Rosemary Leaf Glycerite Liquid Extract
Also known as: Rosemary, Rosemary leaf glycerite liquid extract, Rosmarinus officinalis L.
Overview
Rosemary leaf glycerite liquid extract is a concentrated liquid preparation derived from the leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis, a Mediterranean herb. It is prepared using glycerin as a solvent, which helps preserve both water-soluble and some lipophilic bioactive compounds such as rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, diterpenes, and hydroxycinnamic derivatives. Traditionally, rosemary extracts are valued for their diverse therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic, anxiolytic, and cognitive-enhancing effects. While research on rosemary is moderately mature, with numerous in vivo and in vitro studies, and some clinical trials supporting its effects, systematic reviews specifically on glycerite extracts are limited. The glycerite form offers a palatable and stable alternative to alcohol-based tinctures, making it a popular choice in herbal supplementation.
Benefits
Rosemary leaf extract offers several evidence-based benefits. It demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects, as shown in animal studies where it reduced liver damage markers (ALT, AST, bilirubin) induced by toxins, indicating liver protection. It also exhibits hypolipidemic effects, leading to significant reductions in total cholesterol, phospholipids, triacylglycerols, and atherogenic index in treated animals. For pain relief, both the extract and isolated compounds like ursolic acid and oleanolic acid have shown significant antinociceptive effects in animal models, sometimes synergistically with NSAIDs. Neuropsychological benefits include reduced anxiety and depression-like behaviors, enhanced memory, and improved sleep quality, with human studies showing 500 mg twice daily for one month improved memory and reduced anxiety in university students. Additionally, rosemary extract has antimicrobial properties, inhibiting microorganisms like Candida spp. that cause oral infections.
How it works
Rosemary's therapeutic actions are primarily attributed to its rich content of bioactive compounds. Its antioxidant activity stems mainly from rosmarinic acid and other polyphenols, which scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. Anti-inflammatory effects are achieved through the modulation of inflammatory mediators and enzymes, such as COX inhibition and cytokine suppression. Hepatoprotective effects are likely mediated by enhancing the body's antioxidant defense systems and reducing liver enzyme leakage. The analgesic effects may involve the inhibition of nociceptive pathways and synergistic interactions with pain medications. Neuroactive effects are thought to involve the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (ChE), modulation of various neurotransmitters, and activation of anxiolytic pathways. Rosmarinic acid, a key compound, is water-soluble and bioavailable, and glycerite extracts are designed to preserve these beneficial compounds.
Side effects
Rosemary leaf extracts are generally considered safe at traditional doses. However, some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea. Caution is advised with high doses or prolonged use, as this may lead to chronic toxicity. Rosemary is not recommended for pregnant individuals due to potential effects on uterine contractions, nor for those with bleeding disorders because of its potential blood-thinning effects. It may interact with certain medications, including anticoagulants (blood thinners) and antihypertensive drugs, due to its influence on blood pressure and coagulation pathways. While controlled trials at typical doses have not reported significant adverse effects, individuals on medication or with pre-existing health conditions should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Dosage
Human studies investigating cognitive and anxiolytic effects of rosemary leaf extract have typically used a dose of 500 mg twice daily. For a glycerite liquid extract, the exact equivalent dosage in humans is less defined and depends on the concentration and standardization of active compounds, such as rosmarinic acid content. It is important to align the dosage with traditional extract equivalents. Doses used in animal studies are scaled to body weight and provide a basis for research but are not directly transferable to human dosing. For optimal absorption and to minimize potential gastrointestinal side effects, it is generally recommended to take divided doses with meals. Glycerite extracts may offer improved palatability and stability compared to alcohol-based tinctures, which can influence adherence to dosing regimens. There are no specific upper limits defined for glycerite extracts, but caution is advised with prolonged high-dose use.
FAQs
Is rosemary leaf glycerite extract effective for memory?
Yes, evidence suggests modest cognitive benefits. A human study showed that 500 mg twice daily of rosemary leaf extract for one month improved memory and reduced anxiety in university students.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Short-term use appears safe. However, data on long-term safety, especially at high doses, is limited, so caution is advised for prolonged high-dose use.
Can it be combined with painkillers?
Animal data suggest potential synergistic analgesic effects with NSAIDs like ketorolac. However, human data are lacking, so consult a healthcare professional before combining.
How quickly do benefits appear?
Cognitive and anxiolytic effects have been observed after approximately four weeks of consistent use. Anti-inflammatory effects may vary depending on the condition and individual response.
Research Sources
- https://jbiomedsci.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12929-019-0499-8 – This animal randomized controlled trial evaluated rosemary leaf extract's effects on gentamicin-induced liver injury and pain. It demonstrated significant hepatoprotection, evidenced by reduced ALT, AST, and bilirubin levels, and notable antinociceptive effects, with statistically significant results (p < 0.05). The study's limitation is its animal model, which may not directly translate to human outcomes.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7491497/ – This systematic review synthesized evidence on rosemary's therapeutic effects, including its anxiolytic, antidepressant, and cognitive benefits. It included human randomized controlled trials with adequate sample sizes (n≥30), highlighting that 500 mg of rosemary extract twice daily improved memory and reduced anxiety with statistical significance. A limitation noted was the heterogeneity across included studies regarding extract types and dosages.
- https://naturalingredient.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/herbalmonographs.pdf – This comprehensive monograph from the Natural Ingredient Resource Center provides a review of rosemary leaf's safety, traditional uses, and potential side effects, drawing from multiple clinical and preclinical studies. It emphasizes the importance of caution regarding high doses and prolonged use, serving as a valuable resource for understanding the overall safety profile of rosemary.