Rosemary And Anti-Inflammatory Properties: A Closer Look

Introduction

Inflammation is the immune system responding to harmful stimuli caused by pathogens, toxic compounds, irradiation, or damaged cells. It's a natural defence mechanism that we need to keep in control. Uncontrolled inflammation can become chronic and lead to various chronic inflammatory diseases. Inflammation can cause redness, swelling, heat, pain, and loss of tissue function, which can be uncomfortable. When our body is exposed to certain harmful factors such as infections, injuries, or heart attacks, it can trigger a response called inflammation. This happens because these factors can cause damage to our tissues, which our body tries to heal by sending immune cells to the affected area.

Unfortunately, the inflammatory response is typical in many chronic diseases. Our bodies identify harmful agents using special receptors called Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs). These receptors work like detectors that recognise and respond to threats like infections, injuries, or other damaging factors. After identification, this system starts inflammatory pathways and then releases inflammatory markers. This process is vital in protecting the body against potential harm, making PRRs critical to maintaining overall health. Inflammatory cells are recruited, leading to chronic inflammation, but it is possible to stop this! ¹

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a versatile herb that is both flavorful and medicinally beneficial. Its thick, aromatic leaves add a rich, spicy flavour to various culinary dishes. Moreover, rosemary has been widely used as a medicinal herb due to its astringent, spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, carminative, antirheumatic, analgesic, antimicrobial, and hypotensive properties. Many have lauded its remarkable benefits, making it an essential ingredient in the kitchen and the medicine cabinet. ²

Chronic inflammation can lead to various diseases, but nature provides a natural herb with anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we will discuss how rosemary compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, and we will do so by uncovering their chemical composition, mechanisms of action, and health benefits. Therefore, we can discover how specific components of rosemary can help reduce inflammation. This will provide valuable information on the potential health benefits of incorporating rosemary into our diet or as a supplement for inflammation-related conditions.

The chemical composition of rosemary

Rosemary is a plant rich in polyphenolic compounds known for their antioxidant properties. These compounds include carnosic acid, carnosol, rosmarinic acid, and hesperidin. Moreover, rosemary extract contains antioxidants, including cyclic diterpene diphenols, carnosolic acid, carnosol, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and diterpenoids.

Rosemary oil contains several chemical compounds with antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. The composition of rosemary essential oil varies depending on the source and method of extraction.

Aside from decreasing inflammation, rosemary can also balance blood sugar levels, support liver health, and combat germs. These are some of the ways rosemary benefits overall health and well-being. These properties are related to rosemary's phenolic compound constituents, such as caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, and carnosic acid.

Diosmin and hesperidin are compounds found in rosemary extract that work together to provide antioxidant benefits. This means they help protect cells from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals. In addition, the rosemary extract contains other caffeic acid derivates that react with present metal ions to form chelates, which consequently react with peroxide radicals and stabilise these free radicals.³

Mechanisms of anti-inflammatory action

Rosemary has anti-inflammatory effects that work by targeting several mechanisms in the body. There are a few ways by which rosemary compounds can combat inflammation in the body:

Protein inhibition

Rosemary blocks certain proteins that trigger inflammation, which helps decrease the production of molecules that cause swelling and pain.

Pathway control

Rosemary regulates the interaction between cells involved in inflammation. This can lower the body's reaction to inflammation, including reducing the release of chemicals that cause discomfort.

Activation of antioxidants

Rosemary activates enzymes that act like natural antioxidants. These enzymes help protect our cells from damage caused by harmful molecules, which can contribute to reducing inflammation.

Reduction of pro-inflammatory substances

Rosemary stops the body from making substances that promote inflammation, like those involved in swelling and irritation. This helps reduce overall levels of inflammation in the body.

Combatting oxidative stress

Rosemary contains antioxidants that fight against harmful molecules called free radicals, which can cause inflammation and damage the body.⁴

In summary, rosemary can control multiple processes that contribute to inflammation in the body. Rosemary is a promising natural remedy for inflammatory conditions, but further research is needed to determine its full therapeutic potential and how it can be used in clinical settings.

Anti-inflammatory properties of rosemary in vivo

Compounds like rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and carnosol, which are present in rosemary, have shown impressive anti-inflammatory effects in studies using animals with various inflammatory issues. These compounds found in rosemary have shown effectiveness in reducing swelling, alleviating acute liver injury, easing symptoms of asthma and colitis, and even improving arthritis symptoms. Rosemary compounds have different anti-inflammatory benefits, showing the potential for tackling various inflammatory conditions. Researchers determined these effects by measuring specific markers of inflammation in the body. Reductions in biomarkers after treatment with Rosemary show its potential to tackle inflammation and oxidative stress.⁵

Rosmarinic acid, especially, has potent anti-inflammatory effects. It can stop the activation of hormones, which contributes to shock-induced low blood pressure and decreased platelets. Rosemary is a natural way to help reduce inflammation, and rosmarinic acid may be especially worth considering.⁷

Rosemary and its components have potential anti-inflammatory properties for treating diseases. Further research is needed based on observed effects on inflammatory biomarkers and varied administration methods and doses.

Health benefits and potential applications

Rosemary, a fragrant herb commonly used in cooking, has been shown to have several health benefits, according to a review of studies. Here is a detailed summary of the benefits of rosemary extract in various health conditions:

Heart health

Rosemary can improve heart function by reducing the enlargement of the heart muscles (cardiac muscle hypertrophy), improving relaxation of the heart chambers (diastolic function), and enhancing heart function and structure. It may also protect against heart muscle damage following a heart attack.

Liver health

Rosemary helps repair liver damage caused by certain antibiotics. It also aids in preventing excessive weight gain and fat build-up, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Brain health

Rosemary protects the brain, particularly when blood flow is restricted (cerebral ischemia). It reduces brain issues and keeps healthy blood lipid levels, which are important for preventing stroke-related problems.

Infections

Rosemary helps control the formation of microbial biofilms, which can be beneficial in combating drug-resistant microorganisms.

Heavy metal toxicity

Rosemary protects against liver and kidney damage caused by exposure to lead and other heavy metals, helping mitigate the harmful effects of heavy metal toxicity in the body.

Anxiety and stress relief

Rosemary has noticeable calming effects and can reduce anxiety, offering a natural alternative to medications that may have unwanted side effects.

Cancer prevention

Rosemary can reduce the growth of the tumour cells by interfering with their ability to multiply and promoting their natural cell death (apoptosis), which may contribute to cancer prevention.⁶

More research is needed to fully understand how rosemary works and which specific components are involved in these health benefits.

However, it is promising that it can offer effective and potentially safer alternatives or complementary treatments to traditional medications with fewer associated side effects.

Safety and considerations

One possible risk linked to rosemary oil is skin irritation and allergic reactions. While it is considered non-irritating and non-sensitizing when applied to human skin, it can be moderately irritating when applied undiluted to rabbit skin. Hypersensitive people may experience erythema and dermatitis when using bath preparations, cosmetics, and rosemary oil toiletries. 

Another potential risk associated with rosemary oil is ingesting large amounts of camphor, a compound found in rosemary oil. Camphor can cause epileptiform convulsions and other neurological symptoms in humans when taken orally in sufficient quantities. 

While the clinical relevance of this is unclear, it is essential to exercise caution when using rosemary oil in conjunction with other medications, especially those used to treat diabetes or other conditions affecting blood sugar levels. 

Pregnant women should avoid using rosemary in large amounts as it may cause miscarriage or affect the menstrual cycle. Rosemary is considered to be an abortifacient, and its emmenagogue properties can affect the menstrual cycle. 

In conclusion, while rosemary has a long history of medicinal use, potential risks associated with its use should be considered. Before using it medicinally, further research is necessary to understand its benefits and risks.⁷

Summary

Rosemary is a powerhouse herb that contains several potent compounds that can combat inflammation in the body. These compounds work through various mechanisms to tackle inflammation, which can lead to multiple health benefits like improved heart and liver function, pain relief, and even cancer prevention. Rosemary can be adopted to manage inflammation-related conditions as a natural and safer alternative to conventional medications, which often can bring adverse side effects. However, more research is needed to understand how to use rosemary safely and effectively. Incorporating rosemary into your diet or as a supplement can harness its anti-inflammatory potential and contribute to overall wellness.