Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and nervous system disorders: New findings on its neuroprotective properties

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) has gained recognition for its neuroprotective potential, offering therapeutic benefits for various nervous system disorders. Its main components, including rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and ursolic acid, exhibit anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, neurotransmitter-modulating, and mitochondrial-stabilizing effects. This updated narrative review explores recent advancements in the mechanisms of action of rosemary and its therapeutic applications in various neurodegenerative diseases. Peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2025 were analyzed using electronic databases, including Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed. Research assessing the pharmacological properties of rosemary and its main components, molecular pathways, and clinical implications was reviewed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of its neuroprotective potential.Findings reinforce the neuroprotective potential of rosemary and its main components in Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, pain, and Parkinson's disease. They modulate key molecular pathways, including NF-κB, Nrf2, BDNF, NO/cGMP/KATP, and autophagic clearance, leading to reduced oxidative stress, neuro-inflammation, and apoptosis. They also affect neurotransmitter balance and protein aggregation. The ability of these compounds to enhance cholinergic activity, stabilize mitochondrial integrity, and regulate neuro-immune signaling supports cognitive resilience and neuronal protection. Rosemary also exhibits synergistic potential when combined with conventional treatments, such as analgesics and neuroprotective agents, improving therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. This updated review consolidates current findings on the neuroprotective effects of rosemary and its active components, offering insights into its therapeutic applications for nervous system disorders. Future research should focus on clinical trials to validate its efficacy and optimize its use in neurological health management.