Carnosic acid

Carnosic acid
Chemical structure of carnosic acid
Names
IUPAC name
(4aR,10aS)-5,6-Dihydroxy-1,1-dimethyl-7-propan-2-yl-2,3,4,9,10,10a-hexahydrophenanthrene-4a-carboxylic acid
Other names
Salvin
Identifiers
3650-09-7 Yes
ChEBI CHEBI:65585 
ChEMBL ChEMBL484853 
ChemSpider 58635 
Jmol-3D images Image
PubChem 65126
Properties
Molecular formula
C20H28O4
Molar mass 332.43 g·mol−1
Except where noted otherwise, data is given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C (77 °F), 100 kPa)
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Infobox references

Carnosic acid is a natural benzenediol abietane diterpene found in rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and common sage (Salvia officinalis).[1] Dried leaves of rosemary or sage contain 1.5 to 2.5% carnosic acid.

Carnosic acid is an antioxidant and protects skin cells against UV-A radiation (photoprotection). Studies in animals have also found a protection against carcinogens.

Carnosic acid is used as a preservative or antioxidant in food and nonfood products (e.g. toothpaste, mouthwash and chewing gum -in which it has an antimicrobial effect on the microbes responsible for bad breath- or skin care products).

References

  1. Schwarz, Karin; Ternes, Waldemar (1992). "Antioxidative constituents of Rosmarinus officinalis and Salvia officinalis". Zeitschrift für Lebensmittel-Untersuchung und -Forschung 195: 99–103. doi:10.1007/BF01201766.