Rosa spp., commonly known as rosehips, are wild plants that have traditionally been employed as herbal remedies for the treatment of a wide range of disorders. Rosehip is a storehouse of vitamins, including A, B complex, C, and E. Among phytonutrients, vitamin C is found in the highest amount. As rosehips contain significant levels of vitamin C, they are perfect candidates for the development of skincare formulations that can be effectively used in the treatment of different skin disorders (i.e., scarring, anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, melasma, and atopic dermatitis). This research focuses on the vitamin C content of several Rosa sp. by their botanical and geographic origins, which according to research studies are in the following order: R. rugosa > R. montana > R. canina > R. dumalis, with lower levels in R. villosa and R. arvensis, respectively. Among rosehip species, R. canina is the most extensively studied species which also displays significant amounts of bioactive compounds, but also antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities (e.g., against Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, S, epidermis, and S. haemolyticus). The investigation also highlights the use of rosehip extracts and oils to minimise the harmful effects of acne, which primarily affects teenagers in terms of their physical appearance (e.g., scarring, hyperpigmentation, imperfections), as well as their moral character (e.g., low self-confidence, bullying). Additionally, for higher vitamin C content from various rosehip species, the traditional (i.e., infusion, maceration, Soxhlet extraction) and contemporary extraction methods (i.e., supercritical fluid extraction, microwave-assisted, ultrasonic-assisted, and enzyme-assisted extractions) are highlighted, finally choosing the best extraction method for increased bioactive compounds, with emphasis on vitamin C content. Consequently, the current research focuses on assessing the potential of rosehip extracts as medicinal agents against various skin conditions, and the use of rosehip concentrations in skincare formulations (such as toner, serum, lotion, and sunscreen). Up-to-date studies have revealed that rosehip extracts are perfect candidates as topical application products in the form of nanoemulsions. Extensive in vivo studies have revealed that rosehip extracts also exhibit specific activities against multiple skin disorders (i.e., wound healing, collagen synthesis, atopic dermatitis, melasma, and anti-aging effects). Overall, with multiple dermatological actions and efficacies, rosehip extracts and oils are promising agents that require a thorough investigation of their functioning processes to enable their safe use in the skincare industry.

This research was designed to provide the first protocol to establish an efficient solution for direct organogenesis regeneration in Passiflora quadrangularis using nodal explants from young shoots. Passifloraceae tissue culture has been associated with problems such as recalcitrance, sensitivity to ethylene accumulation and browning of explants due to the presence of phenols in the tissues. Due to the high rate of endogenous contamination of the explants, a preliminary experiment was performed. The best results of surface sterilization were obtained using the pretreatment with 70% EtOH, 1 min and 50% NaOCl, 10 min along with the treatment of Rifampicin 15 µg/mL and Benomyl 2 g/L. The effects of plant growth regulators on the induction of direct organogenesis, multiplication of shoots in subcultures and in vitro rooting were evaluated. Additional compounds such as AgNO₃ and Pluronic F-68 were added to the culture media in order to reduce the effects of phenols and the sudden browning of the explants. Shoot proliferation increased to the sixth subculture after which it decreased. A maximum of 7.17 shoots were obtained from one shoot on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine and 1 mg/L thidiazuron. Supplementation of ½ MS medium with 1 mg/L 1-naphthaleneacetic acid was conducing to root formation in 61.11% of shoots. After acclimatization, the plants showed vigorous growth, green leaves, and well-developed roots. Although this species has previously shown difficulty in in vitro propagation, this protocol established based on the results proved to be efficient and reproducible.

Basil is a culinary herb in high demand all year round, either fresh, dried, or frozen. Field basil crops are commercially predominant, while greenhouse crops can cover the demand for fresh basil during the off-season. The leaf aspect of basil has great importance for the food industry, and a great diversity of genotypes has been created. The aim of this research was to conduct a comparative characterization of 12 basil genotypes (green and purple leaf) that present interest for breeding programs from a national germplasm collection. The study examines the accumulation of photosynthetic pigments in basil cultivated in field versus greenhouse conditions as indicators of plant performance and herb quality from the perspective of ensuring fresh plant material all year round. The experimental median indicated that photosynthetic leaf pigments accumulated in higher concentrations in the field relative to the greenhouse conditions, in descending order: β-carotene, lutein, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b. The trend was not as consistent for chlorophyll b, since four out of twelve genotypes presented higher levels in the greenhouse than in the field, while the overall values were not much lower in the greenhouse than the field (16.82%). All genotypes accumulated much higher carotenoid contents in field conditions relative to greenhouse conditions (>200%) and could also provide better nutritional advantages given their demonstrated health benefits. The differences in photosynthetic leaf pigments have both nutritional (the carotenoids), shelf-life, and processing relevance (chlorophylls) and serve as quality markers.

Skin aging is a complex process influenced by several factors, including UV exposure, environmental stressors, and lifestyle choices. The demand for effective, natural skincare products has driven research into plant-based oils rich in bioactive compounds. Rosehip oil has garnered attention for its high content of carotenoids, phenolics, and antioxidants, which are known for their anti-aging, photoprotective, and skin-rejuvenating properties. Despite the growing interest in rosehip oil, limited studies have investigated its efficacy on human skin using advanced imaging technologies. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the efficacy of cold-pressed Rosa canina seed oil on facial skin characteristics, specifically wrinkles, ultraviolet (UV) spot reduction, and erythema mitigation, using imaging technologies (the VISIA analysis system). Seed oil pressed from R. canina collected from the Băișoara area of Cluj County has been selected for this study due to its high carotenoid, phenolic, and antioxidant contents. The oil has also been analyzed for the content of individual carotenoids (i.e., lutein, lycopene, β Carotene, and zeaxanthin) using HPLC-DAD (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography—Diode Array Detector), along with lutein and zeaxanthin esters and diesters. After the preliminary screening of multiple Rosa species for carotenoid, phenolic, and antioxidant contents, the R. canina sample with the highest therapeutic potential was selected. A cohort of 27 volunteers (aged 30–65) underwent a five-week treatment protocol, wherein three drops of the selected rosehip oil were topically applied to the face daily. The VISIA imaging was conducted before and after the treatment to evaluate changes in skin parameters, including the wrinkle depth, UV-induced spots, porphyrins, and texture. Regarding the bioactivities, rosehip oil showed a significant total carotenoids content (28.398 μg/mL), with the highest levels in the case of the β-carotene (4.49 μg/mL), lutein (4.33 μg/mL), and zexanthin (10.88 μg/mL) contents. Results indicated a significant reduction in mean wrinkle scores across several age groups, with notable improvements in individuals with deeper baseline wrinkles. UV spots also showed visible declines, suggesting ideal photoprotective and anti-pigmentary effects attributable to the oil’s high vitamin A and carotenoid content. Porphyrin levels, often correlated with bacterial activity, decreased in most subjects, hinting at an additional antimicrobial or microbiome-modulatory property. However, skin responses varied, possibly due to individual differences in skin sensitivity, environmental factors, or compliance with sun protection. Overall, the topical application of R. canina oil appeared to improve the facial skin quality, reduce the appearance of age-related markers, and support skin health. These findings reinforce the potential use of rosehip oil in anti-aging skincare formulations. Further long-term, large-scale studies are warranted to refine dosing regimens, investigate mechanisms of action, and explore synergistic effects with other bioactive compounds.

Yield stability in sweet corn and its dependence on G x E interaction were investigated in a series of two way experiments. Five Romanian sweet corn hybrids were tested in three years (2008-2010) in three locations of Central Transylvania in different soils and climatic conditions. The experiments were organized in a split plot design in which, on a general level of organic fertilization (40 t/ha manure), four levels of mineral N fertilization were applied (kg/ha, active matter): N0, typical for organic technologies; N50, corresponding to the low-input (sustainable) system; N100 and N150 customary with conventional system of agriculture. Based on ear yield data registered for hybrids in locations x years x cropping system, a phenotypic index (Pi) was computed for each sweet corn hybrid illustrating the stability of their cob yields, with and without husks. The share of genotypic and G x E effects in the total value of Pi have been estimated. In different agricultural systems the tested hybrids were classified differently based on their Pi values. It is concluded that, at least for the time being, the initiation of an organic breeding program for sweet corn, in Romania, is not economically justified since all semiearly and semilate tested hybrids yielded satisfactorily under organic agricultural practices. Moreover, among the recently released sweet corn hybrids one can find certain genotypes highly suitable to organic (i.e. ‘Deliciul verii’, ‘Estival’) or low input (‘Dulcin’, ‘Estival’) agricultural practices. These three hybrids recorded the highes ear yields (with and without husks) over years, locations and agricultural systems.