Rosemary Antioxidant (Extract) Profile
Introduction
Rosemary is a bushy, aromatic evergreen shrub with pale blue flowers that is native to the Mediterranean, but flourishes all over the world. As an herb, Rosemary's uses as a culinary and medicinal ingredient are well documented. The extract is rapidly gaining popularity for its powerful antioxidative capabilities for those wanting to get away from conventional additives. To create this wonderful antioxidant, whole fresh Rosemary leaf is put through a supercritical CO2 extraction process. This method helps to maintain the integrity of the base constituents of the oil and produces a highly concentrated finished product. The extract is then infused with organic olive oil to help increase the solubility when blended.
Constituents
1,8-cineole, acetic acid, camphor, carnosol, carvacrol, carvone, caryophyllene, chlorogenic acid, geraniol, hesperidin, limonene, luteolin, rosmarinic acid, salicylates. Rosemary extract has antioxidative properties that are comparable to butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and with butylated hydroxtoluene (BHT). The reported active components are carnosic acid and labiatic acid.
Typical Preparations
The liquid antioxidant can be used in cosmetics or as a preservative for a variety of food products. Please refer to your formulation or recipe for the quantity asked for.
Summary
Researchers at the University of Catania in Italy have shown that rosemary antioxidant helps protect the individual components of skin cells which may prevent age-related skin damage. The study also showed that Rosemary antioxidant was shown to safeguard a protective protein in the skin called HSP70. The role of this protein is to reduce the damage that stress, free radicals, and other toxins can do to skin cells. Rosemary antioxidant is known to help strengthen dermal capillaries, so it is found in many aftercare products including popular tattoo aftercare balms and salves. It is also a wonderful antioxidant for all cosmetic products, juices, and soft drinks. It helps to stabilize the shelf life of products and therefore is a wonderful organic additive with a plethora of uses.
Precautions
In regards to all Rosemary products, women who have heavy periods should avoid excessive use of Rosemary because it can stimulate menstrual flow. The herb should also not be used medicinally during pregnancy. Small amounts of rosemary used in cooking, however, are safe for pregnant women and for women who have heavy periods.
