Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Pharmaceutical Sciences 1735-403X 32 4 2026 10 31 Rosemary and Melanoma: A Narrative Review of Bioactive Constituents and Therapeutic Pathways 497 519 10.34172/ps.43645 EN Elnaz Vafadar Moradi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9579-7451 Jalileh Jalali https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1136-1947 Mahboobeh Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5491-572X Behrang Rezvani Kakhki REVIEW 10.34172/ps.43645 2025 12 18 2026 05 17 Introduction: Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer characterized by rapid progression, metastasis, and resistance to conventional treatments. Despite advancements in targeted therapies, the need for novel, effective, and safer therapeutic strategies remains critical. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.; syn. Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.), a medicinal herb with potent bioactive compounds—including betulinic acid, carnosic acid, carnosol, rosmarinic acid, and ursolic acid—exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. This review aims to systematically assess the potential of rosemary and its constituents in melanoma prevention and treatment. Methods: A comprehensive literature review of all relevant in vivo and in vitro studies was conducted up to May 2026 using Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Studies examining rosemary and its main components, as well as their effects on melanoma cell lines and animal models, were analyzed. Results: Rosemary and its main components exert multidimensional anti-melanoma effects, modulating oncogenic signaling pathways, inducing apoptosis, suppressing proliferation, and disrupting focal adhesion to impair tumor invasiveness. They also enhance oxidative stress responses, influencing redox balance and ferroptosis induction in melanoma cells. Advances in nanotechnology-driven delivery systems have further optimized bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy, reinforcing the synergistic potential of rosemary extracts when combined with conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Conclusion: Rosemary and its bioactive compounds show strong potential in melanoma therapy, targeting metabolism, oxidative stress, and apoptosis while enhancing conventional treatments. However, clinical validation remains limited. Future research should focus on optimized formulations and combination therapies to establish their role in melanoma management.