PRODUCTION OF ROSMARINIC ACID FROM SPEARMINT AND USES THEREOF

摘要

The present invention provides plants and plant tissues of spearmint (Men tha spicata) with enhanced rosmarinic acid levels, and extracts derived ther e from. Methods and compositions for production and use of rosmarinic acid f rom spearmint as a nutraceutical are also provided. In particular, an edible beverage derived from plant tissues of spearmint that comprise more than 77 .5 mg/g rosmarinic acid on a dry weight basis, is provided, as well as metho ds for making such a beverage and for using it to treat an inflammatory or i nfectious disease.