Title: “Rosmarinic Acid”: A Prospective Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease

Primary Author: Almy, Meredith M. 

Additional Authors: Katrina Schoenrock, Ian Steinke, Forrest Smith, Ramesh, Sindhu;

   Moore, Timothy; Dhanasekaran, Muralikrishnan

     Department/Division: Drug discovery and Development

 

Abstract: 

Rosmarinic acid is an active bioactive and derivative from different plants in the family Lamiaceae and Boraginaceae, such as rosemary (Rosmarinusofficinalis L). Rosemary is an evergreen herb that grows along the Mediterranean Sea and sub-Himalayan areas. It was used in traditional medicine as an analgesic, antispasmodic, and to treat headaches, insomnia, and depression. In recent years, rosmarinic acid has attracted wide global attention due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidanteffects. To identify potential mechanisms for targeting therapies, we conducted a systematic review using appropriate keywords on scientific platforms such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and various other online scientific research websites/journals. Based on these findings, various formulations of rosmarinic acid have proven to alleviate inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. In a recent mouse model, it was revealed that rosmarinic acid stimulated the dopamine signaling pathway in the brain. The study showed an increase in monoamine levels in the cerebral cortex and inhibit dopamine degrading enzyme, monoamine oxidase-B activity in the substantia nigra (perikarya, dopamine synthesized). Furthermore, rosmarinic acid also significantly suppressed the production of amyloid β, one of the main proteins responsible for neurodegenerationin Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, due to its anti-inflammatory effect rosmarinic acid is currently being explored as a novel therapeutic potential to curb the current pandemic. Thus, “Rosmarinic Acid” can be a potent nutraceutical with effective multipotent pharmacodynamic action and minimal adverse effects.