ABSTRACT
Plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family have traditionally and historically found numerous applications across the world as flavouring agents, in food preservation, and as sources of medicinally active compounds. Each species has a unique blend of bioactive compounds which allows them to have antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties. This chapter focusses on the diverse health benefits that the plants of the Lamiaceae family provide and their mechanism of action. One of the most important active ingredients of almost all plants of this family, rosamarinic acid, is described in detail covering the diverse beneficial functions of the compound and its applicability as a source of novel functional foods that can cater to demand for health-promoting foods which have become an important component in improving well-being and overall health.
