Spanish Rosemary Extract
Also known as: Spanish rosemary, rosemary extract, Salvia rosmarinus, Rosmarinus officinalis
Overview
Spanish rosemary extract is derived from the leaves of the Mediterranean herb *Rosmarinus officinalis* (recently reclassified as *Salvia rosmarinus*). It is rich in bioactive compounds such as carnosic acid, carnosol, and rosmarinic acid, which contribute to its diverse therapeutic properties. This botanical extract is primarily investigated for its potential in cognitive enhancement, as well as its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Emerging research also suggests antidepressant properties. While preclinical studies, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, provide strong evidence for many of its benefits, human clinical data are still developing, with varying strengths of evidence across different applications. It is generally considered safe at typical supplemental doses.
Benefits
Spanish rosemary extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research. For **cognitive function**, a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies demonstrated significant improvements in models of cognitive deficit, showing consistent results across various tasks and species. The strength of evidence for this benefit is high in preclinical settings. Its **antimicrobial** properties have been shown in vitro, where it inhibits the growth of pathogens like *Trichomonas vaginalis* and *Candida albicans*, suggesting potential for treating infections, though clinical efficacy is not yet established. **Anticancer** effects have been observed in vitro and in animal xenograft models of colon cancer, where the extract exhibited antiproliferative actions by inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated necrosis and inhibiting cancer cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, it has shown **antidepressant** effects in mouse models of chronic stress, reducing depressive-like behaviors likely through anti-inflammatory mechanisms in the hippocampus and modulation of gut microbiota. While these benefits are promising, most high-quality data are from preclinical or animal studies, and human clinical trials are limited.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Spanish rosemary extract are primarily attributed to its bioactive compounds, particularly carnosic acid and carnosol. These compounds function as potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, modulating oxidative stress pathways, such as the Nrf2 transcription factor, and influencing inflammatory cytokines. In cancer cells, the extract selectively induces reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to cell death, while simultaneously protecting normal cells by inducing antioxidant enzymes. Its cognitive benefits are thought to involve the modulation of neurotransmitter systems and neuroprotection against oxidative damage. Antimicrobial effects arise from the disruption of microbial cell membranes and inhibition of pathogen growth. The antidepressant properties are linked to its ability to suppress neuroinflammation and restore balance within the gut microbiota.
Side effects
Spanish rosemary extract is generally regarded as safe when consumed at typical supplemental doses. Extensive in vitro and in vivo assays have not indicated any genotoxicity. While high doses, such as 500 mg/kg/day in rats, have shown some hormonal changes, no major toxicity was observed. In humans, side effects are rare but may include mild allergic reactions or gastrointestinal upset. The potential for interactions with medications, particularly anticoagulants or drugs metabolized by liver enzymes, has not been extensively studied, warranting caution. Contraindications are not well-defined, and due to limited data, caution is advised for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
Dosage
There is no universally standardized dosing for Spanish rosemary extract, as human clinical data are limited. Animal studies have utilized a wide range of doses, often equivalent to several hundred milligrams per kilogram in humans. Some human trials have safely used doses of 500 mg/day of rosemary extract. The timing of administration and the form of the extract (e.g., whole extract versus isolated constituents) may influence its efficacy. Chronic administration appears to be more effective for achieving cognitive benefits. Due to the lipophilic nature of its active diterpenes, co-administration with fats may enhance the bioavailability and absorption of the extract. It is crucial to adhere to product-specific recommendations or consult with a healthcare professional to determine an appropriate and safe dosage, especially given the lack of extensive human data.
FAQs
Is Spanish rosemary extract safe for long-term use?
Current data suggest safety at moderate doses, but long-term human studies are lacking, so definitive conclusions cannot be made regarding extended use.
Does it improve memory in humans?
Evidence is promising in animal studies, showing cognitive improvements. However, human data are limited and currently inconclusive, requiring further research.
Can it be used as an antimicrobial?
In vitro data support its antimicrobial activity against certain pathogens, but its clinical efficacy as an antimicrobial in humans has not yet been established.
Are there drug interactions?
Drug interactions are not well studied. Caution is advised, especially with anticoagulants and other medications, until more research is available.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8851910/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies investigated the effects of rosemary extract on cognitive function. It found significant cognitive improvement in models of cognitive deficit, with robust results across various tasks and species, indicating high-quality preclinical evidence for its neurocognitive benefits.
- https://brieflands.com/articles/gct-92867 – This study explored the antimicrobial properties of rosemary extract. It demonstrated that rosemary extract can inhibit the growth of pathogens such as *Trichomonas vaginalis* and *Candida albicans* in vitro, suggesting its potential as an antimicrobial agent, though clinical application requires further investigation.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6349921/ – This preclinical study, using in vitro and in vivo colon cancer models, showed that rosemary extract has antiproliferative effects. It induced ROS-mediated necrosis in cancer cells and inhibited tumor growth, migration, and invasion in mouse xenografts, highlighting its potential anticancer properties.
- https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/rosmar062014FR.pdf – This safety assessment report evaluated the genotoxicity of rosemary extract. It concluded that rosemary extract did not show genotoxic effects in multiple in vitro and in vivo assays, supporting its general safety profile at typical supplemental doses.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01126/full – This animal study investigated the antidepressant effects of rosemary extract in a chronic restraint stress mouse model. It found that rosemary extract reduced depressive-like behaviors, inflammation, and gut dysbiosis, suggesting its potential role in managing stress-related mood disorders through neuroinflammation and gut microbiota modulation.
