Carnosic acid (diterpene) assay

Carnosic acid is a phenolic diterpene naturally present in rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and sage (Salvia officinalis). Thanks to its strong affinity for lipid environments and its potent 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 measurement of carnosic acid allows us to:

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

Carnosic acid acts in synergy with rosmarinic acid and carnosol, other phenolic compounds of rosemary, to prolong the shelf life of oxidation-sensitive products.

Available analytical methods

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

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

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

Matrices involved

Carnosic acid analysis is applicable to many plant-based 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)
• Dietary supplements in capsules, powders, and oil-based 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 labeling)
• Natural cosmetics: anti-aging formulation, anti-oxidation of oil phases
• Nutraceuticals: valorization of plant extracts rich in diterpenes
• Food industry: preventing 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 assay – Oxidized derivative of carnosic acid
• Total polyphenol assay – Overall assessment of antioxidant potential
• DPPH or ORAC antioxidant capacity assay – Functional supplement for comparing different extracts

Your analytics partner: YesWeLab

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting manufacturers in the cosmetics, nutraceutical and agri-food industries with their laboratory analysis needs, with a 100% results-oriented approach.

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

Through our digital platform, you can:

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

Request a quote for carnosic acid testing

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.