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 acidis 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,Carnosoland 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, Carnosoland 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

• Thetypical 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

Medicinal Uses and Indications

Food Preservation
Most evidence for rosemary's medicinal uses comes from clinical experience rather than from scientific studies. However, recent laboratory studies have shown that rosemary slows the growth of a number of bacteria such as E. coli and S. aureus that are involved in food spoilage, and may actually perform better than some commercially used food preservatives.

Alopecia
As stated above, one traditional use of rosemary has been to try to stimulate hair growth. In one study of 86 people with alopecia areata (a disease of unknown cause characterized by significant hair loss, generally in patches), those who massaged their scalps with rosemary and other essential oils (including lavender, thyme, and cedarwood) every day for 7 months experienced significant hair re-growth compared to those who massaged their scalps without the essential oils. It is not entirely clear from this study whether rosemary (or a combination of rosemary and the other essential oils) was responsible for the beneficial effects.Reduce serum total cholesterol and fatty tissue : not only effectively decreases serum cholesterol levels, but also reduces the cholesterol content in different tissues such as liver, heart and fatty tissue Application: show good effect when add before the period of oxidation.

Cancer
Both laboratory and animal studies suggest that rosemary's antioxidant properties may have activity against colon, breast, stomach, lung, and skin cancer cells. Much more research in this area, including trials involving people, must be conducted before conclusions can be drawn about the value of rosemary for cancer.

Available Forms

• Dried whole herb
• Dried, powdered extract

How to Take It

Carnosic Acid:

Carnosic Acid is widely used in plant and animal oil & fat, oil food and oil fried food as antioxidants, also used in oil soluble cosmetics and medicine products.

As for the users who have used the synthetical antioxidants like BHA, BHT, PG and TBHQ, they don’t need to change their original formula, can use carnosic acid directly as a green and natural substitute.

When you’ll use carnosic acid in the oil &. fat products, the main point is to make carnosic acid soluble wholly and evenly in these oil products, so that small adding quantity(0.1g/kg) will get the enough effect. To reach this point, correct adding methods is recommended.

1.Thin Matching Method,

Get the oil &. fat products heated to the temperature 60～80℃，to make it intoliquid form, then adding carnosic acid into the oil products, stir it for 5 minutes each 10 minutes, till it can be soluble absolutely and evenly.

2.Thick Matching Method,

Adding carnosic acid into a small quantity of oil products following the method 1 to make the thick solution (not thick than 1%), then add this thick solution into the oil &.fat products, stir evenly.

3.Solvent Method,

Dissolve carnosic acid in the organic solvent(edible organic solvent is a must when used in food),and then add this organic solution into the liquid oil&fat,stir it evenly and heat it to volatilize the solvent.

4.Other Methods

There may be other methods according to different purposes,but must keep the carnosic acid even in the oil &.fat products.

Rosmarinic Acid:

Rosmarinic Acid is widely used in beverages, seafood and cosmetics, also has bacteriostasis use.

Following adding method and conditions recommended for usage:

Dissolve rosmarinic acid in hot water(temperature 40℃),then add this solution into products, adding rate according to the following data for different use purpose,

Adding Rate:0.02~0.5% for antioxidant use.

Adding Rate (final RA thickness):0.4~0.8% for bacteriostasis use.

Precautions

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain active substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a practitioner knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine.

Rosemary is generally considered safe when taken in recommended doses. However, there have been occasional reports of allergic reactions. Large quantities of rosemary leaves, because of their volatile oil content, can cause serious side effects, including vomiting, spasms, coma and, in some cases, pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).

Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use rosemary