Rosehips
With a focus on taxonomic, biogeographical, and horticultural research, the fundamental knowledge of indigenous Atlantic species has been enhanced. We need to continue to expand our knowledge on specific strains, as well as propagation and cultivation practices.
Researchers have:
* mapped and identified the species indigenous to the Atlantic region.
* developed commercially viable best practices for propagating wild roses in the greenhouse. Optimum field-growing practices have been identified. After only two to three growing seasons, yields of rosehips are much higher than anticipated. A mechanical harvester is being developed.
* determined the levels of antioxidants in rosehips from plants native to the region. Relative to other fruits, these levels are very high and compare favourably to other species of roses and to blueberries. A species and strain for commercialization will be selected based on the ease of cultivation and the bioactive content of its hips.
* begun to develop technologies for extracting and concentrating bioactives from rosehips that are amenable to commercial scale-up.
Wild Blueberries
The genetic diversity and management of wild blueberries are well-established, allowing research to be directed intensively into biomedical applications.
Researchers have:
* established a core capability in the chemical and biological characterization of wild blueberry bioactives.
* determined some field-growing conditions that augment the content of bioactives. Best practices for organic production are being determined.
* discovered that the red leaves, green leaves, and stems of the plant are also rich in bioactives.
* obtained evidence that bioactive compounds in blueberries have anti-inflammatory and neuro-protective properties, mitigating the damaging effects of stroke on the brain. Preliminary evidence indicates that blueberry bioactives may also have beneficial effects on hypertension.
* launched a pre-clinical human trial to determine the effect of blueberry juice in protecting against cardiovascular disease.
* made significant headway in developing novel laboratory-scale technologies for extracting bioactives from blueberries.
Wild Blueberries and Rosehips
Researchers have:
* determined the levels of compounds derived from the metabolism of bioactives in rosehips and blueberries in the urine and blood serum of laboratory rats to provide clues to their health-benefiting properties.
* made good progress in evaluating the potential toxicity of rosehip and blueberry bioactives by measuring their effects on liver enzymes.
* obtained preliminary evidence to suggest that the bioactive compounds may be beneficial with respect to diabetes.
Photos:
(Top right) Ryan Barry, UPEI MSc student, and Kim Parsons, research technician at Memorial University’s Botanical Gardens, are key players in establishing highly successful practices for greenhouse and field cultivation of wild roses.
(Right) Kevin Sanderson, AAFC research scientist in Charlottetown, is a driving force behind field trials that have resulted in high yields of antioxidant-rich rosehips.
