carnosol

Carnosol is a naturally occurring **phenolic diterpene** found primarily in rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and sage (Salvia carnosa)[1][2][4]. It is a product of the oxidative degradation of carnosic acid and is characterized by an abietane carbon skeleton with ortho-diphenolic and lactone moieties[1]. Carnosol exhibits a range of biological and pharmacological activities including potent **antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticarcinogenic effects**[1][4][5][7]. Mechanistically, it acts as: - An inhibitor of **cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) induction** by blocking protein kinase C (PKC) signaling, - A **dual antagonist** of the **androgen receptor (AR)** and **estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)**, - An inhibitor of **5-lipoxygenase (5-LO)** and leukotriene synthesis[4][5]. Carnosol also targets heat-shock protein 90 (**HSP90**), inhibiting its ATPase activity to block activation of the **NLRP3 inflammasome** and thereby modulating inflammation[3]. It activates **peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ)** and suppresses multiple pro-inflammatory and tumorigenic signaling pathways including NF-κB and MAPKs[5]. Preclinical studies have demonstrated **chemopreventive effects** in various cancer models (e.g., prostate, breast, skin, leukemia, colon), and efficacy in animal models of **NASH** and **sepsis**[1][3][5]. Carnosol is widely used in research and as a nutraceutical ingredient, but it is **not approved as a pharmaceutical drug** in any jurisdiction as of August 2025[1][5].

Other names

5957-80-2carnolcarnosolcarnosol-RMcarnosol-RG