Evaluation of carnosic acid biosynthesis pathway in rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Clearly, medicinal plants are the most important and bestsource of secondary metabolites that have beenrecognized as valuable resources. Secondary metabolites,in addition to their complex biosynthetic pathways forproduction, also have complex structures and this has ledthem to study at a low rate. However, the high value ofthese compounds in industries such as medicine,pharmaceuticals and food industries makes the chemicalstudy of these compounds inevitable. Carnosic acid is one of the secondary metabolites of the terpene familythat has many properties including antioxidant andantiviral properties. The use of this substance in the food,cosmetics and health industries is increasing today. Carnosic acid was first identified inSalvia officinalis. In later studies, it was detected in higher amounts in therosemary. Few studies are currently performed on thebiochemical, physiological and molecular properties ofthis substance. This article reviews recent advances inthe study and identification of carnosic acid,biosynthesis, accumulation and its role and applicationsin the plant. Finally, prospects and the necessity forfuture studies on the functional roles of carnosic acid arehighlighted.