Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L., syn Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.) is a versatile herb with numerous health benefits, particularly in the areas of anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. Here's a summary of the key points from the article, focusing on these aspects:
Anti-Cancer Benefits
Rosemary has shown promising results in combating skin cancer:
A hydroalcoholic extract of rosemary reduced human melanoma cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner.
In a mouse model of skin cancer, oral administration of rosemary extract decreased tumor number, size, weight, and incidence while increasing the latency period.
Rosmarinic acid, a compound found in rosemary, exhibited chemopreventive activity against skin cancer by modulating various cellular processes and gene expressions.
Carnosic acid, another rosemary compound, showed protective effects against melanoma by inhibiting cell proliferation and adhesion, as well as suppressing the expression of cell migration markers.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Rosemary's anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to several compounds:
Carnosic acid is a potent inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO), a pro-inflammatory mediator. It can inhibit NO production by up to 72% at low concentrations.
Carnosol, another rosemary compound, significantly reduced skin lesions in mice with atopic dermatitis. It decreased levels of inflammatory markers, reduced skin thickness, and inhibited the expression of inflammatory enzymes.
A combination of ursolic, oleanolic, and micromeric acids in rosemary extract showed anti-inflammatory effects comparable to indomethacin, a common anti-inflammatory drug.
Rosemary extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, which supports its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Other Notable Benefits
While not directly related to cancer or inflammation, the article also mentions rosemary's potential in:
Wound healing
Protecting against UV damage
Improving skin flap survival in reconstructive surgery
Antifungal treatments
Cosmetic applications (cellulite reduction, hair growth, anti-aging)
These diverse benefits make rosemary a valuable herb for both medicinal and cosmetic purposes, with its anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties being particularly noteworthy for health-conscious individuals.
We use Rosemary in our product "Lifespan" found below
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