Rosemary Solvent Comparison

Peng, Su, Chyau, Sung, Ho, Peng, and Preng, (2007) concluded rosemary was anti-inflammatory and anti-tumoragenic but the interesting thing about this study is they looked at different extraction techniques to maximize this effectiveness.  For free radical scavenging, they determined the best supercritical fluid carbon dioxide-extraction (SFE-CO2) temperature was 40 degrees Celsius though they said 80 degrees Celsius was most economical. Due to constraints, they used the 80-degree extracts throughout the study.

The significant dose of the 80-degree being superior was .01mg/ml.  Any dosage above that, all three temperatures had the same effectiveness. In the 80-degree extract (SFE-80) they found rosmarinic acid, carnosol, 12-methoxycarnosic acid, carnosic acid, and methyl carnosate. The 40-degree extract had a much higher degree of carnosic acid and carnosol. Rosmarinic acid was more prevalent in 60-degree and 80-degree supercritical fluid carbon dioxide-extracts as was 12-metnoxycarnosic acid and methylcarnosate.  

The rest of the solvents used were ethanol, acetone, EHT, ascorbic acid, and Trolox. They also tested subcritical water extracts (SWE) which had comparable results to the carbon dioxide.

The SFE-80 was effective as an anti-inflammatory beginning at the dosage of .78 micrograms/milliliter. The other dosages, also effective, were 1.56, 3.13, 6.25, and 12.5.  It also demonstrated the ability to suppress Hep 3B cells with all extracts, not just SFE-80. The dose varied based on the extract.  SFE-80 was the most effective of the extracts. Carnosol was the most effective constituent.

Rosemary demonstrated non-toxicity at normal doses. 

Ascorbic acid was found to be inferior in extracting enough to be overall effective. 

Have a Great Day!

Peng, C. H., Su, J. D, Chyau, C. C., Sung, T. Y., Ho, S. S., Peng, C. C., and Preng, R. Y. (2007). Supercritical Fluid Extracts of Rosemary Leaves Exhibit Potent Anti-Inflammation and anti-Tumor Effects. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemisrty, 71(9): 2223-2232.