Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute have made a promising discovery in the search for new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. The study, published in the journal Antioxidants, revealed that a compound known as carnosic acid — found in common kitchen herbs like rosemary and sage — may have significant therapeutic potential. This finding builds on previous research into the medicinal properties of natural compounds and offers a new direction in the fight against neurodegenerative disorders.
The researchers, led by postdoctoral associate Piu Banerjee and board-certified neurologist Dr. Stuart Lipton, conducted extensive experiments using mouse models of Alzheimer’s. Their results, which were published this year, suggest that carnosic acid could reduce inflammation in the brain and improve cognitive function. The compound, which is a prodrug, becomes active within the body through oxidative and inflammatory stress, targeting only diseased brain cells. This specificity could make it a groundbreaking treatment with minimal side effects.
While the findings are encouraging, the researchers and experts in the field stress that more work is needed. Dr. Lee Murray, a neurologist from Jackson, Tennessee, emphasized that the study is still in its early stages. ‘These are pre-clinical results,’ Murray said, advising that people should not start incorporating these herbs into their diets as a preventive measure for Alzheimer’s.
Courtney Kloske, director of scientific engagement at the Alzheimer’s Association, echoed this caution. She noted that while mouse studies are valuable for understanding the biological mechanisms of diseases like Alzheimer’s, they cannot replace the need for human clinical trials. ‘We need to see how these compounds function in people before we can make any definitive claims about their benefits,’ Kloske said.
The research has received attention from both the scientific community and the public, with many consumers interested in natural remedies for cognitive health. However, experts warn that more evidence is needed before making lifestyle changes. ‘If our drug proves to be effective in human trials, it could represent a major breakthrough in the treatment of Alzheimer’s,’ Banerjee said, expressing cautious optimism about the potential for this compound to benefit patients in the future.