rosmarinic acid

Rosmarinic acid is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound classified as a caffeic acid ester. It is found in various plants of the Lamiaceae and Boraginaceae families, such as Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), Salvia officinalis (sage), and Perilla frutescens. Rosmarinic acid exhibits multiple biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-allergic, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-angiogenic, and neuroprotective effects[1][2][4][5][8]. Its mechanism of action involves inhibition of proinflammatory mediators through suppression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) signaling pathways; it also inhibits T cell activation by blocking signal transduction at the membrane level and induces apoptosis in aberrant T cells[6]. Additionally, it suppresses 5-lipoxygenase activity and 5-HETE synthesis—key steps in inflammatory cascades—and acts as a free radical scavenger[5][6]. Clinically studied for allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis as well as autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis; preclinical evidence supports its potential use in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease due to its neuroprotective properties[2][4][5].

Other names

α-o-caffeoyl-3,4-dihydroxyphenyllactic acid