The Therapeutic Potential of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Diterpenes for Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is one of the most economically important species of the family Lamiaceae. Native to the Mediterranean region, the plant is now widely distributed all over the world mainly due to its culinary, medicinal, and commercial uses including in the fragrance and food industries. Among the most important group of compounds isolated from the plant are the abietane-type phenolic diterpenes that account for most of the antioxidant and many pharmacological activities of the plant. Rosemary diterpenes have also been shown in recent years to inhibit neuronal cell death induced by a variety of agents both in vitro and in vivo. The therapeutic potential of these compounds for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is reviewed in this communication by giving special attention to the chemistry of the compounds along with the various pharmacological targets of the disease. The multifunctional nature of the compounds from the general antioxidant-mediated neuronal protection to other specific mechanisms including brain inflammation and amyloid beta (Aβ) formation, polymerisation, and pathologies is discussed.

Herbal Medicines as Neuroprotective Agent: A Mechanistic Approach

“…Carnosic acid, which was first Terminalia chebula (T. chebula -secretase which is one of the major proteolytic enzymes that process amyloid precursor protein. The mechanism behind its neuroprotective actions involves not only inhibition of AChE and β-amyloid deposits as well as antiBuChE (butyrylcholinesterase) activity [81]. Apart from above activities, it possesses cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic and antiinflammatory activities that also add on to its neuroprotective mechanism [82].…”

Impact of the Dietary Supplement CLOCK® on BDNF and Other Biochemical Measures Related to Cognitive Function and Health in Men and Women

“…A recent review of Rosemary explains the therapeutic role it may play to aid those with Alzheimer's disease [4]. Various studies have demonstrated that Rosemary's bioactives support brain health and may have a role in enhancing cognitive function [37].…”

“…This plant is used around the world for its culinary and medicinal uses, including use in both the food and fragrance industries. Rosemary is known for its powerful antioxidant properties and biologically active medicinal value [4]. The leaves are commonly used as a food additive.…”

“…The leaves are commonly used as a food additive. The plant has been used in traditional medicine, but also as an herbal treatment for inflammation, improving cognition, having anti-inflammatory and antidiuretic activity and protecting the liver [4,5]. Rosemary has been studied in animals and humans as a nonprescription aid for anti-anxiety and depression [6].…”

Going Back to the Good Old Days: The Merit of Crude Plant Drug Mixtures in the 21st Century

“…Accordingly, establishing their multifunctional role to tackle diseases like diabetes/obesity along with many other complex diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease) have been the focus of our research in recent years. Many review articles substantiating such drug-target approaches for complex diseases have also been published [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21]. Interestingly, many plant polyphenols are not only working through multifunctional mechanisms but also synergise to produce more pronounced effects.…”