A Review of the Patentability of Rosemary-Derived Drugs and Bioactive Compounds

Abstract

We reviewed the patentability of rosemary-derived drugs and bioactive compounds over the last 20 years and analyzed patent documents related to the rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis Linné) plant using patent analysis techniques. A total of 12,320 patent documents (patent applications and granted patents) were identified, with China having the highest number of patent documents at 4384. The year 2017 had the most patent documents (1122). Patent classification codes indicate that most inventions are for medicinal preparations and cosmetics characterized by their composition. Further, expert driving forces and knowledge clusters showed that research and development has focused on methods to bring pharmaceutical products into specific physical or administering forms, which are described in the majority of patents. To demonstrate the innovation trends in rosemary-derived drugs and bioactive compounds, a selection of relevant patent documents, with publication dates between 2002 and 2022, is described at the end of the study. This selection contains a total of 13 patent documents, including six patent applications and seven granted patents, and deals with pharmaceutical and biomedical applications, processes for extracting rosemary-derived biomolecules (e.g., rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and carnosol), and cosmetic and food applications.

Extraction Methods Applied to Natural Lamiaceae-Derived Compounds: An Overview Based on Patents

“…Figure 1 presents the evolution of patent documents (i.e., patent applications and granted patents) related to innovation in Lamiaceae component extraction as a function of publication date (year). Based on our previous study, we define the publication date as "the date on which a patent document is published with an assigned publication number by a patent authority, thereby making it part of the state of the art" [1]. The first patent application in the field of plant extraction, in relation to Lamiaceae, was filed in 1977 (and published in 1978) in Japan [17].…”

“…We previously defined patent applicant and patent jurisdiction, respectively, as "either a natural person or a legal entity that submits a patent application. In some cases, the applicant can also be the inventor, and there may be more than one applicant for a single patent application" and "the country or region where applicants can file a patent application through the appropriate patent office" [1].…”

“…Extraction methods for natural plant-derived compounds are essential processes used to isolate bioactive molecules, flavors, fragrances, and other valuable substances from plants [1]. However, it is essential to note that these methods vary depending on the type of compounds, the plant source, and the equipment used [2].…”

Legal Protection of New Plant Varieties: Lamiaceae Patent Cases Based on International Patent Classification

“…Among medicinal and aromatic plants concerned by the new classification A01H6/50 (Figure 1), the Lamiaceae family is the largest and most distinctive flowering plant worldwide [12]. Also known as the mint family, it comprises approximately 200 genera (e.g., Mentha, Thymus, Origanum, Rosmarinus, Ocimum, Salvia, Lavandula, etc.)…”

Extract of Rosemary as Food Additive: The Landmark Patents

“…Rosemary is a small, evergreen perennial shrub of the Lamiaceae family, known for its medicinal and aromatic properties [1]. Its extract is used in food [2].…”