What is rosmarinic acid used for?

Rosmarinic acid is a natural phenolic acid compound widely present in the plant world and is an ester of hydroxycinnamic acid. Plants rich in rosemary acid include rosemary, mint, basil, perilla, sage, oregano, thyme, lavender, summer dead grass, etc., and are often found in leaves, flowers, stems, etc., and are secondary metabolites of plants. Our Xi'an Tongze Bio is mainly a concentrated form of active ingredient extracted from rosemary plant (Rosmarinus officinalis), which is a powerful natural polyphenol compound. As a water-soluble ingredient extracted from rosemary leaves, Rosmarinic acid powder retains the most valuable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in the plant while also present in the form of a powder that is easier to use and stored.

Scientific research shows that Rosmarinic acid has significant antioxidant activity and its antioxidant ability is 4 times that of vitamin E. This powder usually appears as a light brown to white fine powder with a slight herbal aroma and is easily soluble in water and alcohol, making it an ideal additive for the food, health products and cosmetics industries.

1.Strong antioxidant properties

Rosmarinic acid has a unique chemical structure - esters containing two catechol groups, which are the core capabilities that give it strong antioxidant properties. At the same time, multiple pathways are needed to play a role by directly removing free radicals, chelating metal ions, activating endogenous defense systems, and blocking lipid peroxide quadruple mechanisms. This is why it has been widely added to the food industry, cosmetic raw materials, as well as pharmaceuticals and health products.

In food processing, it is often used to add it to meat products and baked goods. It is used as a natural preservative protector, instead of synthetic antioxidants (such as BHA/BHT), extends the shelf life of food, delays the fading and spoilage of meat products, and inhibits the enzymatic browning of fruits and vegetables.

In the cosmetics industry, it is added to essences, face creams, sunscreens, or compounded with vitamin C/E, which will have better results and can protect collagen and elastic fibers.

In the health care industry, it is often added to oral capsules, tablets and solid beverages, and the recommended daily dose is 50-200 mg. It can be taken with breakfast to enhance absorption, and significant effects can be seen during continuous use for 8-12 weeks.

2.Anti-inflammatory effects

Anti-inflammatory effects are exerted by inhibiting the production of inflammatory factors, inhibiting the activity of inflammatory enzymes, and inhibiting inflammatory signaling pathways such as NF-κB. For patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, metabolic inflammation, neuroinflammation and respiratory inflammation, the inflammation can be alleviated.

For example, in patients with arthritis, daily supplementation of rosmarinic acid powder can significantly improve joint swelling and morning stiffness symptoms.

3.Neuroprotective effect

Rosmarinic acid can eliminate neurotoxic free radicals, suppress microglia inflammation storms, repair mitochondrial energy crisis and rebuild synaptic plasticity networks, thereby improving long-term enhancement and memory consolidation. This process is mainly a synergistic role of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Suitable for improving neurodegenerative diseases, acute brain injury, and age-related cognitive decline.

For Alzheimer's patients, rosemary acid can cross the blood-brain barrier, reduce beta-amyloid aggregation, and improve nerve cell communication. Alzheimer's disease model study showed that the cognitive function decline rate in the rosemary acid powder treatment group was slowed by 40%.

4.Cardiovascular Health Support

Rosmarinic acid protects the cardiovascular system mainly through four steps: protecting vascular endothelial function, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-thrombosis and improving myocardial injury, forming a four-dimensional defense network. It can effectively block the formation of oxidatively modified LDL, oxidatively modified LDL, regulate the activity of coagulation and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), and achieve the effect of fibrinolytic equilibrium.

For patients with hypertension, daily intake of 150 mg of rosemary acid can reduce diastolic blood pressure by an average of 5-7 mmHg. Mainly based on a 12-week study, rosemary acid powder helps maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

1.Common side effects

Digestive system discomfort, nausea, burning stomach, diarrhea, especially taking high doses can cause these discomforts. As well as patients with oral ulcers, liver and renal insufficiency and allergic people should use it under the management of a doctor and follow the doctor's instructions.

2.High-risk groups

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with coagulation dysfunction (hemophilia, thrombocytopenia), and people with estrogen-sensitive diseases (breast cancer, endometriosis), these groups are prohibited from using such products.

1.Zheng, W., & Wang, S. Y. (2001). Antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds in selected herbs. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 49(11), 5165–5170.

2.Habtemariam, S. (2019). The therapeutic potential of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) diterpenes for Alzheimer's disease. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019, 1–16.

3.Huang, S. S., et al. (2009). Rosmarinic acid ameliorates endothelial dysfunction via enhancing NO bioavailability. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, 46(2), 281–292.

4.Wang, J., et al. (2018). Rosmarinic acid protects against MPTP-induced toxicity by inhibiting α-synuclein aggregation. Neurochemical Research, 43(2), 294–303.

5.Ngo, S. N. T., et al. (2011). Acute and chronic toxicity of rosemary extract. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 49(9), 2101–2107