A general overview on Rosemarinus officinalis L. (Rosemary) as a medicinal plant

Rosemarinus officinalis L. is a valuable aromatic and medicinal plant which is usually grown for the production of essential oil. The essential oil is obtained by distillation and is natural and volatile fraction of rosemary which has several health benefits and potential application in food, medicinal and aroma industry. The composition of the essential oil varies depending on the environmental conditions of the area. Depending on the major constituent of essential oil three types of chemotypes exist which include 1, 8-cineole chemotype, camphor/borneol chemotype and α-pinene chemotype. Rosemary being a rich source of antioxidant constituents has the ability to treat cancer and act as a natural food additive. In this review, a brief introduction to Rosemarinus officinalis L., its propagation, health benefits and side effects are given.