Scientists at Scripps Research have developed a stable form of carnosic acid, a compound found in rosemary and sage, which has shown promise as an Alzheimer’s treatment. The new compound, diAcCA, is fully converted to carnosic acid in the gut before being absorbed into the bloodstream, making it more effective than pure carnosic acid.
Researchers tested diAcCA on mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease and found that it achieved therapeutic doses of carnosic acid in the brain, leading to enhanced memory and synaptic density. The compound also reduced inflammation in the brain and decreased the formation of misfolded proteins associated with the disease.
The stable form of carnosic acid has several advantages, including improved bioavailability and reduced side effects compared to pure carnosic acid. This could make it a valuable addition to current Alzheimer’s treatments, potentially improving outcomes for patients.
According to senior author Stuart Lipton, “By combating inflammation and oxidative stress with this diAcCA compound, we actually increased the number of synapses in the brain.” The potential benefits of diAcCA extend beyond Alzheimer’s treatment, with possible applications in other disorders marked by inflammation, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
The researchers’ approach has been met with criticism from some experts, who argue that using mice to model human diseases can be flawed. However, Lipton’s team used a genetically engineered mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease to test diAcCA’s efficacy, providing valuable insights into its potential as an treatment.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/rosemary-compound-shows-promise-in-reversing-alzheimers-memory-loss