Botanical Profile
Note: The current botanical assignment is Salvia rosmarinus; Rosmarinus officinalis remains in common use as a historical synonym.
Rosemary is a Mediterranean aromatic plant of the mint family. The leaves are central to the monographs and combine essential oil with phenolic plant constituents.
Salvia rosmarinus is an evergreen Mediterranean subshrub with needle-like leaves and an intensely aromatic fragrance. The older botanical name Rosmarinus officinalis L. remains widely used in monographs and literature.
Phytochemistry
Rosemary is described in connection with essential-oil constituents, rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, carnosol, flavonoids and other phenolic compounds.
Traditional Uses
The EMA monograph European Union herbal monograph on Rosmarinus officinalis L., folium (EMA/HMPC/513940/2021) describes traditional-use contexts of rosemary leaves.
Current Research
Modern research investigates rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, antioxidant research fields, metabolic contexts and phytochemical properties of the essential oil.
Sources
- European Union herbal monograph on Rosmarinus officinalis L., folium.
- Assessment report on Rosmarinus officinalis L. aetheroleum and Rosmarinus officinalis L. folium.
- Nieto G et al. Rosmarinus officinalis: A review of its phytochemistry and pharmacology. Medicines. 2018.
Notice
The information presented in this botanical profile has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief from botanical, phytochemical, historical and scientific sources. It is intended solely for general professional information and initial orientation.
The content does not constitute an assurance of specific properties, effects, qualities or possible uses of products or extracts. In particular, it does not constitute a guarantee, a statement of suitability, or a statement regarding marketability, permissibility or usability in specific applications or markets.
Assessment of the suitability of a raw material or extract for a particular intended use, as well as compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, is the sole responsibility of the respective user.