This document provides information on Salvia rosmarinus, also known as rosemary. It discusses the plant's history and uses. Rosemary is an evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region. It has narrow, dark green leaves and white or purple flowers. The leaves are commonly used to flavor foods. Rosemary contains phytochemicals that have been shown to provide benefits such as improved memory and reduced anxiety. It was formerly known by the binomial name Rosmarinus officinalis but is now classified as Salvia rosmarinus.

1. Salvia rosmarinus
L. (Lamiaceae)
S K Y O . L A W A - A N
D O Ñ A R E M E D I O S T R I N I D A D - R O M U A L D E Z M E D I C A L F O U N D A T I O N I N C .

2. Salvia rosmarinus (Rosemary)
• Description
• Uses
• History
• Facts

3. Brief History of Rosemary’s Binomial Name
• Linnaeus published the name Rosmarinus officinalis.
He based the species portion of the name on the herb
being a standard item in ancient apothecaries called
"oficinas.”
• The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is one of the
first to adopt this change in the scientific name for
rosemary after research has shown that it is, in fact,
salvia, or a sage.
• Until 2017, Rosemary was known by the binomial
name Rosmarinus officinalis, it is now a synonym.
The new scientific title it has been given is Salvia
rosmarinus.

4. Salvia rosmarinus
• Rosemary, (Salvia rosmarinus)
• Small evergreen plant of the mint family
(Lamiaceae), the leaves of which are used to flavor
foods.
• In gardens in warm regions, rosemary, which is
originally from the Mediterranean region, is
frequently cultivated.
• The leaves are typically used to season dishes,
particularly soups, and various vegetables, as well
as beverages. The leaves slightly bitter taste.

5. Physical Description
• Rosemary is an aromatic evergreen shrub and
usually grows to about 1 meter in height,
though some plants can reach up to 2 meters
tall. The leaves are about 1 cm long and
somewhat resemble small curved pine needles.
• They are elongated dark green leaves and shiny
above, with a white underside and has white or
purple flowers.
• Rosemary is fairly resistant to most pests
and plant diseases, though it is susceptible to
certain fungal infections, such as powdery
mildew, in humid climates. It is also a common
host to spittlebugs.

6. Where did rosemary originate from?
• The name rosemary is derived from two
Latin words—ros and Marinus—which, put
together, mean “dew of the sea.”
• Native of the dry, rocky areas in the
Mediterranean region and is now widely
grown in gardens worldwide.

7. Clinically-
proven
Benefits in
Rosemary
Rosemary has been traditionally used for
memory loss, arthritic pain, and poor digestion
• Enhances short-term memory
• Reduces gingival bleeding and
plaque when used as a toothpaste
• Improve cognitive function in
elderly individuals when
supplemented
• Stimulates hair growth
• Reduces anxiety and depression

8. FACTS
• Rosemary contains a
number of phytochemicals
including rosmarinic acid,
camphor, caffeic acid, ursolic
acid, betulinic acid, carnosic
acid,
and carnosol. Rosemary
essential oil contains 10–
20% camphor.

9. References
Vallverdú-Queralt, Anna; Regueiro, Jorge; Martínez-Huélamo, Miriam; Rinaldi Alvarenga, José Fernando; Leal, Leonel Neto;
Lamuela-Raventos, Rosa M. (2014). "A comprehensive study on the phenolic profile of widely used culinary herbs and spices:
Rosemary, thyme, oregano, cinnamon, cumin and bay". Food Chemistry. 154: 299–
307. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.12.106. PMID 24518346.
"Rosemary | Professional". Drugs.com. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
"Rosmarinus officinalis (Angustifolia Group) 'Benenden Blue'". Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 5 March 2021.