Carnosic acid

Carnosic acid

Carnosic acid is a natural benzenediol abietane diterpene found in rosemary and sage. It is a pro-antioxidant that is activated by metabolic transformation.

Chemistry

Carnosic acid is a polyphenolic compound with the molecular formula C20H28O4. It is a member of the class of compounds known as abietane diterpenoids. These are diterpenoids with a structure based on the abietane skeleton, which is a tricyclic diterpene in which the C4 and C8 methyl groups migrate to give a pimarane-type skeleton.

Biological Activity

Carnosic acid has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been studied for its potential benefits in neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and diabetes. It has also been found to have antimicrobial activity against a variety of bacteria and fungi.

Health Benefits

Carnosic acid has been studied for its potential health benefits in a variety of areas. It has been found to have neuroprotective effects, potentially helping to protect against diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. It has also been found to have anti-cancer properties, with studies showing it can inhibit the growth of certain types of cancer cells. In addition, it has been found to have anti-diabetic properties, potentially helping to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels.

Safety and Toxicity

Carnosic acid is generally considered safe, with no known serious side effects. However, as with any supplement, it should be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

See Also

• Rosemary
• Sage
• Antioxidant
• Abietane diterpene
• Polyphenolic compound