Rosmarinus officinalis L.: an update review of its phytochemistry and biological activity

Abstract

Herbal medicine is one of the oldest valuable bestowals that were given to mankind. Many plants and herbs hold their prestigious position in the field of medicine. The worldwide interest in the use of medicinal plants has been growing, and its beneficial effects being rediscovered for the development of new drugs. Based on their vast ethnopharmacological applications, which inspired current research in drug discovery, natural products can provide new and important leads against various pharmacological targets. This work pioneers an extensive and an updated literature review on the current state of research on Rosmarinus officinalis L., elucidating which compounds and biological activities are the most relevant. According to these references, there has been an increasing interest in the therapeutic properties of this plant, regarding carnosic acid, carnosol, rosmarinic acid and the essential oil. The present manuscript provides an updated review upon the most reported activities on R. officinalis and its active constituents. This knowledge about the medicinal plants usage can also be extended to other fields like field of pharmacology. In view of the nature of the plant, more research work can be done on humans so that a drug with multifarious effects will be available in the future market. Keywords: Rosmarinus officinalis, phytochemicals, carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid, neuroprotective activity, anti-diabetic activity.