Rosmarinic acid: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Family or group:
Phytochemicals
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Allergies ✪✪✪✪✪
A clinical study evaluated the efficacy of rosmarinic acid in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. In a randomized double-blind trial, 29 participants received 200 mg or 50 mg of rosmarinic acid, or a placebo per day for 21 days. The results revealed a significant reduction in symptoms such as nasal itching and watery eyes in the group receiving 200 mg, accompanied by a decrease in the number of eosinophils and neutrophils in nasal lavage fluid compared with placebo. No notable adverse effects were reported.
Posologie
Oral
200 mg
standardized extract
Dermatoses ✪✪✪✪✪
In a study on atopic dermatitis, 21 participants with mild forms of the disease applied a cream containing 0.3% rosmarinic acid to the affected areas twice daily for 8 weeks. The results showed a significant decrease in erythema and transepidermal water loss compared with placebo.nnIn addition, the SCORAD index, which measures the severity of atopic dermatitis, improved considerably. Participants also reported a reduction in symptoms such as dryness and itching, demonstrating the potential of rosmarinic acid as a safe and effective topical treatment for inflammatory skin conditions.nn
Posologie
Orally
0.3%
cream
Cognitive decline ✪✪✪✪✪
A randomized controlled trial examined the effects of a Melissa officinalis extract standardized for rosmarinic acid in older adults with mild cognitive decline. Participants received 300 mg of this extract per day for 16 weeks. The results showed an improvement in cognitive functions, notably verbal memory and working memory, in the treated group compared with placebo. These benefits are thought to be related to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of rosmarinic acid, suggesting its potential role in preventing age-related cognitive decline.nn
Posologie
Orally
42 mg
standardized extract
Properties
Anti-inflammatory
Rosmarinic acid acts by inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediators such as cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6) and enzymes (COX-2, iNOS). These mechanisms are reinforced by its regulatory effect on NF-κB and STAT3, two key pathways in chronic inflammation. Studies show efficacy in models of arthritis and colitis.
Usages associés
Neurological
Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties, rosmarinic acid protects nerve cells against oxidative stress and inflammation. It modulates pathways such as ERK1/2 and reduces the accumulation of toxic proteins (such as Aβ in Alzheimer's disease). This action also promotes neurogenesis in the hippocampus, suggesting potential for neurodegenerative disorders.
Usages associés
Antiallergic
Rosmarinic acid reduces the symptoms of respiratory allergies by inhibiting the release of histamine from mast cells and by regulating Th2 responses. Its effect on allergic rhinitis has been demonstrated by a significant reduction in inflammatory cytokines and eosinophils in clinical studies.
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adult: 40 mg - 200 mg
For an adult, rosmarinic acid is mainly used in the form of plant extracts such as lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) or rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), which are rich in it. Dosages vary depending on the indication: - For mild cognitive impairment, a standardized lemon balm extract containing about 14% rosmarinic acid is typically administered at 300 mg per day, which corresponds to a dose of approximately 42 mg of rosmarinic acid. - For allergies or inflammation, extracts rich in rosmarinic acid may be dosed at 200-300 mg of pure rosmarinic acid per day, according to available studies.
