Rosemary: A Natural Way to Improve Brain Health and Cognitive Function

Year : 2025 | Volume : 02 | Issue : 01 | Page : 30 36
    By

    Mohd.Wasiullah,

  • Piyush Yadav,

  • Pratibha Devi Maurya,

  • Ruby Yadav,

  1. Principal, Department of Pharmacy, Prasad Institute of Technology, Jaunpur (222001) U.P, India
  2. Academic Head, Department of Pharmacy, Prasad Institute of Technology, Jaunpur (222001) U.P, India
  3. Associate professor, Department of Pharmacy, Prasad Institute of Technology, Jaunpur (222001) U.P, India
  4. Scholars, Department of Pharmacy, Prasad Institute of Technology, Jaunpur (222001) U.P, India

Abstract

Cognitive decline is a common consequence of aging, often leading to diminished quality of life. Although conventional drug treatments, such as anticholinesterase inhibitors, are available for managing cognitive decline, they are not always effective in older adults and may even induce adverse effects. As a result, there has been growing interest in natural alternatives, particularly traditional herbal medicines, for their potential cognitive-enhancing properties. Among these, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) has gained attention due to its rich phytochemical profile, which includes phenolic compounds, terpenoids, and flavonoids with notable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. This review explores the mechanisms through which Rosemary supports brain health, such as by protecting neurons from oxidative stress, reducing brain inflammation, and enhancing circulation. The cognitive benefits of Rosemary, including memory improvement, increased concentration, and reduced stress, are highlighted through both scientific studies and traditional uses. The review also discusses the potential therapeutic applications of Rosemary in managing cognitive disorders and mental health. As interest in natural cognitive enhancers grows, Rosemary presents a promising candidate for future research and application in brain health.

Keywords: Cognitive health, Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis, memory enhancement, natural remedies, herbal medicine.

[This article belongs to International Journal of Brain Sciences ]

How to cite this article:
Mohd.Wasiullah, Piyush Yadav, Pratibha Devi Maurya, Ruby Yadav. Rosemary: A Natural Way to Improve Brain Health and Cognitive Function. International Journal of Brain Sciences. 2025; 02(01):30-36.
How to cite this URL:
Mohd.Wasiullah, Piyush Yadav, Pratibha Devi Maurya, Ruby Yadav. Rosemary: A Natural Way to Improve Brain Health and Cognitive Function. International Journal of Brain Sciences. 2025; 02(01):30-36. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijbs/article=2025/view=203734


References

  1. Rudge JD. A new hypothesis for Alzheimer’s disease: The lipid invasion model. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Reports. 2022;6(1):129-61.
  2. Su Y, Wang Q, Wang C, Chan K, Sun Y, Kuang H. The treatment of Alzheimer’s disease using Chinese medicinal plants: from disease models to potential clinical applications. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2014;152(3):403-23.
  3. Gómez-Pinilla F. Brain foods: the effects of nutrients on brain function. Nature Reviews Neuroscience. 2008;9(7):568-78.
  4. Seyedemadi P, Rahnema M, Bigdeli MR, Oryan S, Rafati H. The neuroprotective effect of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) hydro-alcoholic extract on cerebral ischemic tolerance in experimental stroke. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research (IJPR). 2016;15(4):875.
  5. Ferreira A, Proença C, Serralheiro ML, Araujo ME. The in vitro screening for acetylcholinesterase inhibition and antioxidant activity of medicinal plants from Portugal. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2006;108(1):31-7.
  6. Filiptsova OV, Gazzavi-Rogozina LV, Timoshyna IA, Naboka OI, Dyomina YV, Ochkur AV. The effect of the essential oils of lavender and rosemary on human short-term memory. Alexandria Journal of Medicine. 2018;54(1):41-4.
  7. Farsani ME, Razavi S, Rasoolijazi H, Esfandiari E, Seyedebrahimi R, Ababzadeh S. Neuroprotective effects of Rosemary extract on white matter of the prefrontal cortex in old rats. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences. 2024;27(4):518.
  8. Chobe S, Chobe M, Metri K, Patra SK, Nagaratna R. Impact of yoga on cognition and mental health among the elderly: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2020;52:102421.
  9. Erickson KI, Gildengers AG, Butters MA. Physical activity and brain plasticity in late adulthood. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience. 2013;15(1):99-108.
  10. Liu-Ambrose T, Nagamatsu LS, Graf P, Beattie BL, Ashe MC, Handy TC. Resistance training and executive functions: a 12-month randomized controlled trial. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2010;170(2):170-8.
  11. Hölzel BK, Carmody J, Vangel M, Congleton C, Yerramsetti SM, Gard T, Lazar SW. Mindfulness practice leads to increases in regional brain gray matter density. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging. 2011;191(1):36-43.
  12. Kueider AM, Parisi JM, Gross AL, Rebok GW. Computerized cognitive training with older adults: A systematic review. PLoS One. 2012;7(7):e40588.
  13. Yaffe K, Falvey CM, Hoang T. Connections between sleep and cognition in older adults. The Lancet Neurology. 2014;13(10):1017-28.
  14. Wang S, Zheng X, Huang J, Liu J, Li C, Shang H. Sleep characteristics and risk of Alzheimer’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Journal of Neurology. 2024:1-2.
  15. Bae S, Lee S, Harada K, Makino K, Chiba I, Katayama O, Shinkai Y, Park H, Shimada H. Engagement in lifestyle activities is associated with increased Alzheimer’s disease-associated cortical thickness and cognitive performance in older adults. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020;9(5):1424.
  16. Scarmeas N, Stern Y, Tang MX, Mayeux R, Luchsinger JA. Mediterranean diet and risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Annals of Neurology. 2006;59(6):912-21.
  17. Valls-Pedret C, Sala-Vila A, Serra-Mir M, Corella D, De la Torre R, Martínez-González MÁ, Martínez-Lapiscina EH, Fitó M, Pérez-Heras A, Salas-Salvadó J, Estruch R. Mediterranean diet and age-related cognitive decline: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Internal Medicine. 2015;175(7):1094-103.
  18. Farsani ME, Razavi S, Rasoolijazi H, Esfandiari E, Seyedebrahimi R, Ababzadeh S. Neuroprotective effects of Rosemary extract on white matter of the prefrontal cortex in old rats. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences. 2024;27(4):518.
Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 02
Issue 01
Received 14/12/2024
Accepted 03/01/2025
Published 08/01/2025
Publication Time 25 Days
804

Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics