Carnosol and carnosic acid dosage

Carnosol and carnosic acid are two major phenolic diterpenes found in rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and, to a lesser extent, sage. These natural compounds exhibit potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and stabilizing properties, making them widely used ingredients in plant extracts for human nutrition, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and the food industry.

Their measurement allows verification of the actual content of active ingredients in rosemary extracts, control of formulation stability, assurance of the quality of natural ingredients, and validation of functional claims (antioxidant, preservative, protective). Precise quantification of these two molecules is essential for standardizing formulations and complying with the technical specifications of suppliers and clients.

Reference analytical methods

The analysis of carnosol and carnosic acid is primarily performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC or UPLC), combined with UV detection or mass spectrometry (LC-MS).
These techniques offer excellent sensitivity and allow for the efficient separation of the two diterpenes, even within complex matrices rich in polyphenols or aromatic compounds.

LC-MS is preferred when the matrix contains several phenolic compounds that could interfere, or when the required detection limits are very low. HPLC can be used for simpler extracts or standardized raw materials.
In some cases, a preparatory step (solvent extraction or SPE purification) is necessary to optimize chromatographic resolution.

The analysis can be integrated into a global polyphenol profile, available via other YesWeLab services such as catechin (EGCG) assay or the assay of volatile compounds essential for characterizing complex aromatic extracts.

Analyzed matrices

The determination of carnosol and carnosic acid is applicable to various matrices:

• dry or hydro-alcoholic extracts of rosemary or sage
• nutraceutical powders or capsules
• enriched vegetable oils
• antioxidant cosmetic formulations
• fatty food products (cured meats, oils, sauces) containing stabilizing extracts
• aromatic solutions or natural preservatives
• raw plant matrices

These two molecules are also used as authenticity markers to verify botanical origin or detect possible adulteration in rosemary extracts.

Industrial interest of dosing

For manufacturers, this dosage allows them to:

• standardize rosemary or sage extracts
• verify compliance with supplier specifications
• securing antioxidant claims
• to control the quality of batches throughout production
• optimize natural preservative formulations
• to guarantee the oxidative stability of fatty products
• anticipate the degradation of active ingredients during aging tests

Carnosol and carnosic acid are also used as natural substitutes for synthetic preservatives. Their concentration therefore contributes to documenting quality or regulatory files in the food and cosmetics sectors.

Further analyses recommended

For a complete characterization of rosemary extracts or plant matrices, several analyses can be combined:

• total polyphenol content
• terpene analysis via GC-MS
• dosage of specific flavonoids
• control of semi-volatile compounds in complex formulations
• stability study (oxidation, thermal degradation)
• analysis of the overall chemical composition

These services are available in the YesWeLab catalogue and provide an exhaustive view of the chemical profile of the ingredient or finished product.

YesWeLab Expertise

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of rigorously selected laboratories specializing in chromatography and possessing recognized expertise in plant and nutraceutical analysis. Most are certified or accredited (ISO 17025, COFRAC). We identify the most suitable method based on your matrix, specifications, and expected analytical thresholds.

Our platform allows manufacturers to centralize their requests, track the progress of analyses, retrieve results, and benefit from dedicated technical support. Since 2020, we have supported hundreds of manufacturers, laboratories, and engineering firms with their analytical needs.