Ingredient in common kitchen herbs could target Alzheimer’s, but don’t change any recipes just yet

Experts believe they’ve identified a chemical compound in certain herbs that could help mitigate or prevent Alzheimer’s disease — but before anyone makes a run for the spice rack, there are a few catches. 

In a study published in the journal Antioxidants earlier this year, researchers from the Scripps Research Institute identified a compound called carnosic acid, which is prevalent in rosemary and sage.

The compound could prove therapeutic for neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, the experts concluded.

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Carnosic acid contains “striking antioxidant [and] anti-inflammatory properties,” the researchers wrote in the findings.

Scripps Research postdoctoral associate Piu Banerjee and board-certified neurologist Dr. Stuart Lipton, based in California, spoke with Fox News Digital about the results.

“In this study, we observed that administering this drug to mice that had advanced Alzheimer’s-like disease significantly improved the number of neurons, as well as the number of synapses or connections between the brain cells,” the team said.

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The experts added, “It also reduced inflammation that is caused by the current anti-amyloid antibody therapies. We also observed an improvement in the learning and memory behavior of the mice that received the drug.”

“From the results of our animal studies, we are cautiously optimistic for its success in the human clinical trials.”

Banerjee and Lipton also noted that carnosic acid is a “prodrug,” meaning it’s inactive at first — but once it enters the body, it’s activated by oxidative and inflammatory stress. 

“It specifically targets cells undergoing oxidative and inflammatory stress, without affecting the healthy, normal brain cells,” Banerjee said. 

Using an acid found in rosemary, scientists created a new drug that reduced inflammation and improved brain cell connections in mice. Much more study needs to be done.  (iStock)

“This further makes it a safe option for therapeutics.”

The experts agreed that carnosic acid could potentially improve the inflammation that generally occurs in most aging brains.

There are cautions, however. 

Courtney Kloske, director of scientific engagement for the Chicago-based Alzheimer’s Association, told Fox News Digital that studies based on a mouse model of Alzheimer’s can be helpful but are not conclusive.

There is insufficient clinical evidence to recommend rosemary and sage as a standard therapy.