Rosmarinic Acid as a Novel Agent in the Treatment of Allergies and Asthma*

Abstract

Rosmarinic acid, a caffeic acid ester and a component of several members of the Lamiaceae family including Rosmarinus officinalis, Perilla spp., and Salvia officinialis, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and is used for the treatment of asthma and reactive airway diseases, allergic disorders such as allergic rhinitis, otitis media, chemical sensitivity and multiple allergen reactivity. Rosmarinic acid can be used alone or in combination with other agents such as antioxidants, essential fatty acid supplements and other plant derived products. Rosmarinic acid can be administered orally and no adverse drug interactions have been reported. Nausea or mild stomach upset has been reported in sensitive patients in association with its oral intake and it is therefore recommended that Rosmarinic acid be ingested with food. Rosmarinic acid has shown free radical scavenging ability and suppression of allergic immunoglobulin and inflammatory responses of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, which may underlie its effectiveness in the treatment of allergic disorders, as demonstrated in clinical trials. Rosmarinic acid is a valuable agent for the treatment of allergic conditions, which is of importance considering the recent increase in the incidence of allergies, asthma and lung diseases associated with airborne pollutants.