploitation in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors.