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Rosemary leaf standardized extract

Also known as: Rosemary, rosemary leaf extract, rosemary leaf standardized extract, Salvia rosmarinus, Rosmarinus officinalis L.

Overview

Rosmarinus officinalis L., commonly known as rosemary, is a Mediterranean herb from which standardized extracts are derived. These extracts contain a rich profile of bioactive compounds, including rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and carnosic acid, along with essential oils. Traditionally used in culinary and medicinal practices, rosemary leaf standardized extract is primarily recognized for its potential in cognitive enhancement, antioxidant support, anti-inflammatory properties, and benefits for skin health. While preclinical studies, particularly in animal models, provide strong evidence for its effects, human clinical data are emerging but still limited. The research maturity is moderate, with a growing body of evidence supporting its therapeutic potential.

Benefits

Rosemary leaf standardized extract offers several evidence-based benefits. It shows strong potential for cognitive enhancement, with a systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 animal studies demonstrating significant improvements in cognitive function in both normal and cognitively impaired rodents. The standardized mean differences (SMD) were 1.19 for intact animals and 0.57 for impaired animals, indicating robust effects across species and extract types. Rosemary is also a potent antioxidant, rich in compounds like rosmarinic acid, which reduce oxidative stress and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). A double-blind, placebo-controlled human study found that a rosemary extract formulation significantly decreased skin AGEs and oxidative stress markers, leading to improved skin quality parameters such as texture, erythema, and pore size after 12 weeks. Additionally, there is ongoing research into its potential metabolic benefits, particularly concerning diabetes-related parameters, as indicated by a registered systematic review protocol. Limited human data also suggest possible improvements in mood and reduction of stress, though these findings require further validation.

How it works

The therapeutic effects of rosemary extract are primarily mediated by its rich content of bioactive compounds, notably rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid. These compounds exert their cognitive benefits through a combination of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective actions. They modulate oxidative stress pathways, inhibit acetylcholinesterase to enhance cholinergic neurotransmission, and reduce neuroinflammation. The antiglycation effects, particularly relevant for skin health, involve reversing AGE crosslinks and mitigating oxidative damage to proteins. While the bioavailability of individual compounds like rosmarinic acid is moderate when taken orally, standardized extracts are formulated to optimize the consistent delivery of these active constituents, ensuring a more predictable biological response by interacting with various body systems to reduce cellular damage and improve neuronal function.

Side effects

Rosemary leaf standardized extract is generally considered safe, with human studies reporting minimal side effects. When adverse effects do occur, they are typically rare and mild, potentially including gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications that have been extensively documented in high-quality research. However, specific populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, lack sufficient safety data, and therefore, caution is advised for these groups. It is important to note that while the safety profile appears favorable, long-term human studies are still limited, and individuals with pre-existing conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation.

Dosage

Optimal dosing for rosemary leaf standardized extract in humans is still being established, but current human studies on skin and cognition typically utilize standardized extracts containing quantified levels of rosmarinic acid or carnosic acid. Doses commonly range from 100 to 500 mg daily. For cognitive benefits, the precise optimal dosage and timing in humans are yet to be definitively determined, though animal studies have employed various dosages. The effectiveness of the supplement is highly dependent on extract standardization, which ensures consistent levels of the active bioactive compounds. It is crucial to use products that specify their standardization to guarantee a reliable and consistent dose. Upper limits and safety thresholds for long-term use in humans are not fully established, so adherence to recommended dosages and consultation with a healthcare provider are advisable.

FAQs

Is rosemary leaf extract effective for memory?

Strong animal evidence supports cognitive enhancement, showing significant improvements in memory and cognitive function. Human data are promising but still limited and require further validation.

Is it safe for long-term use?

Current evidence suggests a good safety profile with minimal side effects. However, comprehensive long-term human studies are limited, so caution and professional advice are recommended.

How quickly can I expect to see effects?

In animal studies, cognitive effects can occur with both acute and chronic administration. For skin benefits, human studies observed improvements after approximately 12 weeks of consistent use.

Can rosemary extract replace my current medications?

No, rosemary extract is a complementary supplement and should not be used as a substitute for prescribed medications or treatments. Always consult your doctor before making changes to your medication regimen.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8851910/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 animal studies found that rosemary extract significantly improved cognitive function in both normal and cognitively impaired rodents. The study highlighted robust effects across various species and extract types, despite some heterogeneity in methodologies, suggesting strong preclinical evidence for cognitive enhancement.
https://jcadonline.com/reversing-oxinflammation-gylcative-stress-rosemary/ – A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial demonstrated that a rosemary extract formulation effectively reduced skin advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and oxidative stress markers. This led to significant improvements in skin quality parameters, such as texture, erythema, and pore size, after 12 weeks of supplementation, supporting its benefits for skin health.
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPEROFILES/250556_PROTOCOL_20231116.pdf – This is a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis registered with PROSPERO, outlining the plan to evaluate the effects of rosemary on diabetes-related parameters in animal models. It indicates ongoing research interest in rosemary's potential metabolic benefits, though no results are published yet.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35170682/ – This PubMed entry corresponds to the same meta-analysis as PMC8851910, confirming the significant cognitive improvement observed with rosemary extract in animal studies. It reinforces the preclinical evidence for rosemary's neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266370 – This article provides general information on rosemary, including its traditional uses and potential health benefits. While not a primary research source, it offers a broader context on rosemary's applications, including its potential for mood and stress reduction, which requires further scientific validation.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/jfbc/5519628 – This source likely discusses the chemical composition and biological activities of rosemary, focusing on its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It contributes to understanding the 'how it works' aspect by detailing the mechanisms of action of rosemary's bioactive compounds.
https://www.bjournal.org/article/cognition-enhancing-effect-of-rosemary-rosmarinus-officinalis-l-in-lab-animal-studies-a-systematic-review-and-meta-analysis/ – This article is another reference to the systematic review and meta-analysis on rosemary's cognition-enhancing effects in animal studies. It further solidifies the evidence for rosemary's impact on cognitive function in preclinical models, emphasizing the need for human trials.