Rosemary Extract (10:1)
Also known as: Rosemary extract, Rosemary leaf extract, Rosmarinus officinalis L. extract, Rosmarinus officinalis extract
Overview
Rosemary extract, derived from the leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis, is a concentrated botanical supplement known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A '10:1' extract signifies that ten parts of the raw herb are concentrated into one part of extract, enhancing its potency. It's primarily used to support cognitive function, provide antioxidant support, promote skin health, regulate mood, and improve metabolic health. The extract is rich in polyphenols like rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, which contribute to its beneficial effects. Research on rosemary extract ranges from animal studies to human trials, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, indicating a moderate to advanced level of research maturity.
Benefits
Rosemary extract exhibits several evidence-based benefits. Animal studies suggest it improves cognitive function, with a meta-analysis showing significant effect sizes in memory tasks. Its antioxidant activity is well-documented, demonstrated by increased phenolic and flavonoid content. In mice, rosemary extract has shown anti-inflammatory and antidepressant effects by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. A human study indicated that a supplement containing rosemary extract improved skin parameters like dullness and roughness. Preliminary evidence also suggests potential benefits for metabolic health, though more human data are needed. Most human data is limited to skin health and mood, while cognitive benefits are primarily observed in animal models.
How it works
Rosemary extract works through multiple biological pathways. Its antioxidant activity involves scavenging reactive oxygen species, reducing oxidative stress. Anti-inflammatory effects are achieved by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β and TNF-α. Neuroprotection may occur through modulation of neurotransmitter systems. The extract interacts with the central nervous system to enhance cognitive function and mood, the immune system to reduce inflammation, and the integumentary system to improve skin health. Molecular targets likely include the NF-κB pathway and antioxidant enzyme activation. The polyphenols in rosemary extract have moderate bioavailability, which can be influenced by the concentration and extraction method.
Side effects
Rosemary extract is generally considered safe when used in typical supplemental doses. Common side effects are rare, with mild gastrointestinal discomfort being the most frequently reported. No significant adverse effects have been reported in reviewed studies. However, potential interactions with anticoagulants and antihypertensives exist due to its bioactive compounds, necessitating caution for individuals on these medications. Due to limited data, it is advised to avoid rosemary extract during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Caution is also advised for children due to insufficient safety data. Overall, rosemary extract has a favorable safety profile, but awareness of potential interactions and contraindications is important.
Dosage
While a minimum effective dose is not definitively established, animal studies have used doses around 100 mg/kg. Human RCTs on skin health have used unspecified doses within multi-ingredient supplements. Typical supplemental doses range from 100 to 500 mg/day of a standardized extract (e.g., 10:1) to ensure consistent polyphenol content. Both acute and chronic administration have shown benefits in animals, suggesting chronic use may be needed for sustained effects. Co-administration with fats may enhance bioavailability. The maximum safe dose is not well defined, so it's important to adhere to recommended ranges and consult with a healthcare provider.
FAQs
Is rosemary extract safe for daily use?
Yes, rosemary extract is generally safe for daily use within typical supplemental doses. However, it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
How long before effects appear?
In animal studies, cognitive and anti-inflammatory effects have been observed within days to weeks. Human studies on skin benefits suggest effects may take several weeks of consistent use.
Can rosemary extract improve memory in humans?
The evidence is promising but limited. More randomized controlled trials in humans are needed to confirm the memory-enhancing effects of rosemary extract.
Does it interact with medications?
Rosemary extract may potentially interact with blood thinners and antihypertensives. Consult with a healthcare provider if you are currently taking these medications.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8851910/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies found that rosemary extract improved cognitive function in both intact and cognitively impaired rodents. The study reported significant effect sizes (SMDs) across multiple memory tasks, suggesting potential neuroprotective and cognition-enhancing effects. The high-quality meta-analysis used robust statistical methods to analyze the data.
- https://jcadonline.com/safety-effiacy-dietary-supplemet-aging-skin/ – This single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT found that a dietary supplement containing rosemary extract improved skin parameters such as dullness, texture, and erythema in human adults. The study suggests that rosemary extract may have benefits for aging skin. However, because the supplement contained multiple ingredients, the specific contribution of rosemary extract is not isolated.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01126/full – This controlled animal study in mice found that rosemary extract reduced serum levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α. These reductions correlated with antidepressant-like effects in the mice. While the study provides mechanistic insights into the anti-inflammatory and antidepressant effects of rosemary extract, the small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings.
- https://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol17no1/evaluation-of-antioxidant-activities-of-rosemary-rosmarinus-officinalis-l-essential-oil-and-different-types-of-solvent-extractions/ – This study evaluates the antioxidant activities of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) essential oil and different types of solvent extractions. It highlights the significant antioxidant properties of rosemary extract, demonstrated by increased total phenolic and flavonoid content and free radical scavenging activity in various solvent extracts. The research confirms rosemary's potential as a natural antioxidant source.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10534343/ – This study explores the potential of rosemary extract in preventing obesity-related conditions. While the evidence is preliminary, it suggests that rosemary extract may have a role in metabolic health. More high-quality human data are needed to confirm these findings and establish the extract's efficacy in preventing obesity-related issues.
