Cognitive impairments, specifically affecting attention and memory, frequently emerge in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Researchers from Egypt’s Ain Shams University have discovered that rosemary extract may partially alleviate this issue. They presented their findings in the journal Food & Function (F&F).
The experiments commenced with rats, where cognitive deficits were induced using oxaliplatin. This chemotherapy agent is widely utilized in clinical settings but carries numerous neurological side effects. Subsequently, the rats were administered rosemary extract, either in its standard alcohol-based form or as nanoparticles designed to enhance its bioavailability.
In both treatment routes, rosemary demonstrated the capacity to mitigate damage within the hippocampus—the brain region crucial for learning and memory. The extract successfully lessened the deterioration observed in behavior, memory recall, and concentration. Biochemical assessments indicated that rosemary facilitated the restoration of the nervous tissue’s antioxidant defenses, contributed to reduced inflammation, and suppressed the activation of molecular pathways associated with neuron death. Furthermore, it stimulated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is vital for maintaining brain structure and function.
The investigators emphasize a critical point: the rosemary treatment did not diminish the anticancer efficacy of oxaliplatin itself, a finding of considerable significance for potential clinical use.
Although these results are currently derived solely from animal models, they strongly suggest the promise of dietary botanicals as a foundation for supportive therapies aimed at lessening the neurological adverse effects associated with cancer treatment.
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