Scientists may have found a promising new way to fight Alzheimer’s disease using a natural compound found in common herbs such as rosemary and sage.
Researchers at Scripps Research have developed a new, more stable form of this compound and discovered that it improved memory and reduced brain damage in mice with Alzheimer’s disease. The study was published in the journal Antioxidants.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and affects millions of people worldwide. The disease slowly destroys memory, thinking skills, and the ability to carry out everyday tasks. Although several medicines can temporarily ease symptoms, there is still no cure that can stop or reverse the disease.
One of the main problems in Alzheimer’s disease is long-lasting inflammation inside the brain. This inflammation damages brain cells and destroys tiny connections between them, called synapses. As these connections disappear, people gradually lose their memory and ability to learn new information.
For many years, scientists have been interested in rosemary because it has traditionally been linked with memory. In fact, the herb was mentioned by Shakespeare as a symbol of remembrance. Modern research has shown that rosemary and sage contain a natural substance called carnosic acid, which acts as both an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory compound.
Carnosic acid helps protect cells by switching on the body’s own natural defense systems. Unfortunately, it breaks down very quickly when exposed to air or stored for long periods, making it difficult to turn into a medicine. To solve this problem, the Scripps team created a more stable version called diAcCA.
After people swallow diAcCA, it is converted into carnosic acid in the digestive system before entering the bloodstream. The researchers found that this new form delivered more of the active compound to the body than taking carnosic acid directly. It also reached the brain in amounts high enough to produce important biological effects.
When the researchers tested diAcCA in mice with Alzheimer’s disease, the results were encouraging. The treated animals performed much better in memory tests than untreated mice, and their memory scores returned close to normal.
The scientists also found healthier brain tissue, with more synapses, less inflammation, and lower amounts of harmful amyloid-beta plaques and abnormal tau protein, two major features of Alzheimer’s disease.
Lead researcher Dr. Stuart Lipton said the treatment has an important advantage because it becomes active mainly in inflamed parts of the brain. This means it may target damaged tissue while leaving healthy brain cells largely unaffected, which could reduce unwanted side effects. The researchers also reported no signs of toxicity in the treated mice.
The team believes the new compound could eventually be used together with existing Alzheimer’s medicines. Some current treatments can cause brain swelling or bleeding in certain patients, and reducing inflammation might make these therapies safer and more effective. However, this idea still needs to be tested in future studies.
Although the findings are exciting, the research has so far been carried out only in mice. Human clinical trials will be needed to confirm that the treatment is both safe and effective for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Because diAcCA is based on a natural compound already considered generally safe, researchers hope development may move more quickly. The scientists also believe this approach could eventually help treat other inflammation-related diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies about the protective power of dietary antioxidants against Alzheimer’s, and eating habits linked to higher Alzheimer’s risk.
For more health information, please see recent studies that oral cannabis extract may help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms, and Vitamin E may help prevent Parkinson’s disease.
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