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Rosemary (rosemary officinalis), an aromatic herb native to the Mediterranean Sea, has long been stocked in kitchens around the world. But beyond its culinary appeal, rosemary is also gaining recognition for its impressive health benefits, especially when it comes to brain healthInflammation and immune function.
Research shows that rosemary may also be effective in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, the leading cause of dementia All over the world.
Historically, rosemary has been associated with Memory And mental clarity. In ancient Greece and Rome, students and scholars used rosemary in hopes of sharpening concentration and memory.
Modern science is finding that there may be something to it: In one study, people who inhaled the scent of rosemary performed better Memory Compared to tasks with odorless environments.
So, how does rosemary work on the brain? There are many mechanisms at work in this.
For starters, rosemary stimulates blood circulation, including to the brain, helping to deliver more oxygen and nutrients, which may improve mental clarity. It also has sedative properties; Some studies suggest it may reduce aroma Worry And improve sleep. Less stress can mean better focus and memory retention.
Rosemary contains compounds that interact with neurotransmitters in the brain. One such compound, 1,8-cineole, helps prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical essential for learning and memory. By preserving acetylcholine, rosemary may help support cognitive performance, especially as we age.
Another bonus? Rosemary is rich in antioxidants, which help protect brain cells from damage caused by oxidative stress – a major factor in cognitive decline.
Rosemary is rich in phytochemicals, plant compounds with health-promoting effects. One of the most powerful is carnosic acid, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that helps protect brain cells from damage, especially the damage associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
In 2025, researchers developed a stable version of carnosic acid called diAcCA. In promising pre-clinical studies, this compound improved memory, increased the number of synapses (connections between brain cells), and reduced harmful Alzheimer’s-related proteins like amyloid-beta and tau.
What’s particularly exciting is that diAcCA is active only in inflamed brain areas, which may minimize side effects. So far, studies on rats have shown no signs of toxicity and significant cognitive improvements, raising hopes that the next trials may be in humans.
Researchers also believe diAcCA may help treat other inflammatory conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease And Parkinson’s disease.
beyond brain health
The benefits of rosemary may extend far beyond the brain. It is traditionally used to ease digestion, relieve bloating, and reduce inflammation.
Compounds like rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid are known for their anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body. Rosemary may also benefit the skin – one review suggests it may help soothe acne and eczema, while carnosic acid may provide anti-aging benefits by protecting the skin from sun damage.
About the author
Deepa Kamdar is a Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice at Kingston University.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. read the original article,
Rosemary oil also has antimicrobial properties, which show promise in food preservation and potential pharmaceutical applications by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi.
For most people, rosemary is safe when used in food, tea, or aromatherapy. But concentrated doses or extracts may pose risks. Consuming large amounts may cause vomiting or, in rare cases, seizures – especially in people with epilepsy.
There is also a theoretical risk of rosemary stimulating uterine contractions, so pregnant people should avoid high doses. Because rosemary may interact with some medications — such as blood thinners — it’s best to check with a healthcare provider before taking large amounts as a supplement.
Rosemary is much more than just a kitchen ingredient. It is a natural remedy with ancient roots and modern scientific backing. As research continues, particularly into breakthrough compounds like diAcCA, rosemary may play an exciting role in the future treatment of Alzheimer’s and other chronic conditions.
In the meantime, incorporating a little rosemary into your life — whether in food, a cup of tea, or a breath of its scented oil — could be a small step with big health benefits.