Innovative use of Lamiaceae extracts in animal feeding-stuffs and nutritional supplementations: a patent-based analysis

Abstract The use of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), particularly those from the Lamiaceae family, has gained remarkable attention in animal nutrition due to their bioactive compounds such as phenolics, terpenes, and flavonoids. These compounds offer multiple benefits, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and growth-promoting properties, making them ideal candidates for incorporation into feeding products and nutritional supplements specially adapted for animals. This study presents a comprehensive patent analysis to investigate the innovation landscape surrounding feeding-stuffs formulated with Lamiaceae extracts. Patent data was collected from specialized databases (Patentscope, The Lens, and Espacenet) and analyzed based on key International Patent Classification (IPC) codes: A23K (feeding-stuffs adapted for animals) and A61K36/53 ( Lamiaceae family). The analysis covered 485 patent documents published between 1977 and 2024, including patent applications, granted patents, and other document types. Results reveal a steady increase in patenting activity, with significant peaks observed in 2008, 2018, and 2021, reflecting the growing interest in natural feed formulations. China (83 documents) emerged as the leading jurisdiction, followed by the United States (74 documents) and Japan (69 documents). Major applicants, including Nestlé SA and Ralco Nutrition Inc., demonstrated a strong focus on leveraging Lamiaceae extracts in animal nutrition. The technological fields identified through IPC classifications emphasized the role of Lamiaceae in advancing sustainable animal nutrition. This study highlights the innovation potential of Lamiaceae- based feeding-stuffs, underlining their importance in enhancing livestock health and productivity while contributing to eco-friendly agricultural practices. Future research should explore synergistic applications and field validations to optimize their usage in commercial animal nutrition.