Herb Linked to Better Memory, Lower Anxiety, and Alzheimer’s Protection

Consuming a small amount of rosemary, whether through meals, tea, or oil, can offer a surprisingly large number of benefits. The aromatic herb native to the Mediterranean region has many capabilities. It can enhance the flavors of meat, vegetables, and other foods, as well as settle an upset stomach.

Rosemary has long been a staple in kitchens worldwide. In recent years, the herb has been found in the laboratories of researchers investigating the plant’s effects on brain health, inflammation, and immune function.

Rosemary has traditionally been associated with enhancing memory and mental clarity. For instance, students and scholars in ancient Greece and Rome used rosemary in the hope of improving concentration and memory.

More recently, studies have shown that rosemary may improve mental clarity by stimulating blood circulation, which provides the body, including the brain, with more nutrients and oxygen. Studies also suggest that the herb’s aroma has a calming effect, which may reduce anxiety and improve sleep.

Due to its numerous properties, scientists are even investigating whether rosemary may aid in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive disease that causes a gradual decline in cognitive abilities. More than seven million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Rosemary’s Carnosic Acid Subject of Research

In recent years, scientists have been studying carnosic acid, a compound found in rosemary, and its impact on Alzheimer’s disease. Carnosic acid is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that works by activating enzymes that are part of the body’s natural defense system.

While pure carnosic acid is not stable enough for drug use, scientists at Scripps Research created a stable form called diAcCA. The gut converts this compound into carnosic acid before being absorbed into the bloodstream.

In their study, scientists used diAcCa to treat mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. The investigators conducted behavioral tests to assess the spatial learning and memory of the mice. They then analyzed the brain tissue of the mice under a microscope.

The researchers found that diAcCa improved memory and increased the number of synapses (the connections between nerve cells) in the brain. Since the decline of neuronal synapses is closely linked to dementia in Alzheimer’s disease, researchers believe the compound could slow down the progression of cognitive decline.

Additionally, an analysis of tissue samples showed that diAcCa also decreased inflammation in the brain. Researchers say what is unique about the drug is that it is activated by the same inflammation that it then fights, and is only active in areas of the brain undergoing inflammatory damage.
According to the scientists, this type of selectivity limits the potential side effects of carnosic acid, which is on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s “generally regarded as safe” list, easing the way for clinical trials.

“By combating inflammation and oxidative stress with this diAcCA compound, we actually increased the number of synapses in the brain,” Dr. Stuart Lipton, the senior author and a clinical neurologist in La Jolla, California, said in a new release about the study, published in the Antioxidants journal in February.

The drug also decreased amyloid-beta and tau, the proteins that are thought to trigger Alzheimer’s disease and serve as biomarkers of the disease process, Dr. Lipton said.

In addition to Alzheimer’s disease, researchers believe diAcCA could help treat other inflammatory conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and Parkinson’s disease.

Dr. Lipton hopes diAcCA can be fast-tracked through clinical trials due to its safety profile. He believes it could also be explored as a treatment for other inflammation-related disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson’s disease.

Rosemary’s Benefits Go Beyond The Brain

Rosemary’s health benefits are so varied that they not only target the brain, but can affect other parts of the body. For example, the herb can help with:

• Digestion

• Skin problems Rosemary can help soothe inflamed skin caused by chronic inflammatory conditions, such as acne and eczema. Additionally, research suggests that carnosic acid may help protect the skin against sun damage.

• Stopping microorganisms from growing Rosemary oil has antimicrobial properties that can help preserve food and prevent the spread of bacteria, fungi, and other organisms.

Is Rosemary Safe?

For the most part, rosemary is safe to consume or to use for aromatherapy. However, consuming large amounts of rosemary can cause stomach and intestinal irritation, kidney damage, vomiting, and in rare cases, seizures, particularly in people with epilepsy.

Rosemary can also interact with blood thinners and other medications, which is why it is best to speak with a healthcare provider before taking large amounts in supplement form.

Meanwhile, researchers plan to continue studying compounds like diAcCA to see how they might help improve human health. According to the scientists at Scripps Research, the mice tolerated diAcCA well and showed no signs of toxicity, which raises hopes that the compound can be tested on humans. This suggests that rosemary could play a key role in future treatments for Alzheimer’s and other chronic conditions, while continuing to add its unique flavor to a wide variety of foods.

Source Links:

https://theconversation.com/rosemary-has-been-linked-to-better-memory-lower-anxiety-and-even-protection-from-alzheimers-256920
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250310/Compound-found-in-rosemary-shows-promise-for-Alzheimers-treatment.aspx
https://www.scripps.edu/news-and-events/press-room/2025/20250319-lipton-alzheimers.html
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26941822/
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures