Therapeutic Potential of Rosemary: Bridging Traditional Uses and Modern Applications

Abstract

Medicinal plants play an important role in illness control in both animals and people, and they are most widely utilized by native cultures across the world. Rosmarinus officianilis L., popularly known as rosemary, herbaceous perennial plant of the Lamiaceae family, receives much attention due to its therapeutic properties. Various secondary metabolites such as diosmin, rosmarinic acid (RA), luteolin, hispidulin 7-O-glucoside, isoscutellarein 7-O-glucoside, glucuronide, flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenes, and genkwanin are found in its leaves, flowers, roots, and stems. Preclinical research indicates that rosemary extract enhances cognitive functions, neuroplasticity, neuroinflammation, suggesting its use in preventing and managing neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, rosemary has demonstrated efficacy in regulating the gut-brain axis, aiding gastrointestinal diseases, and minimizing intestinal inflammation. Its antiviral properties, especially concerning influenza A and SARS-CoV-2, highlight its significance in infectious diseases. In dermatology, rosemary helps improve acne due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The herb also has a positive impact on bones by stimulating osteoblastic activity and suppressing bone resorption. Rosemary’s multifunctionality is further highlighted by its insecticidal properties and application in nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems. Thus, Rosemary extracts can be formulated as possible candidates to be used in the diet with promising effectiveness at pre-determined doses, preventing toxicity, provided the aspects outlined above. Although their efficacy as medicinal agents is well established, it is preferable to encourage the creation of novel formulations using rosemary extracts. This review complies the updated rosemary broad therapeutic applications, although further clinical research is required to integrate it effectively into medicine and functional products.