Rosemary Leaf Supercritical Co2 Extract
Also known as: Rosemary, Romarin, Rosmarinus officinalis L.
Overview
Rosemary (*Rosmarinus officinalis L.*) is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region, known for its aromatic leaves. The supercritical CO₂ extract of rosemary leaves is utilized across various industries, including food, cosmetics, and dietary supplements, primarily for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential anti-tumor effects. The extract is rich in phenolic diterpenes, particularly carnosic acid and carnosol, which are attributed to its biological activities. Research on rosemary leaf extracts is well-established, demonstrating substantial antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, although systematic reviews and meta-analyses on this specific extract are limited.
Benefits
Rosemary leaf extracts exhibit several evidence-based benefits: 1) **Antioxidant Activity**: Significantly enhances antioxidant activity in edible oils, with peak performance at 300 mg/kg extract enriched with carnosic acid and carnosol (p < 0.001). 2) **Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Tumor Effects**: Demonstrated potent effects in preclinical models. 3) **Antimicrobial Activity**: Effective against a range of microorganisms. 4) **Skin Conditioning**: Used in cosmetics for skin benefits. These effects, while promising, primarily derive from in vitro studies and animal models, necessitating further clinical trials to validate findings in human populations.
How it works
The biological activity of rosemary extracts is primarily mediated through its bioactive compounds, carnosic acid and carnosol, which scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. These compounds modulate inflammatory cytokines and enzyme activities to exert their anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, the supercritical CO₂ extraction method enhances the bioavailability of these compounds, enabling better absorption and efficacy within the body.
Side effects
Rosemary leaf extracts are generally considered safe for most individuals when used appropriately. Common side effects (>5%) are not reported, although mild skin irritation or allergic reactions may occur in 1-5% of cases. No significant rare side effects (<1%) have been documented. Caution is advised when combined with medications metabolized by the liver, and its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well-researched. Individuals with known allergies to rosemary or its family (Lamiaceae) should avoid its use. Special caution is recommended for children and the elderly due to limited research on these population groups.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of rosemary extract varies; for antioxidant activity in oils, it's around 100 mg/kg. Optimal dosage ranges for food applications are between 100-300 mg/kg, while cosmetic formulations typically use 1-5% of the extract. Studies suggest that doses up to 8.5 g/kg are safe in animals, but human data is limited; therefore, exceeding recommended dietary supplement levels should be avoided. There are no specific timing recommendations for supplementation, but using supercritical CO₂ extracts is advisable due to their enhanced bioactive content and absorption.
FAQs
Is rosemary extract safe?
Rosemary extracts are generally safe. Individuals with allergies or sensitivities should take caution, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider.
Are there specific times for administration?
There are no specific timing recommendations for rosemary extract administration.
What results can I expect?
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects are expected, but their magnitude may vary individually.
Can rosemary extract cure diseases?
Rosemary extracts are not a cure-all but can support a healthy lifestyle.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23196869/ – This study demonstrated that rosemary extracts enhance the antioxidant activity index (AAI) in various edible oils, marking significant improvements at specific concentrations.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/7/4/77 – Preclinical studies highlighted the potent anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects of supercritical extracts of rosemary leaves in animal models.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/13/16/2295 – This safety assessment review confirms that rosemary-derived ingredients are safe for use in cosmetics and summarize findings from various toxicity studies.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17827696/ – The study supports the antimicrobial properties of rosemary extracts against several microorganisms, highlighting their potential applications.
- https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/rosmar062014FR.pdf – This comprehensive review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel concluded that rosemary extracts are safe in cosmetic formulations and have a favorable safety profile.