Facts About Rosemary
Rosmarinic acid is a plant property or compound that is quite common in most plants and spices like oregano and in rosemary. Over the years, people have used plants that are rich in Rosmarinic acids both for medicinal purposes and for cooking.
It is found in different kinds of plants but varies in concentration. For example, rosmarinic acid is more concentrated in certain plants like;
- Mint, marjoram, salvia, rosemary, oregano, lemon balm, as well as in other Labiatae and Lamiaceae species of plants.
- Plants in the Boraginaceae family
- Hornworts and ferns
- In addition, pharmaceutical industries now include this acid in some of their products, especially in some supplements such as perilla extract supplement, lemon balm supplement, and Rosmarinic extract.
All of these combined have very high amounts of Rosmarinic acid in them.
The history of Rosmarinic acid can be traced back to 1958, when two Italian chemists isolated the compound from the plants and named it after the major plant, which was extracted from rosemary.
According to research, plants with high rosmarinic acid contents have high amounts of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. In addition, they have suggested that consuming Rosemarinic acid-rich foods in concentrated amounts can help in the reduction of certain chronic health conditions.
Some of the major functions of rosmarinic acid in the body include the defense of the body through the immune system, thus, preventing diseases and infections from gaining access into the body.
However, on the other hand, researchers have discovered that the effects rosmarinic acid has on people vary from person to person. In addition, asides from its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, it also has high amounts of antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, and pain-relieving effects. Some of the ailments rosmarinic acid is known to treat effectively include;
Rosmarinic acids, alongside other compounds like anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, are responsible for the therapeutic effects you feel after consuming plants like rosemary.
Does the name rosmarinic acid sound strange to you? This article elaborates on every detail you need to know and understand about this powerful plant compound called rosmarinic acid. It highlights the health benefits, the food sources of the compound, as well as the side effects of it when it is consumed in very large quantities.
Mind-blowing Health Benefits of Rosmarinic Acid
There are numerous health benefits that have been attached to rosmarinic acid. All of which have scientific backings.
Anti-inflammatory Benefits
Rosmarinic acid is a strong anti-inflammation and can be used to treat illnesses like asthma, arthritis, and atopic dermatitis, all of which have one similar symptom and trigger inflammation.
A survey carried out on asthmatic patients who consumed Rosmarinic acid-rich food sources, as well as rosemary extracts, experienced a significant improvement in the quality of their lives. They reported a reduction in the asthmatic activities in their bodies. Some of these activities that were eliminated include coughing, wheezing, and sputum production.
In addition, another survey of some people who are suffering from arthritis showed that, when they consumed rosemary extract, they experienced a reduction in muscle stiffness, as well as the promotion of smooth mobility and physical abilities. Also, further studies showed an improvement in the skin condition of people with an inflammatory skin disease known as dermatitis after they had consumed rosemary extract.
Antioxidant Effects
Rosmarinic acid is also a powerful antioxidant. One that can reduce the risks of damages caused to the cells by certain foreign bodies that gained access into the body. Being an antioxidant property, it neutralizes toxic compounds known as free radicals. Free radicals are harmful molecules that cause cellular damage. Rosmarinic acid also helps in the prevention of oxidative stress. It does this by interrupting the bodily process that may lead to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress, on the other hand, can trigger the production of free radicals and weaken the body’s natural defenses. In addition, oxidative stress is associated with an increase in the risks of illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and certain heart diseases.
Rtosmarinic acid, when consumed in reasonable amounts, either through food sources or through rosemary extract, can help reduce the risks of these chronic health conditions while boosting the immune system in the process. It boosts antioxidant enzymes while reducing oxidative stress that causes free radicals.
In addition, food producers use this extract as an ingredient for the slowing down of the food spoilage process.
Some of the other health benefits of rosmarinic acid include;
- Improves brain health; rosmarinic acid can protect the brain and improve cognitive functions. It can also help in the decline of brain deterioration, as well as the improvement of mood.
- Anti-allergies; rosmarinic acid helps in the protection of the body against allergies like watery eyes, itchy nose, and eyes. People who are allergic to some things when they consumed rosemary extract experienced milder feelings of allergies in 21 days of use.
- Maybe inhibit the growth of cancerous cells; research has found that rosemary extracts may reduce your risks of developing cancer. In other words, it may have anticancer effects and can inhibit the growth of cells that cause cancer.
- Rosmarinic acids also have antibacterial, antiviral, and antidiabetic effects.
Side Effects
Not much has been discovered to be the side effects of rosmarinic acid. However, researchers have discovered some mild effects rosmarinic acid may have on you. These side consequences come as a result of the excess consumption of the following;
- Mint tea
- Rosemary extract
- Perilla Frutescens, especially the one that is rich in rosmarinic acid
The report showed that people who consumed 150 to 200 mg of spearmint, a plant that has Rosmarinic contents, experienced mild side effects like diarrhea, headache, and constipation.
In addition, people who absorbed high amounts of rosemary extract experienced mild abdominal pain, and in some cases, mild skin rashes.
Dietary supplements, spices, and herbs that have high rosmarinic acid contents, when consumed in large quantities, may lead to these side effects and can even interact with medications. This is why it is important to visit your doctor first to know if rosemary extract is safe for you, particularly if you have any underlying health conditions.
Sources
Rosemarinic acid, just as its name implies, is from the rosemary plant. Thus, one of the richest sources of rosmarinic acid is the rosemary plant. Other rich sources of rosmarinic acid include;
- Spearmint; 43,000 ppm
- Oregano; 55,000 ppm
- Selfheal; 61,000 ppm
- Other mild sources of rosmarinic acid include;
- Mint
- Sage
- Sweet basil
- Lemon balm
- Thyme
- Marjoram
- Beebalm
- Perilla
- Alehoof
- Wild bergamot
- Summer savory
- Creeping thyme
Forms and Dosages
The safe and recommended daily dosage of rosmarinic acid is between 200 and 300 mg per day. This dosage, according to experts, is enough to treat any kind of inflammation, symptoms of asthma, and allergies. Taking higher dosages beyond the recommended 300 mg can cause side effects.
Most times, rosmarinic acid is hard to find, as it does not really exist in isolation, except in very few cases. Rather, what you are most likely to find when you search are supplements that contain rosmarinic acid as one of their ingredients. Some of these supplements include;
- Lemon balm extract
- Selfheal supplements
- Rosemary extracts
- The oils of oregano supplements
Some of these supplements only list rosmarinic acid as part of their ingredients but do not list the amount of Rosmainic acid content in the supplement. Thus, it is expedient to be careful when buying and using these supplements in order to prevent overdose of both the supplement and the rosmarinic acid component.
In addition, it is best to consult a health care professional before adopting any supplement that has rosmarinic acid inside it, especially if you are suffering from any health condition.
Rather than consuming supplements that are Rosmarinic acid-rich, you can decide to go natural by consuming foods and food sources that are rich in Rosmarinic acids but in moderate and safe amounts. You can include the following to your diet plates; thyme, lemon balm, mint, oregano, marjoram, and rosemary.
In conclusion, rosmarinic acid can be found in spices, herbs, and plants, some of which include rosemary and mint. These herbs and spices are mostly used as culinary ingredients and for medicinal purposes. Rosmarinic acid is both anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. It also functions as an antibacterial, antiviral, and sometimes even anticancer. It provides a therapeutic effect for pains, spasms, and headaches when consumed in supplements or foods. Despite its health benefits, it has side effects. This is why it is best to consume foods or supplements that contain rosmarinic acid in moderate amounts and also speak to your doctor first before consuming it if you are on any medication or hurting from any health condition.
