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Rosemary Glycerite Liquid Extract

Also known as: Salvia rosmarinus, Rosemary, Rosemary glycerite liquid extract, Rosmarinus officinalis

Overview

Rosemary glycerite liquid extract is a concentrated, alcohol-free preparation of the Rosmarinus officinalis herb, utilizing glycerin as a solvent. This botanical supplement is rich in polyphenolic compounds like rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and carnosol, which are recognized for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Traditionally used in culinary and medicinal contexts, its primary applications in supplement form include cognitive enhancement, support for metabolic health (particularly lipid metabolism), and general anti-inflammatory effects. While extensive preclinical research supports the benefits of rosemary extracts, specific clinical data on the glycerite liquid extract form are limited, with most evidence derived from studies on whole extracts or isolated compounds.

Benefits

Rosemary extracts demonstrate promising benefits, particularly in metabolic regulation and cognitive function. In animal studies, rosemary extract supplementation has been shown to reduce liver fat accumulation, decrease total cholesterol and triglycerides in liver tissue, and increase plasma HDL cholesterol, while decreasing plasma triglycerides in rats on a high-fat diet. These metabolic improvements are linked to increased glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion and modulation of gut microbiota. For cognitive enhancement, a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies indicated that rosemary extract significantly improved cognitive performance in both normal and cognitively impaired animals, with moderate to large effect sizes. This suggests robust cognition-enhancing effects across various species and memory tasks. While the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of rosemary polyphenols are believed to contribute to neuroprotection and metabolic health, clinical evidence specifically for these broader effects remains limited.

How it works

Rosemary extract exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms. Its metabolic benefits are thought to be mediated by an increase in GLP-1 secretion, which subsequently enhances fatty acid oxidation enzymes in the liver, leading to improved lipid metabolism and reduced hepatic fat. The cognitive benefits are primarily attributed to the extract's antioxidant activity, its ability to modulate neurotransmitter systems, and its anti-inflammatory effects within the brain. Additionally, rosemary polyphenols may influence the composition of gut microbiota, which can indirectly impact systemic metabolic and neurological health. While glycerite extracts may offer improved tolerability due to their alcohol-free nature, specific pharmacokinetic data regarding the bioavailability of active compounds in this particular form are currently scarce.

Side effects

Rosemary extracts are generally considered safe when consumed in typical dietary or supplemental amounts. Adverse effects are rare but may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. There is limited documented evidence of significant drug interactions or contraindications specifically for rosemary glycerite extracts. However, due to the general lack of comprehensive data, caution is advised for pregnant individuals and those taking anticoagulant medications, as specific research in these populations is insufficient. Users should always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if they have pre-existing medical conditions or are on other medications.

Dosage

Specific human dosing guidelines for rosemary glycerite liquid extracts are not well-established, as most research has been conducted on animal models or with different forms of rosemary extract. Animal studies have utilized doses equivalent to 1–4 grams per kilogram of feed, but direct translation to human dosage is complex and not yet standardized. For cognitive effects, various extract types and doses have been explored in research, but a consistent human dosage has not been determined. Glycerite extracts are typically administered in liquid form, and dosage is often guided by traditional use or the recommendations of a qualified healthcare practitioner. Due to the lack of specific clinical data, upper limits and safety thresholds for this particular form are not clearly defined.

FAQs

Is rosemary glycerite extract effective for cognition?

Preclinical evidence strongly supports cognitive benefits of rosemary extracts generally, but specific clinical data on the glycerite liquid extract form are limited.

Is it safe?

Generally, rosemary extracts are considered safe. However, clinical safety data specifically for glycerite forms are sparse, and caution is advised for certain populations.

How long before effects appear?

Animal studies showed cognitive benefits with both acute and chronic administration, but human response times for glycerite extracts are not well-defined.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10534343/ – This controlled animal study investigated the effects of rosemary extract on metabolic parameters in rats fed a high-fat diet. It found that supplementation significantly reduced liver fat, plasma triglycerides, and increased HDL cholesterol, linking these benefits to increased GLP-1 and fatty acid oxidation enzymes. The study highlights potential benefits for obesity-related metabolic dysfunction, though it is limited by its small sample size and animal model.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35170682/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized findings from 23 animal studies on the cognitive effects of rosemary extract. It concluded that rosemary extract significantly improved memory and cognition in both normal and cognitively impaired animals, with robust effect sizes. Despite high heterogeneity, the consistent positive effects across various extract types and memory tasks suggest strong preclinical evidence for cognitive enhancement.
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPEROFILES/250556_PROTOCOL_20231116.pdf – This PROSPERO-registered systematic review protocol outlines an upcoming analysis of rosemary extract's effects on metabolic parameters, including triglycerides and glycemic control. It signifies ongoing efforts to rigorously synthesize existing high-quality evidence regarding rosemary's impact on metabolic health, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of its potential benefits.