Carnosic acid (diterpene) dosage

Carnosic acid is a phenolic diterpene naturally present in rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and sage (Salvia officinalis). Due to its high affinity for lipid media and its powerful antioxidant activity, it is widely used as a natural preservative in food, cosmetic, and nutraceutical products.

Its dosage is essential to guarantee the quality, stability and regulatory compliance of products enriched with rosemary extracts or natural antioxidants.

Why measure carnosic acid?

The dosage of carnosic acid allows:

• Standardize rosemary or sage extracts for food or cosmetic use
• Validate regulatory compliance of natural additives (E392)
• Optimizing the oxidative stability of formulations containing lipids (oils, emulsions, etc.)
• Support antioxidant claims in supplements or topical products

Carnosic acid works synergistically with rosmarinic acid and carnosol, other phenolic compounds in rosemary, to extend the shelf life of products sensitive to oxidation.

Available analytical methods

YesWeLab offers several approaches depending on your dosage objectives and the matrix analyzed:

• HPLC-DAD (liquid chromatography with UV detection): reference method for the specific quantification of diterpenes in natural extracts
• LC-MS: sensitive and specific method for complex matrices or low concentrations
• UV spectroscopy: global method used for rapid assessments or as a complement to an antioxidant profile

Analytical conditions are optimized to ensure the separation of carnosic acid from its derivatives (carnosol, rosmarinic acid), and to avoid any interference.

Affected matrices

Carnosic acid dosage applies to many plant or formulated matrices:

• Rosemary and sage extracts (dry or liquid)
• Natural food additives (E392)
• Enriched vegetable oils, margarines, vegetable butters
• Antioxidant cosmetic products (creams, oils, balms)
• Food supplements in capsules, powders, oil capsules
• Meat products or snacks enriched with natural antioxidants

Industrial applications

This analysis is recommended in the following sectors:

• Food industry: validation of natural antioxidant additives (clean label)
• Natural cosmetics: anti-aging formulation, anti-oxidation of fatty phases
• Nutraceuticals: valorization of plant extracts rich in diterpenes
• Food industry: prevention of rancidity in lipid-rich products
• Research: study of the bioactivity of plant extracts

Recommended Related Analyses

• Rosmarinic Acid Assay – Another Key Polyphenol in Rosemary
• Carnosol determination – Oxidized derivative of carnosic acid
• Total polyphenols assay – Overall assessment of antioxidant potential
• DPPH or ORAC Antioxidant Capacity Assay – Functional Supplement to Compare Different Extracts

Your analytical partner: YesWeLab

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting cosmetics, nutraceuticals and food industry manufacturers with their laboratory analysis needs, with a 100% results-oriented approach.

Our network of partner laboratories, ISO 17025 accredited and specialized in phytochemistry and quality control of natural extracts, guarantees you fast, precise services adapted to your constraints.

Via our digital platform, you can:

• Get a quick and targeted quote
• Track the progress of your samples
• Receive interpretable and usable results
• Benefit from personalized scientific support

Request your quote for carnosic acid dosage

Need to check the concentration of your rosemary or sage extracts? Add this test to your quote or contact our team for advice on the best method.