How Rosemary and Sage May Combat Alzheimer’s Disease

by Darrell Griffin, president of PureAudacity.com

Imagine sprinkling rosemary on your roast and hearing, “That herb might shield your brain from Alzheimer’s!” Sounds like a culinary miracle, right? Not so fast. A recent study has created a buzz about a compound in rosemary and sage possibly aiding Alzheimer’s prevention, but before you add them to every dish, let's explain. Spoiler alert: it’s groundbreaking science, but far from a herbal cure.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional healthcare advice. Always seek advice from a certified healthcare provider before altering your diet, lifestyle, or treatment for Alzheimer’s or any medical condition. I am not a doctor. I am a 73 year old retired writer that stays young by reading everything about aging I can get my hands on.  

Why Is This Study Making Waves?

Here's the rundown. Scientists from the Scripps Research Institute published a study in the journal Antioxidants earlier this year, offering significant potential. They focused on a compound known as carnosic acid, present in rosemary and sage—the very herbs sitting in your spice rack. This compound might be a breakthrough for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, which impacts memory and cognition due to brain cell damage.

The study is exciting because of compelling outcomes in mice with Alzheimer 's-like symptoms. When administered a carnosic acid-based drug, the mice showed increased brain cells (neurons) and enhanced connections (synapses). Furthermore, inflammation decreased, and their learning and memory improved. In scientific terms, this is a significant finding. Piu Banerjee, a postdoctoral researcher, and neurologist Dr. Stuart Lipton from Scripps shared with Fox News Digital, “We observed notable enhancements in neuron and synapse numbers, which benefited the mice’s learning and memory.”

But, before getting overly enthusiastic, they clarify this isn’t yet a cure. They express “cautious optimism” that this research could lead to substantial developments, like a new drug for Alzheimer’s treatment. They stated, “We’re hopeful for human trials based on our animal research.” That’s scientific jargon for, “This is promising, but further work is necessary.”

The Remarkable Potential of Carnosic Acid

Let's dive into why carnosic acid stands out. It possesses impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are key players given that Alzheimer’s is characterized by oxidative stress (akin to corrosive action in the brain) and inflammation (an aggravated state in the brain). These detrimental factors harm neurons, disrupting brain functions.

Here's the fascinating part: carnosic acid functions as a prodrug. Essentially, it enters the body in an inactive form but activates when it encounters oxidative stress or inflammation. Banerjee noted, “It specifically targets stressed cells and leaves the healthy ones untouched.” This approach could potentially result in fewer side effects compared to other medications that impact everything indiscriminately. Moreover, it might alleviate the inflammation linked with existing Alzheimer’s treatments, such as anti-amyloid antibody therapies, which can sometimes worsen the condition before improving it.

In theory, carnosic acid could act as a valiant hero, calming the brain's tumult with minimal collateral damage. However, it’s crucial to understand that ingesting a sprig of rosemary isn't a straightforward solution.

The Caveat: Don't Rush to the Kitchen Just Yet

Now, you might be tempted to think, "I'll just stock up on rosemary and sage!" Not so fast. Researchers emphasized that cooking with these herbs doesn't replicate the brain-enhancing effects observed with the drug they studied. Banerjee explained, “Consuming large amounts of herbs won’t yield the same outcomes.” You’d need to consume an impractical quantity of rosemary or sage to intake sufficient carnosic acid, which isn’t safe or feasible. Additionally, cooking alters the herbs’ chemical composition, potentially affecting the efficacy of carnosic acid.

It's also important to note that the study was conducted with mice, not humans. Courtney Kloske from the Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago highlighted to Fox News Digital that while mouse studies provide insight into mechanisms, they don't provide the full picture. “Human studies involving real participants are necessary to confirm the results,” she asserted. Mice and human brains differ significantly, and what aids a mouse might not benefit a loved one.

Dr. Lee Murray, a neurologist based in Jackson, Tennessee, concurred. “This is preliminary research,” he stated. “It’s promising, but insufficient evidence exists to advocate rosemary and sage as Alzheimer’s treatments.” In summary, don't turn your kitchen into a herb haven just yet.

Future Directions for This Herb-Inspired Medication

Researchers are optimistic about the future applications of this work. They aim to initiate human clinical trials soon, marking a significant advancement. These trials will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the carnosic acid-based medication for Alzheimer’s patients. Banerjee is hopeful: “If successful, this could present a valuable new treatment option for those battling Alzheimer’s.” However, she remains cautious, acknowledging the study's limitations, such as its reliance on mouse models.

The National Institutes of Health provided partial funding for the study, indicating some credible support. However, scientific research is a slow process, and clinical trials involving humans can span several years. Even if everything progresses smoothly, it will take some time before this medication reaches pharmacies—if it ever does. Meanwhile, the researchers remain hopeful and are diligently working to bring it to fruition.

The Importance for Alzheimer’s

Let's take a broader view for a moment. Alzheimer’s is a devastating condition. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, approximately 6.7 million Americans over the age of 65 will be affected by 2025, and this number will continue to rise as life expectancy increases. It’s more than just misplacing your car keys—it’s a progressive disorder that erodes memories, autonomy, and eventually, lives. It places a significant emotional and financial strain on families and caretakers.

Currently, available treatments for Alzheimer’s are limited. Medications like anti-amyloid antibodies may slow disease progression in some individuals, but they aren’t a cure and can have side effects like brain swelling or bleeding. If a drug based on carnosic acid could help reduce inflammation and safeguard brain cells, it might complement these existing treatments, offering patients a better chance to retain their memories. That’s the goal, anyway.

This research also serves as a reminder that nature is a valuable source for medicinal advancements. Rosemary and sage have long been used in traditional remedies, and now science is uncovering their potential benefits. However, transforming a plant-based compound into an approved medication is a lengthy and complex journey, and we are just at the starting point.

The Broader Perspective: Patience is Essential

So, what's the takeaway for now? Continue to enjoy rosemary and sage for their delicious flavors, not as a means to preserve brain health. As Kloske frankly stated: “Nobody should be consuming these herbs or carnosic acid to prevent or treat Alzheimer’s.” The scientific evidence isn't yet available, and attempting self-treatment may cause more harm than benefit.

Despite this, neurologist Murray is optimistic. “This data is promising,” he noted. “It suggests new potential treatments for the future.” That's the nature of scientific inquiry—it's gradual progress, but each advance is significant.

Meanwhile, if you or a loved one faces Alzheimer’s, consulting a doctor about the best available options is crucial. Lifestyle modifications—such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and keeping your brain active—can aid brain health, even if they don’t offer a cure. Who knows? Someday, a medication inspired by your favorite culinary herbs might be part of the answer.

Conclusion

The discovery of carnosic acid is akin to finding a new and intriguing piece in the Alzheimer’s puzzle. It’s promising, but not yet complete. Researchers are working diligently, and we’ll have to wait to see if this herb-driven medicine proves effective. In the meantime, enjoy your rosemary-infused dishes, but don’t count on them for brain health. Science is on the task, and that’s reason for optimism.

Disclaimer: The purpose of this article is solely informational and should not be considered medical advice. It is essential to seek guidance from a qualified healthcare expert prior to adjusting your diet, lifestyle, or any medical treatment plan for Alzheimer’s or any other health condition.