Rosmarinic Acid by Ray Sahelian, M.D. Rosmarinic acid is a strong antioxidant

Rosmarinic acid is found in many plants, including rosemary herb, peppermint, Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), and fennel. Rosemary is widely found in the lands of Aegean and Mediterranean regions of Turkey.

Romarinic acid in rosemary
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) extracts are widely used in the food, nutraceutical and cosmetic areas. Their major bioactive components have shown antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumorigenic and chemopreventive activities. The bioactive compounds deriving from rosemary leaves are carnosol; carnosic acid, rosmadial, genkwanin, and rosmarinic acid.

Photoprotective properties of Prunella vulgaris and rosmarinic acid on human keratinocytes.
J Photochem Photobiol B. 2006 Sep 1;84(3):167-74. Institute of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Palacky University, Hnevotinska 3, 775 15 Olomouc, Czech Republic.
UVA radiation provokes the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which induce oxidative stress in the exposed cells leading to extensive cellular damage and cell death either by apoptosis or necrosis. One approach to protecting human skin against the harmful effects of UV radiation is by using herbal compounds as photoprotectants. This study evaluated the protective effects of Prunella vulgaris L. (Labiatae) and its main phenolic acid component, rosmarinic acid, against UVA-induced changes in a human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). These results suggest that P. vulgaris and rosmarinic acid, used in skin care cosmetics, may offer protection against UVA-induced oxidative stress and may be beneficial as a supplement in photoprotective dermatological preparations.

Rosmarinic acid supplement emails
Q. I am an allergy sufferer. My osteopath recently advised me to find a reliable source of rosmarinic acid, which is a very recent development in the area of allergy treatments. I have been unable to find what is considered to be a pure, quality and reliable supplement. I found a couple of Life Extension products with rosmarinic acid in a formula online, but I do not have any information about their quality. None of my health food store locations have been able to obtain it. Can anyone on your staff please advise as to where I may find a source?
   A. We are not aware of a pure rosmarinic acid extract being sold. See the allergy page for info on allergies.

Q. You indicate on your web site that you are not aware of where rosmarinic acid supplements can be purchased. Rosmarinic acid can be purchased from Life Extension. They claim it is effective for osteoarthritis.

Q. Can a rosmarinic acid supplement be taken together with glucosamine or chondroitin?
   A. Human research is not available with the combination of rosmarinic acid and Glucosamine Sulfate or chondroitin, but my guess is that reasonable dosages should be okay.

This rosmarinic acid page was last updated June 2008.