Essential oil from Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary essential oil, EORO) may improve cognitive function by activating the central nervous system. However, no scientific basis for the effect of EORO has been described. Therefore, we investigated the effect of EORO on Alzheimer's type dementia using model mice. Mice were administered EORO by inhalation. Then, scopolamine was used to prepare Alzheimer's type dementia model mice. To evaluate cognitive function, the Y‐maze test was used for assessment of short‐term memory. EORO produced a significant improvement in the rate of spontaneous alternation behavior. Furthermore, 1,8‐cineole, α‐pinene, and β‐pinene, the main components of EORO, were detected in the brain in a concentration‐dependent manner following inhalation of EORO. Thus, inhalation of EORO may improve cognitive function in a model of Alzheimer's type dementia. Components such as 1,8‐cineole and others are likely involved in the effects on the brain. Examination of the detailed mechanism of action of EORO is necessary for future clinical application.

Catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation of dehydroamino acid esters with biscarbamate protection was examined for the first time to prepare optically active amino acids. The new method was successfully applied to the synthesis of new cystine–glutamate exchanger inhibitors.

Invited for the cover of this issue is Tetsuro Shinada and co‐workers at Osaka City University and Suntory Foundation For Life Science. The image depicts new catalytic asymmetric synthesis (dragon ball), designed molecules (dragon), and the molecular target (xCT) on cancer cells (tiger). Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201900289.

A new cystine‐glutamate exchanger inhibitor was created through the development of a new catalytic asymmetric synthesis method. Rh‐catalyzed catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation of dehydro amino acid esters was expanded to the synthesis of chiral amino acid esters with bis‐carbamate protection. The new chemistry was successfully applied to the synthesis of N‐benzoyl diamino suberic acid, which showed potent inhibitory effects for cystine‐glutamate exchangers, a promising molecular target for cancer therapy. More information can be found in the Communication by T. Shinada et al. on page 5145.