Join the movement to end censorship by Big Tech. StopBitBurning.com needs donations and support.
Compound found in ROSEMARY and SAGE could REVERSE Alzheimer's disease
By ljdevon // 2025-03-18
Mastodon
    Parler
     Gab
 Copy
 
• Alzheimer's disease affects nearly 7 million Americans and is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. • A compound found in rosemary and sage, carnosic acid, has been transformed into a groundbreaking treatment for Alzheimer's disease. • Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute in California developed a derivative, diAcCA, which reduces brain inflammation and restores nerve cell connections. • The treatment, tested on mice, improved memory and cognitive function, offering hope for fast-tracked clinical trials.

The science behind carnosic acid

In a breakthrough that could change the lives of millions, scientists have discovered that a humble herb found in kitchens worldwide may hold the key to reversing Alzheimer's disease. Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute in California have harnessed carnosic acid, a potent antioxidant found in rosemary and sage, to create a new drug called diAcCA. This compound not only reduces brain inflammation — a major driver of Alzheimer's — but also restores the brain's nerve cell connections, crucial for learning and memory. The findings, published in the journal Antioxidants, reveal that diAcCA is activated only in areas of the brain affected by inflammation, minimizing potential side effects. With Alzheimer's disease affecting nearly 7 million Americans and ranking as the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., this discovery offers a glimmer of hope for patients and their families. Carnosic acid is a naturally occurring compound in rosemary and sage, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Historically, these herbs have been used in traditional medicine for their cognitive-enhancing benefits. Modern science is now validating what ancient healers long suspected: These plants contain powerful compounds that can protect and heal the brain. The Scripps team faced a significant challenge in using carnosic acid as a treatment. In its pure form, the compound is unstable and breaks down before it can reach the brain. To overcome this, they created diAcCA, a derivative that remains stable until it reaches the gut, where it converts back into carnosic acid and enters the bloodstream. Professor Stuart Lipton, a lead researcher on the project, explained, "We did multiple different tests of memory, and they were all improved with the drug. It didn't just slow down the decline; it improved virtually back to normal."

Preliminary studies have promising results

The study involved 45 mice genetically engineered to develop Alzheimer's-like symptoms by the age of five months. The mice were divided into groups and given either diAcCA or a placebo three times a week for three months. The results were striking: • Mice treated with diAcCA performed significantly better in cognitive tests, such as navigating a water maze and recalling fear-associated memories. • Microscopic analysis revealed fewer plaques and protein tangles in their brains, along with increased nerve cell connections and reduced inflammation. • Higher doses of diAcCA yielded the most dramatic improvements, suggesting a dose-dependent effect. Dr. Lipton noted, "By combating inflammation and oxidative stress with this diAcCA compound, we actually increased the number of synapses in the brain."

A new hope for Alzheimer's treatment

While diAcCA is not yet a cure for Alzheimer's, it represents a significant step forward in the fight against dementia. The compound's ability to target inflammation without harming healthy tissue sets it apart from many existing treatments. Moreover, its potential to enhance the effectiveness of other Alzheimer's drugs could revolutionize how the disease is managed. The fact that carnosic acid is already recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could expedite its journey to clinical trials. This means that millions of patients suffering from Alzheimer's may soon have access to a treatment that not only slows the disease but also restores cognitive function. The use of rosemary and sage for cognitive health dates back centuries. Ancient Greek scholars wore rosemary garlands to enhance memory, and medieval herbalists prescribed sage to treat mental decline. Today, science is catching up to these age-old practices, proving that nature often holds the answers to our most pressing health challenges. Sources include: Dailymail.co.uk Pubmed.gov Pubmed.gov
Mastodon
    Parler
     Gab
Copy