Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) contains rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid that provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds work by scavenging free radicals and inhibiting inflammatory enzymes like lipoxygenase.
Origin & History
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is an evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region, belonging to the Lamiaceae family. The leaves are extracted using various methods including water extraction, steam distillation for essential oil, and supercritical CO2 extraction, yielding phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and terpenes.
Scientific Research
The research dossier explicitly states that search results lack human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses on rosemary. Available data focus exclusively on in vitro mechanisms, particularly regarding SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interactions and ACE2 inhibition.
Preparation & Dosage
No clinically studied human dosage ranges are available. In vitro studies used rosemary water extract at 0.5-5.0 mg RE/mL for ACE2 inhibition and 33.3 mg RE/mL for spike protein suppression. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutritional Profile
Fresh rosemary (per 100g): Calories ~131 kcal, Carbohydrates ~20.7g, Dietary fiber ~14.1g, Protein ~3.3g, Fat ~5.9g (predominantly unsaturated). Key micronutrients: Vitamin C ~21.8mg (24% DV), Vitamin A ~2924 IU, Folate ~109µg (27% DV), Vitamin B6 ~0.34mg, Iron ~6.65mg (37% DV), Calcium ~317mg (32% DV), Magnesium ~22mg, Manganese ~0.96mg (48% DV), Potassium ~668mg. Primary bioactive compounds: Carnosic acid (~1.5–2.5% dry weight, principal antioxidative diterpene), Carnosol (~0.2–0.9% dry weight, co-antioxidant diterpene), Rosmarinic acid (~0.5–2.0% dry weight, phenolic ester with anti-inflammatory properties), Ursolic acid (~0.5% dry weight, pentacyclic triterpenoid), 1,8-Cineole/Eucalyptol (~35–55% of essential oil fraction), α-Pinene (~15–25% of essential oil fraction), Camphor (~10–20% of essential oil fraction), Luteolin and apigenin (flavonoids, trace amounts ~0.01–0.05% dry weight). Bioavailability notes: Carnosic acid and carnosol are lipid-soluble; absorption enhanced when consumed with dietary fat. Rosmarinic acid demonstrates moderate oral bioavailability (~3–5% in human studies), with peak plasma levels at ~0.5–1 hour post-ingestion. Essential oil volatile compounds are highly bioavailable via inhalation and transdermal routes. Typical culinary use (~1–2g dried herb per serving) delivers micronutrients in modest but non-negligible quantities; therapeutic concentrations of phenolics generally require standardized extracts. Water extraction (as in teas or the studied aqueous extracts) preferentially concentrates rosmarinic acid and water-soluble phenolics over lipophilic diterpenes.
How It Works
Rosemary's primary bioactive compounds rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid act as potent antioxidants by donating hydrogen atoms to neutralize free radicals. These phenolic compounds also inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes including lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase. In vitro studies suggest rosemary water extract may interfere with viral protein binding by blocking ACE2 receptor interactions.
Clinical Evidence
Current evidence for rosemary comes primarily from in vitro laboratory studies rather than human clinical trials. One preliminary study showed rosemary water extract inhibited SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-ACE2 interaction by 72.9% and demonstrated up to 99.5% ACE2 activity inhibition at 5.0 mg RE/mL concentration. Animal studies have demonstrated antioxidant effects, but human clinical data remains limited. Most research focuses on rosemary's chemical constituents rather than clinical outcomes in people.
Safety & Interactions
Rosemary is generally recognized as safe when used as a culinary herb or in typical supplement doses. High doses may cause gastrointestinal upset, allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, or skin irritation when applied topically. Rosemary may interact with anticoagulant medications due to potential blood-thinning effects. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid medicinal doses beyond normal culinary use, though food amounts are considered safe.
Also Known As
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the active ingredient in rosemary extract?
How much rosemary extract should I take daily?
Can rosemary help with COVID-19?
Does rosemary interact with blood thinners?
Is rosemary safe during pregnancy?
What is the difference between rosemary extract and fresh rosemary herb for health benefits?
Which form of rosemary is most bioavailable—water extract, oil, or powder?
What does current research show about rosemary's effectiveness for cognitive health versus antioxidant protection?
Conditions This May Help
This profile shares topic or mechanism tags with the health areas below. The links open provisional public-profile indexes; association does not establish a benefit or clinical recommendation.
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