Brief Introduction

Synonyms---

Rosmarinic Acid

Chemical Name: (2R)-2-[[(2E)-3-(3, 4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-1-oxo-2-propenyl]] oxy]-3 - (3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl) propanoic acid
Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₁₆O₈

Mol. Wt.: 360.31

Molecular Structure:

Rosmarinic acid is a natural polyphenol antioxidant carboxylic acid found in many Lamiaceae herbs used commonly as culinary herbs such as lemon balm, rosemary, oregano, sage, thyme and peppermint. Chemically, rosmarinic acid is an ester of caffeic acid with 3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl lactic acid. It is a red-orange powder that is slightly soluble in water, but well soluble in most organic solvents. Because of its antioxidant activity, it has beneficial effects in humans.

Carnosic Acid (Slavin)

Chemical Name: (4aR, 10aS)-5, 6-dihydroxy-1, 1-dimethyl-7-propan-2-yl-2, 3, 4, 9, 10,10a- hexahydrophenanthrene-4a-carboxylic acid
CAS No.: 3650-09-7

Molecular Formula: C₂₀H₂₈O₄

Mol. Wt.: 332.43392

Molecular Structure:

New research suggests Carnosic acid (CA), the active ingredient in the herb rosemary, is neuroprotective, without producing the serious adverse effects characteristic of many agents used to treat neurodegenerative disease. Studies show that CA activates a novel signaling pathway that protects brain cells from free radical damage, seen in stroke and other neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.

Carnosol and carnosic acid have been suggested to account for over 90% of the antioxidant properties of rosemary extract. Carnosol and carnosic acid are powerful inhibitors of lipid peroxidation in microsomal and liposomal systems, more effective than propyl gallate. Carnosol and carnosic acid are good scavengers of peroxyl radicals (CCl3O2.) generated by pulse radiolysis, with calculated rate constants of 1-3 x 10(6) M-1 s-1 and 2.7 x 10(7) M-1 s-1 respectively. Carnosic acid reacted with HOCl in such a way as to protect the protein alpha 1-antiproteinase against inactivation. Both carnosol and carnosic acid stimulated DNA damage in the bleomycin assay but they scavenged hydroxyl radicals in the deoxyribose assay. The calculated rate constants for reaction with .OH in the deoxyribose system for carnosol and carnosic acid were 8.7 x 10(10) M-1 s-1 and 5.9 x 10(10) M-1 s-1 respectively. Carnosic acid appears to scavenge H2O2, but it could also act as a substrate for the peroxidase system. Carnosic acid and carnosol reduce cytochrome c but with a rate constant significantly lower than that of O2(-.).

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant evergreen needle-like leaves. It is native to the Mediterranean region. It is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae, which also includes many other herbs. Rosemary is now cultivated widely in other parts of the world, although it thrives in a warm and relatively dry climate.

The name rosemary has nothing to do with the rose or the name Mary, but derives from the Latin name rosmarinus, which is from "dew" (ros) and "sea" (marinus), or "dew of the sea" — apparently because it is frequently found growing near the sea.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is widely used as a culinary herb, especially in Mediterranean dishes, and is also used as a fragrant additive in soaps and other cosmetics. Traditionally, rosemary has been used by herbalists to improve memory, relieve muscle pain and spasm, and stimulate hair growth, and support the circulatory and nervous systems. It is also believed to affect the menstrual cycle, act as an abortifacient (inducing miscarriage), relieve menstrual cramps, increase urine flow, and reduce kidney pain (for example, from kidney stones).

Rosemary contains a number of potentially biologically active compounds, including antioxidants such as Carnosic acid, Carnosol and rosmarinic acid. Other bioactive compounds include camphor (up to 20% in dry rosemary leaves), caffeic acid, ursolic acid, betulinic acid, rosmaridiphenol, and rosmanol.

Recently, rosemary has been reported to have strong antioxidant characteristics. The strong antioxidative activity of rosemary is caused mainly by phenolic diterpenes, carnosol, carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid. Like other antioxidants, it inhibits and fights free radicals. The results of a study suggest that carnosic acid, Carnosol and rosmarinic acid found in rosemary, may shield the brain from free radicals, lowering the risk of strokes and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Lou Gehrig's.

Carnosic acid and carnosol, the oil soluble component of the rosemary extract, are the most important active components of rosemary extract. They have been suggested to account for over 90% of the antioxidant properties of the extract. Carnosic acid and carnosol are powerful inhibitors of lipid peroxidation in microsomal and liposomal systems and are good scavengers of peroxyl radical and superoxide anion. Carnosic acid and carnosol have not only potent antioxidant activity but also anticarcinogenic properties.

Rosmarinic acid, the water soluble component of the rosemary extract, has shown antioxidant properties against lipid peroxidation and superoxide anion.

The Rosemary Extract used in dietary supplements is derived from the leaves and twigs of Rosmarinus officinalis L.

Benefits

• Anti-oxidant
• Protects brain cells from free radical damage, seen in stroke and other neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.

• Powerful inhibitors of lipid peroxidation in microsomal and liposomal systems

• Good scavengers of peroxyl radical and superoxide anion.

• Anticarcinogenic properties.

• Anti-bacterial
• Diaphoretic
• Calmative (Sedative)
• Anti-spasmodic
• Carminative
• Stomachic
• Emmenagogue
• Antipyretic
• Hypotensive
• Nervine
• Antidepressant

•Treat Graves' disease or hyperthyroidism

Mechanism

Refer to introduction of the main constituents.

Safety

Rosemary in culinary or therapeutic doses is generally safe. When rosemary is harvested appropriately and used within recommended guidelines, side effects are minimal.

A few instances of allergic skin reactions to topical preparations containing rosemary have been reported.

Recent European research has shown that rosemary interferes with the absorption of iron in the diet, which indicates that it should not be used internally by persons with iron deficiency anemia.

A toxicity study of the plant on rats has shown hepatoprotective and antimutagenic activities, however, precaution is necessary for those displaying allergic reaction or prone to epileptic seizures. Rosemary essential oil may have epileptogenic properties, as a handful of case reports over the past century have linked its use with seizures in otherwise healthy adults or children. Rosemary essential oil is potentially toxic if ingested. Large quantities of rosemary leaves can cause adverse reactions, such as coma, spasm, vomiting, and pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) that can be fatal. Avoid consuming large quantities of rosemary especially if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Dosage

• The typical dose is 300-900mg per day (usually in 2-3 doses throughout the day).
• Consult physicians for different condition specifics.

GNI’s Rosemary Extract Features and Benefits:

Rosemary Extract is one of GNI's most competitive products, with many advantages as list in the following, produced as our patent-pending process and know-how technology from Rosmarinus officinalis L.leaves and twigs

• Produced with pure water only

• High purity

• NO solvent - residual free

• Pesticide-free

• Crystal Bright Light Yellow in appearance

• High anti-bacteria, and longer shelf life

Product Specifications:

3%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 90% Rosmarinic Acid, HPLC

6%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 60% Carnosic Acid, HPLC