Rosemary (<i>Rosmarinus officinalis</i> L.) and nervous system disorders: New findings on its neuroprotective properties

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis L.) has gained recognition for its neuroprotective potential, offering therapeutic benefits for various nervous system disorders. Its main components, including rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and ursolic acid, exhibit anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, neurotransmitter-modulating, and mitochondrial-stabilizing effects. This updated narrative review explores recent advancements in the mechanisms of action of rosemary and its therapeutic applications in various neurodegenerative diseases. Peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2025 were analyzed using electronic databases, including Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed. Research assessing the pharmacological properties of rosemary and its main components, molecular pathways, and clinical implications was reviewed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of its neuroprotective potential.Findings reinforce the neuroprotective potential of rosemary and its main components in Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, pain, and Parkinson's disease. They modulate key molecular pathways, including NF-κB, Nrf2, BDNF, NO/cGMP/KATP, and autophagic clearance, leading to reduced oxidative stress, neuro-inflammation, and apoptosis. They also affect neurotransmitter balance and protein aggregation. The ability of these compounds to enhance cholinergic activity, stabilize mitochondrial integrity,

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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