Researchers developed a stable form of carnosic acid, a compound found in rosemary and sage. The compound showed promise for improving learning and memory and reducing signs of Alzheimer’s disease in mouse models. The corresponding study was published in Antioxidants. The researchers hope to test the compound in human trials.

Carnosic acid has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While pure carnosic acid is too unstable for medical use, the new compound developed by scientists from Scripps Research fully converts to carnosic acid in the gut before absorption into the bloodstream. They called the compound ‘diAcCA’

As a part of the study, the researchers tested the compound’s efficacy in mouse models for three months. Ultimately, the compound improved learning and memory, and reduced markers of inflammation, formation of amyloid plaques, and phosphorylated tau aggregates.