Indeed, it has been suggested by scientists that inhaling rosemary might enhance your cognitive abilities.
Research indicates that when the compound 1, 8-cineole from the herb’s oil enters the bloodstream, cognitive performance shows improvement.
At the University of Northumbria, biochemists are now investigating how this compound could influence brain function.
Historically, rosemary has served as a traditional remedy, used for purposes like hair rinsing and repelling cats.
The belief that it enhances brain function is longstanding; thus, scientists were not entirely astonished by the improved test results of participants.
Yet, they were taken aback by the findings that rosemary oil influences the blood, as reported in the journal Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology.
According to Dr. Mark Moss: ‘The improvement in cognitive performance following exposure to rosemary aroma did not catch us off guard, as previous studies have shown this.’
‘What intrigued us was the revelation that performance correlated with plasma levels of 1,8-cineole after exposure.’
In tests conducted with 20 individuals, it was found that the natural compound entered the bloodstream through the nose.
Dr. Moss interprets this to mean that a more traditional biochemical explanation exists for the enhanced cognitive performance reported earlier.
‘While this compound is found in rosemary, it had not been previously shown to be absorbed into human blood plasma,’ he noted.
‘We propose that the aroma functions as a therapeutic agent, rather than any enhancements being due to the sensory nature of the aroma.’
Dr. Moss emphasizes how it’s easy to overlook that many therapeutic medications stem from plant-based science.
His research team plans to further explore the therapeutic effects of several well-known plants like peppermint and lavender.
The implications of this research are extensive.
‘Plants are complex organisms, containing numerous active compounds that can vary in concentration not only between different species but also within the same species at different times of the day,’ Dr. Moss explained.
‘Gaining insight into the potential effects of plant aromas and extracts could help identify optimal combinations for targeting specific outcomes.’
‘Ultimately, this could lead to the development of plant-based medications that may enhance mental capacity in older age by providing a pharmacological counter to decline,’ Dr. Moss concludes.
by David Livingstone
