Biosynthesis and Medical Applications of Rosmarinic Acid

Abstract

ABSTRACT Plant phenolics are a significant group of secondary metabolites which have diverse medicinal applications. Among various phenolics, rosmarinic acid is an important caffeoyl ester with proven medicinal properties and well-characterized physiological functions. Rosmarinic acid is found in substantial quantities in the family Lamiaceae with medicinal uses in several cultures. The major problem in the use of phytopharmaceuticals from the family Lamiaceae is the plant-to-plant variability of specific metabolites like rosmarinic acid. This is due to genetic heterogeneity, which results from cross-pollination common to all species in this family. Genetically uniform shoot-based clonal lines of several species in the family Lamiaceae have been isolated using tissue culture approaches. These genetically uniform clones can be used to breed elite varieties which target enhancement of specific metabolites. Such clonal lines are also useful for biochemical pathway characterization to provide genetic access to specific metabolites of value in medicine. Currently, genetically uniform clonal fines of oregano and thyme are being used to analyze the potential role of proline-linked pentose phosphate pathway in regulating rosmarinic acid biosynthesis. Characterization of this pathway will help to identify key regulatory genes involved in rosmarinic acid biosynthesis.