A study of the variability of Rosemary and Sage and their volatile oils on the British market: Their antioxidative properties

Rosemary and sage samples, both of dried herbs and essential oil, were obtained from various dealers and suppliers of the British market. Both species were also cultivated in Scotland for comparison of the oil characteristics. Dried samples were hydrodistilled, and all samples were analysed using GC. Herbal material was also examined under the light microscope for purity and cleanliness. There were considerable variations between the samples and the resulting problems are discussed. Scottish‐grown material was of very good quality compared with the imported samples. The antioxidative properties of the various rosemary and sage samples were determined and found to be variable based on geographical location and type of processing. There is a real need for natural antioxidants at a time when the synthetic moieties currently in use are receiving considerable attention with respect to their safety and acceptability.