Exploring the Potential of Rosemary Derived Compounds (Rosmarinic and Carnosic Acids) as Cancer Therapeutics: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Cancer is a global health challenge with high morbidity and mortality rates. However, conventional cancer treatment methods often have severe side effects and limited success rates. In the last decade, extensive research has been conducted to develop safe, and efficient alternative treatments that do not have the limitations of existing anticancer medicines. Plant-derived compounds have shown promise in cancer treatment for their anti-carcinogenic and anti-proliferative properties. Rosmarinic acid (RA) and carnosic acid (CA) are potent polyphenolic compounds found in rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) extract. They have been extensively studied for their biological properties, which include anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. In addition, RA and CA have demonstrated effective anti-proliferative properties against various cancers, making them promising targets for extensive research to develop candidate or leading compounds for cancer treatment. This review discusses and summarizes the anti-tumor effect of RA and CA against various cancers and highlights the involved biochemical and mechanistic pathways.

Bioactive Glasses Modulate Anticancer Activity and Other Polyphenol-Related Properties of Polyphenol-Loaded PCL/Bioactive Glass Composites

“…Among the many different types of polyphenols, those derived from sage (Salvia officinalis L.) are already being considered in cancer treatment. Sage extracts have been reported to have high anticancer activity in a number of different cancer cells. − Furthermore, there is ample evidence that rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and carnosol, the main polyphenolic compounds (PPh) of sage extracts (also extract used in this study), have potent anticancer activity against many types of cancer cells, including OS. ,,, …”

“…The great interest in polyphenols is due to their multifaceted antitumor activity, including modulation of pathways associated with cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, metastasis, and cell death . Importantly, their selective activity may minimize the side effects of traditional cancer treatments (radiotherapy, chemotherapy) by specifically targeting cancer cells without affecting normal cells . Polyphenols have also been shown to improve the sensitivity of cancer cells, including OS and multidrug-resistant cells, to chemotherapy …”

“… 27 Importantly, their selective activity may minimize the side effects of traditional cancer treatments (radiotherapy, chemotherapy) by specifically targeting cancer cells without affecting normal cells. 28 Polyphenols have also been shown to improve the sensitivity of cancer cells, including OS and multidrug-resistant cells, to chemotherapy. 29 …”

“… 30 − 32 Furthermore, there is ample evidence that rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and carnosol, the main polyphenolic compounds (PPh) of sage extracts (also extract used in this study 33 ), have potent anticancer activity against many types of cancer cells, including OS. 5 , 28 , 34 , 35 …”