Research progress on extraction, purification and biological activities of rosmarinic acid

Rosmarinic acid as a very strong antioxidants exists in rosemary with a high content. It has various biological activities such as anti-biotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-virus and anti-cancer activities. In order to offer more information for large-scale preparation and application, a brief review is presented on the extraction, purification methods. The biological activities of rosmarinic acid, such as antibiosis, antivirus, anti-oxidation, radical-scavenging, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulation, protecting nervous system, anti-radiation, antitumor, inhibition of xanthine oxidase and protection of livers and lungs are particularly discussed. ©, 2015, The Editorial of «Chemistry and Industry of Forest Products». All right reserved.