Is Rosemary safe?
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Safety of Rosemary: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to Rosemary Safety
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a widely used herb known for its culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic applications. Its safety profile has been extensively studied, focusing on its chemical constituents, potential toxicities, and therapeutic benefits.
Chemical Composition and Health Benefits
Active Constituents and Biological Activities
Rosemary contains several active compounds, including carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid, and carnosol, which exhibit a range of beneficial properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and neuroprotective activities. These compounds help mitigate oxidative stress and reduce inflammatory mediators, making rosemary a valuable herb in both traditional and modern medicine.
Genotoxicity and Antimicrobial Properties
Studies have shown that rosemary essential oil and extracts are not genotoxic and possess significant antimicrobial and antiviral properties. For instance, they are effective against pathogens like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Adenovirus, highlighting their potential as safe and beneficial ingredients in the food and drink industry.
Toxicity and Safety Assessments
Acute Toxicity Studies
Acute toxicity studies in Wistar rats have demonstrated that rosemary extracts are well tolerated at high doses (up to 2,000 mg/kg body weight), with no observed adverse effects or mortality. These findings suggest that rosemary has a low acute toxicity profile.
Regulatory Approvals and Acceptable Daily Intake
Rosemary extracts have been evaluated and approved by regulatory bodies such as the European Union (EU) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has established a temporary acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0-0.3 mg/kg body weight for rosemary extracts, indicating their safety when used within these limits.
Environmental and Contamination Considerations
Metal and Metalloid Contamination
Research on rosemary grown in contaminated areas, such as former industrial sites, has shown limited transfer of harmful metals and metalloids (e.g., lead, arsenic) into the plant's aerial parts. Even when contaminated, the levels of these elements in rosemary leaves remain below international safety limits for medicinal herbs, suggesting minimal health risks from ingestion.
Essential Oil Quality
Rosemary essential oils from contaminated sites have been found to have increased biosynthesis of antioxidant compounds, maintaining their quality and safety for use.
Cosmetic and Therapeutic Uses
Cosmetic Safety
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded that rosemary-derived ingredients are safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to be non-sensitizing. This conclusion is based on extensive animal and clinical data, emphasizing the importance of good manufacturing practices to limit impurities.
Therapeutic Potential
Rosemary and its constituents, particularly caffeic acid derivatives like rosmarinic acid, have shown therapeutic potential in treating various conditions, including bronchial asthma, inflammatory diseases, and certain cancers. These compounds are well absorbed and exhibit significant biological activities, further supporting the safe use of rosemary in therapeutic applications.
Conclusion
Overall, rosemary is considered safe for use in food, cosmetics, and therapeutic applications when used within established guidelines. Its active compounds offer numerous health benefits, and regulatory approvals support its safety profile. However, it is essential to consider environmental contamination and adhere to recommended usage limits to ensure safety.
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