From kitchen to clinic: Sage and rosemary can help prevent Alzheimer’s and how to use them

Alzheimer's is still one of the most debilitating neurodegenerative diseases, which affects millions across the globe and imposes a gigantic burden on families and healthcare systems. Although some therapies can help manage the condition, recent studies propose that two common culinary herbs, sage and rosemary, could possess outstanding power against the disease. The observations are great but also complex, with much more to be demonstrated before they become actual treatments.

What is Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's is a brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and thinking skills. It is the most common type of dementia among adults. The main symptoms of Alzheimer's are memory loss and confusion.

Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute recently studied carnosic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in sage and rosemary. Because the molecule proved to be unstable when in its native form, scientists synthesized a stabilized one called diAcCA, designed to activate within the body where oxidative stress occurs, a feature of Alzheimer's pathology.

Interestingly, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) already recognizes carnosic acid as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) for use in food products. Such notification could apparently lead to human clinical trials earlier, although scientists are eager to point out that their medical applications will require stringent testing.

Rosemary and cognitive health

Rosemary has been a "herb of remembrance" in folklore for centuries, and modern scientific research is now verifying this long-standing assumption. A systematic review of 15 animal studies found that rosemary extracts consistently improve memory performance in healthy animals and in models of cognitive decline. The improvements were observed across species, extract types, and areas of memory, indicating robust neuroprotective potential.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action of rosemary appears to be key. By limiting oxidative injury and enhancing neuronal resilience, rosemary may establish a supportive environment for memory preservation. While these experiments are yet preclinical, they are consistent with the mechanisms researchers are trying to modulate in the treatment of Alzheimer's.

Sage in clinical trials

Evidence for sage is more advanced, with several human trials showing positive cognitive effects. Studies with both Salvia officinalis (garden sage) and Salvia lavandulaefolia (Spanish sage) have shown improved memory and attention in healthy volunteers and those with mild cognitive impairment or dementia.

Sage contains chemicals that are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and these inhibit the breakdown of acetylcholine, a memory neurotransmitter. It is how some of the long-standing Alzheimer's drugs function, so sage does have a scientifically sound role to play in enhancing memory.

Other potential benefits include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, but the current clinical trials have been small in size and varied in design. Promising results in spite of this, more extensive and more consistent studies are needed in order to determine the complete potential of sage as a treatment.

Why sage and rosemary?

It is all about carsonic acid! Sage and rosemary both have this naturally occurring antioxidant and it has promising results in the protection of pathways in brain cells, especially under conditions of oxidative stress (hallmark of alzheimer's disease). Carsonic acid can also enhance levels of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter crucial for memory and learning.

Beyond the headlines

What is known is that such herbs are spurring new drug discovery. Stabilized drugs like diAcCA could pave the way to new Alzheimer's therapies. At the same time, safe food use of rosemary and sage are still available for culinary pleasure and perhaps some mental shielding, but not in doses proven to treat disease.
How to use themBrew them into a tea, inhale rosemary’s aroma, or add fresh sprigs to meals to naturally support focus and recall.

The road ahead

The story of sage and rosemary illustrates how more and more prominent natural molecules are as candidates for new medicine. From traditional "memory herbs" to potential drug candidates produced in a laboratory, the herbs illustrate how everyday foods can be the key to future therapies.

Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Please consult a medical health professional before adopting any advice.