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What is Rosmarinic Acid?

L. Roux
L. Roux

Rosmarinic acid is a natural acid that is found in a variety of herbs, such as oregano and rosemary. It is often used as a food flavoring and preservative in many commercial products. Rosmarinic acid has antioxidant properties. It has also been suggested that it may help patients who suffer from Alzheimer's disease and also help to strengthen the memory in general.

As a polyphenol antioxidant, rosmarinic acid may help to reduce the damage that is caused by free radicals in the cells. Antioxidants also help to strengthen the body's immune system, which can increase the body's ability to fight infections and certain diseases. Studies have shown that rosmarinic acid may be particularly effective against peroxynitrites, oxidants that are believed to play a role in Alzheimer's disease. Rosmarinic acid's antioxidant abilities are considered to be stronger than those of vitamin E.

Oregano naturally contains rosmarinic acid.
Oregano naturally contains rosmarinic acid.

Research has also suggested that rosmarinic acid may help to prevent cancerous cells from multiplying in the body. It may also prevents these cancerous cells from binding with the cell's DNA. This may help slow the spread of cancer throughout the body.

Since rosmarinic acid has been seen to increase circulation in the body, it might also be able to promote hair growth. It may also help to reduce the production of leukotriene B4, a chemical in the body that might cause hair loss. Rosmarinic acid may also help to keep the scalp moisturized.

Rosmarinic acid may relieve some symptoms caused by seasonal allergens.
Rosmarinic acid may relieve some symptoms caused by seasonal allergens.

Many aromatherapists may also use rosmarinic acid to treat conditions like stress and anxiety. It may also be used as a mood enhancer and also to alter pain perception. Studies have also shown that this natural acid may help to increase alertness in patients as well.

When rosmaric acid enters the body, it breaks down into various other forms, including ferulic acid and coumaric acid. Ferulic acid is an organic compound that is often used to manufacture various aromatic compounds. Coumaric acid may help to reduce stomach cancers.

Rosmarinic acid may help strengthen the memory of Alzheimer's patients.
Rosmarinic acid may help strengthen the memory of Alzheimer's patients.

It is believed that rosmarinic acid may help to reduce the effects of upper airway allergies like sinusitis and hay fever. It helps to reduce the infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes into the nostrils without any side effects. It also helps to reduce seasonal allergies by inhibiting eye-related symptoms in patients.

No severe side effects have been reported for rosmarinic acid. Since it is a herbal extract, it is generally considered to be natural and safe to use. To treat specific symptoms, an accurate dosage should be acquired from a healthcare practitioner.

Discussion Comments

Vincenzo

@Logicfest -- true, but always remember that using these product in addition to that real medicine you mentioned might actually help what ails you. I agree it would be foolhardy to use some herbal supplement in place of medicine prescribed by a doctor for a serious condition, but taking supplements certainly couldn't hurt anything in most cases.

Some of the herbal cures that are popular have been used as remedies for various conditions since ancient times. Perhaps they do work well.

As for rosmarinic acid, I sure hope that stuff works. I'm nuts for Italian food and that stuff is brimming with oregano. If I'm eating well and getting a healthy, herbal treatment out of it, that's just a bonus.

Logicfest

Here's the problem with foods that are supposed to aid in healing or prevent bad things from happening -- there's really no standard way of testing them so that we know they actually do what their makers claim they will. Normally, that's not much of a problem but there are people out there that will take these supplements instead of real, tested medicine and that can be dangerous.

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    • Oregano naturally contains rosmarinic acid.
      By: Taiga
      Oregano naturally contains rosmarinic acid.
    • Rosmarinic acid may relieve some symptoms caused by seasonal allergens.
      By: jovanmandic
      Rosmarinic acid may relieve some symptoms caused by seasonal allergens.
    • Rosmarinic acid may help strengthen the memory of Alzheimer's patients.
      By: chuugo
      Rosmarinic acid may help strengthen the memory of Alzheimer's patients.
    • Rosmarinic acid may be used to relieve sinus pain and pressure.
      By: bsites
      Rosmarinic acid may be used to relieve sinus pain and pressure.