Evaluation of Marketed Rosemary Essential Oils (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) in Terms of European Pharmacopoeia 10.0 Criteria

INTRODUCTION: Various pure rosemary essential oil containing commercial products are in demand for their health-promoting and cosmetic claims in Turkey. Although they are regarded as natural and harmless, they should be in compliance with European Pharmacopoeia (EP) criteria. Therefore, in this study, 15 rosemary oil samples sold in pharmacies, herbal shops and in online platforms in Turkey were investigated in terms of “Rosemary Oil” EP 10.0. monograph criteria. In the current study, it was aimed to evaluate current quality status of the rosemary essential oils in the Turkish market.
METHODS: Appearance, fatty oils and resinified essential oils, relative density, refractive index, optical rotation, acid value tests were performed according to EP 10.0 and compared with the given standards. In addition, TLC and GC-MS analysis were conducted to all samples for advanced understanding of their phytochemical profile and harmony with EP standards.
RESULTS: 15 pure rosemary oil containing product from Turkish market were evaluated. All of the samples were licensed as cosmetic products in Turkey via ministry of Health. 83.1 to 96.9% of the ingredients of all samples were determined via GC-MS analysis. Results demonstrated that none of the samples from Turkish rosemary essential oil market fully complied the EP rosemary oil monograph standards.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In the light of these information, it was revealed that enhanced regulations and auditing mechanisms are needed to improve quality of the products. When the difference between the sources of purchase assessed, pharmacies are still better locations to obtain such products nevertheless improvements are yet needed.