Tag: Phytochemistry

Studies have shown that the rosmarinic acid content in rosemary can range significantly, with some dried leaves containing a minimum of 3% hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, including rosmarinic acid. However, this figure is highly dependent on factors such as plant genetics, environmental conditions, and processing techniques.

Carrageenan is a linear sulfated polysaccharide extracted almost exclusively from red algae. Despite common confusion, brown algae do not contain carrageenan, but instead produce other polysaccharides like alginate and fucoidan. This distinction is critical for understanding the source and function of these different marine hydrocolloids used across the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

Over 10,000 different types of phytochemicals have been identified by scientists to date, with some estimates suggesting the number could be much higher. These bioactive plant compounds play many roles in nature and offer a wide array of potential health benefits when consumed by humans. The ongoing identification of phytochemicals highlights the vast and undiscovered potential hidden within the plant kingdom.