Herb we all have linked to Alzheimer's protection and better memory

An everyday herb could be key to treating Alzheimer's, as research shows the build-up of proteins associated with the disease were reduced by a plant compound. The herb can help to regenerate synapses in the brain and also it lowers inflammation and alleviates oxidative stress.

The fragrant herb has shown promising results in treating Alzheimer's disease - and scientists are hoping further research and clinical trials of the plant could offer a new approach to treating the disease in the future. The Mediterranean herb commonly grows throughout the UK and you probably already have some in your kitchen cabinet.

Rosemary has been praised for hundreds of years for its properties, the ancient Greeks spoke of its powerful effect on the brain and body.

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An old-English saying from 1607, by Doctor of Divinity, Roger Hacket said: "Speaking of the powers of rosemary, it overtoppeth all the flowers in the garden, boasting man's rule. It helpeth the brain, strengtheneth the memorie, and is very medicinable for the head.”

Roll on to the here and now and researchers in California have synthesized a new chemical compound, a stable derivative of rosemary and sage plants, and say it has already given encouraging results in mice in the fight against to Alzheimer's symptoms.

The compound is found naturally in the herbs, with the dried leaves of rosemary and sage containing up to to 2.5 percent of carnosic acid.

Carnosic acid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties but its pure form is unstable. Now, in this new approach, researchers have carried out a study with the newly-created stable derivative that has been tested on mice carrying an Alzheimer's gene.

Results from the study found when mice received the adapted stable compound, they had reduced inflammation and memory was boosted.

The mice also had more neuron synapses (nerve signals being transmitted) and there was more removal of toxic proteins (toxic proteins have been linked to Alzheimer's).

The excessive build-up of proteins associated with Alzheimer's were reduced in the brains of the mice - with no toxic effects recorded. The process combatted inflammation and oxidative stress as well as generating synapses in the brain.

Rosemary also helps to stimulate blood circulation which helps to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the brain and other organs, which could be another reason why this herb is helpful for the human body and mind.

The herb is anti-inflammatory as well as being an antioxidant (removing damaging oxidation in the cells) and this is largely prompted by the carnosic acid in the plant. So whether it’s the fresh herb or a dried version - rosemary could be a helpful addition to your daily diet.