Japanese Study Finds That Phytochemical in Rosemary Eases Nerve Pain and Protects Nerves
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 01, 2025 1 week, 8 hours, 8 minutes ago
Thailand Medical News: A Natural Ingredient with Powerful Potential
A new breakthrough by Japanese researchers has uncovered that carnosol, a compound found in rosemary, holds the potential to ease nerve pain and protect nerves from damage caused by chemotherapy. Scientists from Okayama University’s Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Tama Biochemical Co. in Tokyo made this discovery after screening food-based compounds for properties that block nerve degeneration.
Japanese Study Finds That Phytochemical in Rosemary Eases Nerve Pain and Protects Nerves
Peripheral neuropathy, often caused by cancer drugs like vincristine, results in tingling, burning, and even severe pain in the hands and feet. This condition is not only painful but can also severely affect daily activities. While modern medicine has struggled to find safe and effective treatments, this
Thailand Medical News report highlights how carnosol may offer a promising solution through a natural, food-based approach.
The Hidden Culprit in Nerve Damage
At the heart of this discovery is a protein called SARM1. It plays a central role in a process where nerves self-destruct after stress, injury, or exposure to toxins like chemotherapy drugs. Scientists have long known that blocking this protein can prevent or reduce nerve damage, but until now, most efforts relied on synthetic chemicals.
The researchers discovered that carnosol directly blocks the activity of SARM1. In lab tests, purified carnosol stopped the breakdown of an essential molecule called NAD+, which is critical for cell energy. In human nerve cells grown from stem cells, carnosol prevented damage caused by vincristine, reduced inflammation, and protected key nerve structures. It also helped maintain NAD+ levels, which tend to drop during nerve injury.
From Rosemary to Relief in Mice
Going beyond lab dishes, the team tested carnosol on mice. They gave vincristine to cause nerve pain, then treated the mice with carnosol. The results were dramatic. Mice that received carnosol showed far fewer signs of nerve pain. Their nerves were more intact, and key nerve markers in their blood were lower—indicating less nerve damage.
In addition to reducing pain, carnosol also prevented the typical loss of tiny nerve fibers in the skin, which are often destroyed in neuropathy. This suggests that carnosol not only masks symptoms but may actually protect and preserve nerve health.
Why Rosemary and Not Just Carnosol
Rosemary has long been celebrated for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Other components in rosemary, like rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid, also show health benefits, but only carnosol was found to specifically block SARM1. This unique ability makes it a strong candidate for further development into therapies.
The researchers also note that carnosol is found in other herbs in the same family as rosemary, such as sage. Th
is opens the door to potentially safer, food-based supplements or even dietary strategies for people at risk of nerve damage.
Conclusion
This discovery could pave the way for a revolutionary, natural method to manage chemotherapy-induced nerve pain and possibly even slow down neurodegenerative diseases. Carnosol’s ability to block nerve self-destruction at its root, combined with its existing antioxidant benefits, makes it a rare compound with dual therapeutic potential. While more studies in humans are needed, this promising development signals a new chapter in neurological care that could be both safe and affordable.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Antioxidants.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/14/7/808
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/herbs-and-phytochemicals
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