Advancing Functional Food Innovation: A Patent Landscape Analysis of Lamiaceae Bioactives Through Cooperative Patent Classification Systems

Abstract

Medicinal plants from the Lamiaceae family hold significant promise as functional food ingredients due to their high content of essential dietary fiber and bioactive compounds. Lamiaceae plants are rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids, contributing to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study utilizes a comprehensive patent analysis to explore recent trends in functional foods developed from Lamiaceae plants. We examined patents from databases using Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) codes relevant to dietetic products and food compositions. Findings indicate a surge in patents related to Lamiaceae-based dietary supplements, particularly those targeting metabolic health, anti-aging, cognitive function, and bone and liver health. Mentha, Scutellaria, Salvia, and Perilla are the most represented genera, with dietary supplements showing potential in chronic disease prevention. This analysis highlights the growing commercial and therapeutic interest in Lamiaceae-derived functional foods, particularly for preventive health applications.