Toxicity and Safety of Rosemary: A Comprehensive Review

Greg Howard
4th August, 2024

Toxicity and Safety of Rosemary: A Comprehensive Review

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by Mashhad University of Medical Sciences found that high doses or prolonged use of rosemary can damage the liver and kidneys
  • Rosemary consumption may lead to reproductive toxicity, reducing sperm production, testosterone levels, and sperm motility
  • The herb can also cause genotoxicity and fetal anomalies, including DNA damage and cell death
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a widely used herb known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and hepatoprotective effects. However, recent research conducted by Mashhad University of Medical Sciences sheds light on the potential toxicological effects of rosemary, particularly when consumed in high doses or over prolonged periods[1]. This review aims to explore these adverse effects and their underlying mechanisms, providing a comprehensive understanding of rosemary's safety profile. The study utilized extensive research from databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering literature up to February 2024. The findings reveal that rosemary can affect several organs, including the liver and kidneys, by causing atrophic and degenerative changes. Elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), along with reduced total serum protein levels, indicate potential liver and kidney damage. Additionally, rosemary may induce reproductive toxicity by decreasing spermatogenesis, testosterone levels, sperm density, and motility. The herb might also trigger genotoxicity and fetal anomalies, characterized by cytoplasmic membrane shrinkage, formation of apoptotic bodies, DNA fragmentation, and DNA ladder formation. These findings align with previous studies that have highlighted the diverse biological activities of rosemary and its constituents. For instance, rosemary diterpenes such as carnosic acid (CA), carnosol (CS), and rosmanol (RS) have shown anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and other beneficial effects against neurological and metabolic disorders[2]. However, the same study also pointed out the potential hepatotoxicity of these compounds, particularly in undifferentiated HepaRG cells, which are more susceptible to toxic activity than differentiated cells[2]. This suggests that while rosemary has beneficial properties, its safety profile must be carefully considered, especially concerning liver health. Moreover, the immunomodulatory effects of rosemary have been documented, showing its potential to stimulate immune function in vitro and animal studies[3]. However, the lack of human studies necessitates caution, as the immunostimulatory properties might also contribute to unintended adverse effects when consumed in high doses or for extended periods. The protective effects of rosemary against natural and chemical toxicities have also been explored, with studies indicating its ability to inhibit oxidative stress and reduce inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)[4]. Despite these protective properties, the current study underscores the importance of considering the toxicological data in realistic exposure situations, particularly concerning chronic and high-dose consumption. Furthermore, the interaction between rosemary and conventional drugs is a critical aspect that warrants attention. Previous research has shown that herbal supplements, including rosemary, can interact with analgesic drugs, potentially enhancing the risk of bleeding or causing hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity[5]. For instance, rosemary contains salicylates, which may interact with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, increasing the risk of bleeding[5]. This highlights the need for healthcare professionals to be aware of potential adverse interactions and take precautionary measures. In conclusion, while rosemary is generally considered safe for food preservation and has numerous health benefits, caution is warranted regarding its chronic and high-dose consumption due to potential adverse effects on the kidneys, liver, reproductive system, and teratology. The study by Mashhad University of Medical Sciences emphasizes the importance of considering drug interactions and toxicological data in realistic exposure scenarios. Further research is recommended to enhance our understanding of the toxicity profile associated with rosemary, ensuring its safe use in both culinary and medicinal contexts.

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References

Main Study

1) Toxicity and safety of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): a comprehensive review.

Published 3rd August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-024-03336-9

Related Studies

2) Metabolomics study of early metabolic changes in hepatic HepaRG cells in response to rosemary diterpenes exposure.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aca.2017.12.006

3) Investigation of rosemary herbal extracts (Rosmarinus officinalis) and their potential effects on immunity.

https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6648

4) An updated review of protective effects of rosemary and its active constituents against natural and chemical toxicities.

https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6894

5) Herbal medication: potential for adverse interactions with analgesic drugs.

Journal: Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics, Issue: Vol 27, Issue 6, Dec 2002


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