ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND EDICINAL APPLICATIONS OF (ROSA CANINA_ L.) ROSEHIP AND (CRATAEGUS SPP.) HAWTHORN PLANT SPECIES DISTRIBUTED IN UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

This study investigates the ecological characteristics and medicinal applications of Rosa canina L. and Crataegus spp plant species indigenous to Uzbekistan. The research aims to elucidate the species' distribution patterns, habitat preferences, and the influence of environmental factors on their bioactive compound profiles. Plant materials were collected from diverse ecological zones across Uzbekistan and subjected to phytochemical analysis using chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques to quantify key secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and ascorbic acid. Furthermore, the study explores the ethnomedicinal uses and documented pharmacological activities of these species, focusing on their antioxidant, cardioprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. The findings provide a scientific basis for the sustainable utilization, conservation, and potential cultivation of  Rosa canina. L and  Crataegus spp. as valuable sources of medicinal compounds in Uzbekistan. This research contributes to the understanding of the species' ecological adaptability and provides insights for optimizing their use in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.