Scientists at Scripps Research Institute created a new derivative from carnosic acid that reduces inflammation and reverses cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A team of researchers in California has developed a promising treatment for Alzheimer’s disease using a compound derived from rosemary and sage. The treatment, known as diAcCA, is based on carnosic acid—a naturally occurring antioxidant in these herbs—and has demonstrated the ability to reduce brain inflammation and restore neural connections in preclinical trials, potentially reversing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease in affected individuals. The findings, reported this week, provide new hope for nearly 7 million Americans currently living with the condition, which is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute announced that carnosic acid, long known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has now been successfully transformed into a stable and effective drug candidate. DiAcCA remains inert until it reaches inflamed regions of the brain, where it activates and helps restore vital nerve cell connections, essential for learning and memory.
“This compound didn’t just slow down the decline; it improved [cognitive function] virtually back to normal,” said Professor Stuart Lipton, lead researcher on the project. “We did multiple different tests of memory, and they were all improved with the drug.”
The results, published in the journal Antioxidants, come from a study involving 45 genetically modified mice that developed Alzheimer’s-like symptoms. The mice received either diAcCA or a placebo three times per week over three months. Those treated with diAcCA performed better in memory tasks, including navigating a water maze and recalling fear-associated experiences. Their brains exhibited reduced protein tangles and plaques, diminished inflammation, and increased synaptic connections. Researchers observed the most notable improvements in mice given higher doses, pointing to a dose-dependent effect.
“By combating inflammation and oxidative stress with this diAcCA compound, we actually increased the number of synapses in the brain,” Dr. Lipton explained.
While diAcCA is not yet a cure for Alzheimer’s, its targeted approach to inflammation and neural restoration distinguishes it from existing therapies. Its compatibility with other Alzheimer’s drugs could offer a multi-pronged strategy for managing and potentially reversing the disease. Additionally, the fact that carnosic acid is recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may allow the compound to enter clinical trials more quickly.
Historically, the use of rosemary and sage for cognitive health dates back centuries. Ancient Greek scholars reportedly wore rosemary garlands to aid memory retention, while medieval herbalists recommended sage to combat mental decline. Modern science is now confirming the efficacy of these traditional remedies. The discovery of carnosic acid’s role in neural protection and restoration reinforces the notion that natural compounds may play a critical role in treating complex neurological diseases.
As researchers continue to develop diAcCA, the hope remains that this innovation could lead to effective, accessible treatments for millions of patients, offering not only a halt in cognitive decline but also the potential to regain lost memory and function.
