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Organic Rosemary extract

Also known as: Rosemary, Organic Rosemary Extract, Salvia rosmarinus, Rosmarinus officinalis

Overview

Rosemary extract is derived from the leaves of the *Rosmarinus officinalis* plant, a widely recognized culinary herb and traditional medicine. It is primarily utilized for its potential cognitive-enhancing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin health properties. The extract is rich in beneficial polyphenols such as rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, as well as various essential oils. Research on rosemary extract is moderately developed, with a significant body of animal studies and a growing number of human clinical trials. While evidence quality varies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses predominantly support its cognitive effects in animal models, with high-quality randomized controlled trials in humans being less common but emerging, particularly for skin health applications. Its diverse phytochemical profile contributes to its broad range of observed biological activities.

Benefits

Rosemary extract offers several evidence-based benefits. It has shown significant **cognitive enhancement** in animal studies, with a 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrating improved learning and memory performance. These effects are linked to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, observed in both healthy and cognitively impaired rodents, with moderate to large effect sizes. Preclinical studies also highlight its **anti-inflammatory and antidepressant effects**, showing reductions in inflammatory markers (IL-1β, TNF-α) in the hippocampus and serum, modulation of gut microbiota, and alleviation of depressive-like behaviors in stressed mice. Furthermore, a 12-week human clinical study reported that a dietary supplement containing rosemary extract significantly reduced markers of glycative stress and advanced glycation end products (AGEs), leading to improvements in **skin texture, erythema, and overall skin quality**. While population-specific benefits are primarily documented in animal models, human data are emerging. The time course for benefits varies, with cognitive effects in animals observed with both acute and chronic administration, and skin benefits reported after approximately 12 weeks of supplementation.

How it works

Rosemary extract primarily exerts its beneficial effects through potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Its active compounds, notably rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, effectively scavenge free radicals and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In the brain, it modulates neuroinflammation by downregulating NF-κB signaling pathways and inhibiting microglial activation. These actions collectively contribute to its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. The absorption and bioavailability of rosemary extract's components can vary depending on the specific extract formulation, with lipophilic constituents potentially exhibiting variable systemic uptake.

Side effects

Rosemary extract is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic and dietary applications when consumed at recommended doses. Standard in vitro and in vivo assays have not indicated any genotoxicity at typical exposure levels. Adverse effects are rare but may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in individuals who are sensitive to its components. While no significant drug interactions or contraindications have been extensively documented, caution is advised for patients taking anticoagulants or those with known hypersensitivity to rosemary. Although human randomized controlled trials on rosemary extract are still limited, the existing safety data are consistent with a favorable safety profile. Users should always adhere to recommended dosages and consult a healthcare professional if they have pre-existing conditions or are on medication.

Dosage

Minimum effective doses for rosemary extract in humans are not yet firmly established, as animal studies have utilized variable doses standardized to active constituents. Human supplementation studies, particularly for skin health, have employed formulations containing rosemary extract in combination with cofactors, administered over a period of 12 weeks. Optimal dosing is likely dependent on the specific concentration of the extract and the intended therapeutic purpose. It is generally recommended to use standardized extracts with quantified levels of active compounds like rosmarinic acid or carnosic acid. For cognitive and skin benefits, chronic administration appears to be more effective, while acute effects are less documented in human studies. Bioavailability of the active compounds may be enhanced when formulated with lipids or other cofactors.

FAQs

Is rosemary extract safe for daily use?

Yes, rosemary extract is generally considered safe for daily use at recommended doses, with a low risk of adverse effects. However, sensitive individuals might experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort.

Does it improve memory in humans?

Evidence from animal studies is promising for memory improvement. However, more high-quality human clinical trials are needed to definitively confirm its efficacy in humans.

How long before effects are seen?

Cognitive benefits in animal models can appear within days to weeks. For skin health, human studies reported improvements after approximately 12 weeks of consistent supplementation.

Can it be combined with other supplements?

Generally, rosemary extract can be combined with other supplements. However, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider, especially if you are currently taking any medications.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8851910/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies (Hussain et al., 2022) found that rosemary extract significantly improved learning and memory performance in rodents, with moderate to large effect sizes. The study suggests that these cognitive benefits are mediated by antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, providing strong preclinical evidence for its neuroprotective potential.
https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/rosmar062014FR.pdf – This safety assessment by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel (2014) concludes that rosemary extract is safe for use in cosmetic and dietary applications at typical concentrations. The report reviews genotoxicity data and general safety profiles, supporting its favorable safety status when used as directed.
https://jcadonline.com/reversing-oxinflammation-gylcative-stress-rosemary/ – This human clinical study (Guiotto et al., 2025) investigated a supplement containing rosemary extract and reported that 12 weeks of supplementation significantly reduced markers of glycative stress and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Participants also experienced improvements in skin texture, erythema, and overall skin quality, indicating its potential for skin health benefits.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01126/full – This preclinical study (Guo et al., 2018) demonstrated that rosemary extract reduced depressive-like behaviors and inflammatory markers in stressed mice. The research also indicated that rosemary extract modulated gut microbiota, providing mechanistic insights into its potential antidepressant and anti-inflammatory effects in animal models.