Rosmarinic acid - From bench to valuable applications in food industry

Background: Rosmarinic acid (RA) is widely distributed in plant species of Lamiaceae and Boraginaceae families,
among others. Structurally RA is an ester of caffeic acid and 3,4-dihydroxyphenyllactic acid with well explored
biosynthetic pathway, physiological functions in plants and (potential) biological activities. Great number of
herbal preparations and food supplements, containing RA, are marketed with claims for beneficial health effects.
Furthermore, due to the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and bacterial growth, RA is approved for use as natural
antioxidant and/or preservative in food industry.
Scope and approach: The present review will explore the contemporary biotechnological approaches for RA massproduction
and will attempt to summarize its main biological properties based on recent studies. Future applications
in food industry and potential functional food development will be proposed. Implications for technological
and chemical modification of RA aiming to improve its bioavailability will be presented.
Key findings and conclusions: The advances in biotechnological production of RA provide effective and “green”
approach which worth further implementation to a large-scale application. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies
confirm many of the claimed health-promoting effects of RA, as well as, its value as food additive. Despite the
recent improvements in RA stability and bioavailability, its use in food products should be thoroughly evaluated
until a tight balance between safety and efficiency is set.