A compound derived from rosemary and sage shows remarkable promise in treating Alzheimer’s disease, restoring memory function to near-normal levels in mouse models while reducing brain inflammation and harmful protein buildup.
At a Glance
- Scientists have developed diAcCA, a stable form of carnosic acid found in rosemary and sage, that significantly improved memory and brain connections in Alzheimer’s disease mouse models
- The compound reduced brain inflammation, decreased amyloid beta plaques and tau tangles associated with Alzheimer’s disease
- DiAcCA is selectively activated by inflammation, potentially limiting side effects, and was well-tolerated in studies
- The treatment could be used alone or to enhance existing Alzheimer’s therapies, with potential applications for other inflammatory conditions
From Kitchen Herbs to Potential Alzheimer’s Treatment
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a promising new compound for Alzheimer’s disease treatment derived from two common kitchen herbs. The compound, called diAcCA, is a modified version of carnosic acid naturally found in rosemary and sage. These Mediterranean herbs have long been associated with memory enhancement in traditional medicine, but their active compounds have been difficult to utilize as treatments due to instability in their pure form.
DiAcCA offers significant advantages over pure carnosic acid, with approximately 20% better absorption and the ability to reach therapeutic levels in the brain within an hour. The modified compound maintains the beneficial properties of carnosic acid while overcoming its natural instability, making it a viable candidate for pharmaceutical development.
Remarkable Results in Alzheimer’s Models
The research, published in the journal Antioxidants, demonstrated impressive results in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. DiAcCA not only slowed cognitive decline but actually improved memory function to near-normal levels. The compound works through multiple mechanisms, targeting the inflammation and oxidative stress that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease progression while also increasing the number of synapses in the brain.
The treatment’s ability to reduce amyloid beta plaques and tau tangles—hallmark features of Alzheimer’s disease—represents a significant breakthrough. Most current treatments focus primarily on managing symptoms rather than addressing the underlying disease processes. DiAcCA’s multi-targeted approach could potentially modify the course of the disease itself.
Selective Activation and Enhanced Safety Profile
One of diAcCA’s most promising features is its selective activation mechanism. The compound becomes active specifically in areas experiencing inflammation, which could limit potential side effects in healthy tissues. This selectivity is crucial for developing treatments for chronic conditions like Alzheimer’s disease that require long-term management.
Researchers also noted that diAcCA was well-tolerated by mice in the study, with no significant adverse effects observed. Additionally, the compound appeared to have a soothing effect on mild digestive inflammation. Since carnosic acid is already FDA-approved for human consumption as a food additive, the path to clinical trials for diAcCA may be expedited compared to entirely new chemical entities.
Beyond Alzheimer’s: Broader Therapeutic Potential
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of diAcCA suggest applications beyond Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers believe the compound could potentially benefit patients with other conditions characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress, including Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. This broad therapeutic potential makes diAcCA an especially valuable candidate for further development.
DiAcCA could also complement existing Alzheimer’s treatments by enhancing their effectiveness or reducing their side effects. This complementary approach is particularly relevant for newer amyloid antibody treatments that have shown promise but come with significant side effects. The compound’s ability to work through the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, enhancing the expression of antioxidant enzymes, provides an additional mechanism to combat the oxidative stress associated with many neurodegenerative conditions.
The Path Forward
While the results in mouse models are encouraging, translating these findings to human patients will require extensive clinical trials. Alzheimer’s disease affects approximately 6.7 million Americans, making it the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. The disease places enormous burdens on patients, caregivers, and healthcare systems, with limited effective treatment options currently available.
The development of diAcCA represents an innovative approach to Alzheimer’s treatment by leveraging naturally occurring compounds with known safety profiles. If successful in human trials, this herb-derived compound could offer new hope to millions of patients and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and potentially other neurodegenerative conditions.
