Identification and Quantification of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Leaf Extract Phytochemical Profiles Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Background and objectives: In Palestine, herbal medicine is widespread, with rosemary being one of the most commonly utilized herbs. However, its usage is more closely associated with traditional customs passed down through generations than scientific research. Rosemary contains secondary metabolites that have broad applications in folk medicine and the culinary sector. The research aim was the extraction of Rosmarinus officinalis L. leaves collected from different locations, followed by GC-MS analysis and phytochemical testing. Materials and Methods: Samples of rosemary leaves were gathered from various locations in the Southern Region of the West Bank, including Raqah, Khilt Al-Adrah, Umm Lasfah village, Hebron City and Bani Naim. The air-dried leaves were powdered and subjected to extraction using two different concentrations of methanol (80 and 90%). The evaluation of the methanol extracts of rosemary leaves was done using two extraction methods (room temperature and reflux) using GC-MS while the photochemistry of these extracts was studied using different tests. Results: The GC-MS revealed the presence of numerous volatile compounds, each showing varying levels across the samples. Common volatile compounds detected in all samples included 3-carene, camphene, Eucalyptol, camphor, borneol, isobornyl acetate, bornyl acetate and caryophyllene. Phytochemical analysis of the rosemary leaves revealed the presence of compounds such as cardiac glycosides, phenolic groups, coumarin, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpenoids in all samples. Interestingly, alkaloids were found only in the leaves of the Raqaa and Bani Naim samples. Conclusion: The Palestinian rosemary is rich in phytochemicals; thus, rosemary leaves are recommended for medicinal purposes.