This common kitchen herb ingredient could help target or slow Alzheimers

Experts believe they’ve identified a chemical compound in certain herbs that could help mitigate or prevent Alzheimer’s disease — but before anyone makes a run for the spice rack, there are a few catches. In a study published in the journal Antioxidants earlier this year, researchers from the Scripps Research Institute identified a compound called carnosic acid, which is prevalent in rosemary and sage.The compound could prove therapeutic for neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, the experts concluded.Carnosic acid contains “striking antioxidant [and] anti-inflammatory properties,” the researchers wrote in the findings.Scripps Research postdoctoral associate Piu Banerjee and board-certified neurologist Dr.Stuart Lipton, based in California, spoke with Fox News Digital about the results.“In this study, we observed that administering this drug to mice that had advanced Alzheimer’s-like disease significantly improved the number of neurons, as well as the number of synapses or connections between the brain cells,” the team said.The experts added, “It also reduced inflammation that is caused by the current anti-amyloid antibody therapies.

We also observed an improvement in the learning and memory behavior of the mice that received the drug.”Banerjee and Lipton also noted that carnosic acid is a “prodrug,” meaning it’s inactive at first — but once it enters the body, it’s activated by oxidative and inflammatory stress. “It specifically targets cells undergoing oxidative and inflammatory stress, without affecting the healthy, normal brain cells,” Banerjee said.  Morning Report and Evening Update: Your source for today's top stories Please provide a valid email address.By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Never miss a story.“This further makes it a safe option for therapeutics.”The experts agreed that carnosic acid could...