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Rosmarinus officinalis / Salvia rosmarinus

Rosemary Extract

Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026

Rosemary Extract (Rosmarinus officinalis / Salvia rosmarinus) is a dietary supplement with 2 published peer-reviewed studies involving 2,800 participants, researched for Cognitive Function & Antioxidant.

2
Studies
2,800
Participants
2012–2015
Research Span

Evidence at a Glance

Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes

Overall: Strong Evidence

Cognitive Function & Antioxidant

Moderate
2 studies 1 of 2 positive 166 participants

Research Visualised

Visual breakdown of the clinical data.

Study Quality Breakdown

What types of studies were conducted

2/2
Randomised
1/2
Double-Blind
1/2
Placebo-Controlled

Participants Per Study

Larger samples = more reliable results

Study 1 (2012)
66
Study 2 (2015)
100

Research Timeline

When the studies were published

1
2012
1
2015

All Studies

Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.

Cognitive Function & Antioxidant

1

To assess rosemary aroma/supplementation on cognitive performance and mood.

2012 66 participants Single dose / crossover Rosemary aroma exposure or 750-6000mg rosemary capsule
Human Study RCT Double-Blind Placebo Positive

Study Type

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled

Purpose

To assess rosemary aroma/supplementation on cognitive performance and mood.

Dose

Rosemary aroma exposure or 750-6000mg rosemary capsule

Participants

66 healthy adults

Duration

Single dose / crossover

Results

Rosemary exposure significantly improved working memory speed and accuracy. Enhanced alertness. 1,8-cineole in rosemary aroma associated with cognitive performance improvements.

How They Measured It

Computerised cognitive battery, mood VAS, alertness, working memory

Read full study
2

To compare rosemary oil vs minoxidil for hair loss treatment (androgenetic alopecia).

2015 100 participants 6 months 2% rosemary oil topical application vs 2% minoxidil twice da...
Human Study RCT Positive

Study Type

Randomised controlled trial

Purpose

To compare rosemary oil vs minoxidil for hair loss treatment (androgenetic alopecia).

Dose

2% rosemary oil topical application vs 2% minoxidil twice daily

Participants

100 patients with androgenetic alopecia

Duration

6 months

Results

Rosemary oil produced similar hair count increase to minoxidil at 6 months. Less scalp itching vs minoxidil. Rosemary oil significantly effective and comparable to standard treatment.

How They Measured It

Hair count (phototrichogram), patient satisfaction, scalp condition

Read full study

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Rosemary Extract research

What does the research say about Rosemary Extract?

There are currently 55 peer-reviewed studies on Rosemary Extract (Rosmarinus officinalis / Salvia rosmarinus), involving 2,800 total participants. Research covers Cognitive function, Antioxidant protection, Hair health and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.

How strong is the evidence for Rosemary Extract?

The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (2 human studies), and reported outcomes.

What health goals has Rosemary Extract been studied for?

Rosemary Extract has been researched for: Cognitive function, Antioxidant protection, Hair health, Cardiovascular health. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.

Are the studies on Rosemary Extract based on human trials?

Yes, 2 out of 55 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.