Researchers from the Scripps Research Institute have identified carnosic acid, a compound found in rosemary and sage, as a potential therapeutic agent for Alzheimer’s disease. Published in the journal Antioxidants, the study shows that administering carnosic acid to mice with advanced Alzheimer’s-like symptoms significantly improved neuron counts and synapse connections, while also reducing inflammation linked to current anti-amyloid therapies. However, while the findings are promising, scientists emphasize that cooking with these herbs alone will not provide the required therapeutic effect. The compound, acting as a ‘prodrug,’ is activated by oxidative and inflammatory stress in the body, targeting only stressed cells without affecting healthy brain cells. Despite these encouraging results, the Alzheimer’s Association and other experts stress that more human studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of carnosic acid. Until then, experts advise against using rosemary and sage as a treatment for Alzheimer’s, citing the need for clinical trials and the limitations of pre-clinical studies. The research, partially funded by the National Institutes of Health, highlights the potential of natural compounds in addressing neurodegenerative disorders, offering hope for future therapeutics.