Your Favorite Herb Could Soon Become a Key Treatment for Alzheimer's

Published: Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 9:33 am

Rosemary Compound Shows Promise in Alzheimer's Treatment

New research suggests a compound derived from rosemary could offer a novel approach to treating Alzheimer's disease. Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have developed diAcCA, an oral medication based on carnosic acid (CA), a natural antioxidant found in rosemary and sage. The study, published in the journal *Antioxidants*, indicates diAcCA may hold therapeutic potential.

Carnosic acid, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, is believed to combat the inflammation and oxidative stress associated with Alzheimer's progression. While CA in its pure form is unstable, researchers successfully created diAcCA, a stable form that converts to carnosic acid in the gut after consumption.

In mouse models, diAcCA demonstrated promising results. The compound delivered therapeutic doses of carnosic acid to the brain, leading to improved memory and increased synaptic density. The treatment also significantly reduced brain inflammation. Researchers noted a decrease in misfolded proteins, such as phosphorylated-tau and amyloid-β, which are considered key triggers and biomarkers of Alzheimer's.

A key advantage of diAcCA is its targeted action. The drug is activated solely by the inflammation it combats, potentially limiting side effects. Furthermore, carnosic acid is already listed on the FDA's "generally regarded as safe" (GRAS) list, which could streamline the process for future clinical trials in humans. Researchers believe diAcCA could complement existing Alzheimer's treatments, potentially enhancing their effectiveness and mitigating side effects. The team is also exploring the potential of diAcCA for other inflammatory disorders, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and Parkinson's disease.

BNN's Perspective: The research on diAcCA is encouraging, offering a potential new avenue for treating Alzheimer's disease. While the findings are preliminary and require further investigation, the use of a naturally occurring compound with a good safety profile is a positive development. The potential for this treatment to work in conjunction with existing therapies is particularly promising, and the exploration of its application to other inflammatory diseases is a welcome prospect.

Keywords: rosemary, Alzheimer's disease, diAcCA, carnosic acid, inflammation, oxidative stress, memory, synaptic density, treatment, drug, research, Scripps Research Institute, antioxidants, GRAS, clinical trials

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