Rosemary has Anti-Cancer Properties

The same rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) used by the Romans to improve memory is also under investigation as a potent anti-cancer therapy. These anti-cancer properties are probably associated with rosemary's anti-oxidant property, which is more effective than typical food additives such as BHT and BHA.

Additionally, rosemary has anti-inflammatory activity, an activity that researchers are now finding often correlates with anti-cancer activity. This was demonstrated in an experiment that showed that carnosol, a component of rosemary, was able to reduce the amount of nitric oxide production in mice cells.2 Nitric oxide, which is released during inflammation, is a free radical that can damage DNA. Because cancer is often associated with states of chronic inflammation, some physicians recommend anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and sulindac for the prevention of colon cancer. Active constituents of rosemary include carnosol, carnosic acid, ursolic acid, betulinic acid, rosmaridiphenol and rosmanol, most of which are present in the essential oil fraction.

Several studies have indicated that rosemary can prevent the binding of cancer causing chemicals (carcinogens) to cellular DNA. Binding of a carcinogen to DNA, leads to mutations in the DNA, and is an early step in the development of cancer. In one report, researchers compared the effects of whole rosemary extracts with the purified rosemary components, carnosol and ursolic acid, on breast cancer in rats. They found that whole rosemary extract given in the diet prevented the binding of the known carcinogen, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene, (otherwise known as DMBA) to DNA in breast cells.4 Carnosol was also able to prevent binding, but to a lesser extent, whereas ursolic acid had little effect. Similar results were seen in the actual formation of breast tumors in these rats with both rosemary and carnosol decreasing tumor formation by 37%, while the groups receiving ursolic acid showed little reduction in the amount of tumors formed. These results are similar to previous results showing that rosemary extracts can decrease skin tumors in mice caused by certain carcinogens.

These results were confirmed by a later study also showing that rosemary could prevent breast cancer caused by administration of DMBA. Rats fed 1% rosemary in their diet for two weeks prior to the administration of DMBA had 76% less of the carcinogen bound to DNA compared to rats fed a control diet.5 This effect was also present when excess fat was added to the diet which increased the amount of carcinogen bound to DNA. High fat diets are known to be associated with a higher risk for breast cancer. Significant effects were also seen with only 0.5% rosemary in the diet. Similar results have been found using human bronchial cells and liver cells. In these experiments the DNA binding of the carcinogens aflatoxin and benzo(a)pyrene were also shown to be inhibited by rosemary extract. This indicates that the protective effect of rosemary is not just associated with DMBA and probably goes beyond just breast cancer.

Besides acting by preventing binding of carcinogens to the DNA, rosemary can also affect the metabolism of some carcinogens in a way that decreases their toxicity. Enzymes found in the liver, known as P450, glutathione S-transferases (GSH), and quinone reductases (QR) can affect the toxicity of some chemicals. Although the main role of the liver P450 enzymes is to detoxify compounds, the aromatic hydrocarbons such as DMBA are actually activated into much more potent carcinogens. Thus, DMBA, benzo[a]pyrene and aflatoxin are considered pro-carcinogens rather than direct acting carcinogens. The second group of enzymes, GSH and QR, act by detoxifying these active carcinogenic metabolites and thus protect against cancer. When rats were fed diets containing whole rosemary extract, the enzymes GST and QR were increased significantly compared to controls. 6 Animals fed carnosol in their diet did not exhibit an increase in these liver enzymes. These experiments show that rosemary has a protective effect by increasing the amount of enzymes that the liver uses for detoxification of cancer causing chemicals, and that the effect of whole rosemary is greater than that of its component, carnosol.

Similar experiments using human bronchial cells and liver cells in tissue culture have shown that rosemary extract, carnosol and carnosic acid were all able to reduce the levels of P450 enzymes after treatment with benzo(a)pyrene or aflatoxin B1.7 In bronchial cells, rosemary extract, carnosol and carnosic acid were able stimulate the QR and GST enzymes after treatment with benzo(a)pyrene. Therefore, by decreasing the enzymes that can convert procarcinogens to a more potent carcinogen and increasing enzymes that can inactivate carcinogens, rosemary components have a protective effect on cancers.

In summary, two separate mechanisms have been identified to explain the anti-carcinogenic properties of rosemary; blocking carcinogen binding to DNA, and modifying metabolic enzymes to decrease the toxicity of a carcinogen. Although the anti-cancer properties of rosemary have been clearly demonstrated in animal studies, these have not yet led to human trials. Since whole rosemary seems to be as beneficial or more beneficial than isolated components that have been examined to date, the addition of rosemary to one's diet may have more benefit than just as a food flavoring or preservative.

Learn more about ROSEMARY here.

Thank you:  Cindy L. A. Jones, Ph.D.  Published in Nutrition Science News, 1998.

1. Chan, M. M-Y. Ho C-T. And Huang, H-I. Effects of three dietary phytochemicals from tea, rosemary and turmeric on inflammation-induced nitrite production. Cancer Letters 96:23-29, 1995.

2. Offord, E.A., Mace, K., et al., Rosemary components inhibit benzo(a)pyrene-induced genotoxicity in human bronchial cells. Carcinogenesis 16:2057-2062.

3. Ho, C-H, Ferraro, T., et al, A Phytochemicals in tea and rosemary and their cancer-preventive properties,@ In Ho, C-T, Osawa, T., et al ed., Food Phytochemicals for Cancer Prevention II:2-19. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society, 1994.

4. Amagase, H., Sakamoto, K., et al, Dietary rosemary suppresses 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene binding to rat mammary cell DNA. J. Nutr. 126:1475-1480, 1996.

5. Singletary, K., MacDonald, C., and Wallig, M. Inhibition by rosemary and carnosol of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced rat mammary tumorigenesis and in vivo DMBA-DNA adduct formation. Cancer Letters 104:43-48, 1996.

6. Singletary, K.W., Rosemary extract and carnosol stimulate rat liver glutathione-S-transferase and quinone reductase activities. Cancer Letters 100:139-144, 1996.

7. Offord, E. A., Mace, K. Et al. Mechanisms involved in the chemoprotective effects of rosemary extract studied in human liver and bronchial cells. Cancer Letters 114:275-281, 1997.

Essential Oil METHODS OF USE Guide

Bath Salts/Salt Glow5-8 drops of essential oil or blend 1 cup of salt (dead sea or sea salt) 1 cup of epsom salt

Combine and mix the two salt mixtures together and then add the essential oils.  Can be dissolved into a bath or applied to wet skin as a salt glow.

Body Lotion* 8 oz. carrier 80 drops essential oil

Mix essential oils with the carrier of your choice. You could use off-the-shelf unscented lotion, however, mineral oils & waxes found in these lotions will not permit absorption of the essential oils. Apply as you would normally apply the lotion.

Body Mist 4 oz. distilled water 30-40 drops essential oil

Mix essential oils with distilled water in a fine mist bottle sprayer. Close eyes & lightly spray the entire body until moist, not wet. Lightly towel off excess.

Body Oil* 4 oz. carrier 50 drops essential oil

Mix essential oils with the carrier of your choice. Best when used after shower or bath.

Body Wrap 30-40 drops essential oil 4 oz distilled water

Mix the essential oils into the water and shake the bottle.  Spray the mixture onto a towel, body wrap or wrap of plastic.  Blanket yourself with the wrap and relax for 20 minutes.

Chest Rub* 2 oz. carrier 35-50 drops essential oil

Mix essential oils with the carrier of your choice. Apply sparingly to chest.

Compress* 8 oz. carrier 10 drops essential oil

Mix essential oils with the carrier of warm water in medium bowl. Soak washcloth in solution. Gently squeeze cloth until slightly moist, not very wet. Apply cloth to area for up to 15 minutes. You may soak cloth in solution & reapply as needed.

Conditioner 8 oz. carrier 75 drops essential oil

Mix essential oils with a carrier of your own conditioner. Use as directed by the conditioners label.

Cooking 1 drop essential oil

Add oil near end of cooking process.  1 drop of essential oil equals 1 oz of the herb.

Diffuser 6-15 drops of essential oils to make a blend or 20 drops of a single note oil.

Douche pint of warm water 10-15 drops essential oil (lavender or tea tree only)

Mix essential oils with water.

Dry Brush 1-3 drops of essential oil

Apply to natural bristle brush.  Brush extremities in the direction of the heart (before or after a shower or bath).

Facial Mask 3-5 drops of essential oil or blend

Add essential oils to the clay mixture and add other ingredients like honey, yogurt, avocado, etc.

Facial Mist 4 oz. distilled water 8-10 drops essential oil

Mix essential oils with distilled water in a fine mist bottle sprayer. Close eyes & lightly spray the entire face until moist, not wet. Lightly towel off excess.

Facial Oil 1 oz. carrier 5 drops essential oil

Mix essential oils with the carrier of your choice. Apply sparingly to face, avoiding eyes and mouth.

Full Bath* water filled tub 5-10 drops essential oil

Mix essential oils in a tub of warm water. Soak for no more than 30 minutes.

Foot Bath* small water filled tub 10 drops essential oil

Mix essential oils in a small tub of warm water. Soak for no more than 15 minutes.

Gargle or mouthwash 1/4 cup of water 1-2 drops essential oil

Mix essential oils with water. Gargle and spit out. Do not swallow.

Hair Care Dry Hair - Orange, Sandlewood, Palmarosa, Rosewood Oily Hair - Lemongrass, Patchouli, Clary Sage, Cypress, Cedarwood Dandruff - Sage, Geranium, Juniper, Cedarwood, Lavender, Tea Tree Hair Loss - Basil, Cedarwood, Ylang Ylang, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Rosemary Dyed Hair - 3 drops of Geranium added to bleach All types - Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Rosemary, Carrot Seed

Hair Oil 1 oz. carrier 15 drops essential oil

Mix essential oils with the carrier of your choice. Best to apply sparingly before going to bed.

Hand Bath* small water filled tub 4 drops essential oil

Mix essential oils in a small tub of warm water. Soak for no more than 15 minutes.

Household Cleaner 8 oz. carrier 100 drops essential oil

Mix essential oils with a carrier of water in a spray bottle. Use as you would any type of glass, metal or porcelain cleaning liquid.  WARNING: DO NOT MIX ESSENTIAL OILS WITH ANY TYPE OF PRE-MADE CLEANING SOLUTION.

Humidifier full humidifier 5 drops essential oil

Mix essential oils with the water used in the humidifier. Use as directed by the manufacturer of the humidifier.

Hydrosols

Hydrosols can be used as a linen refreshner, room deodorizer, mouth wash, facial toner, compress, cooking, and 2 tablespoons can be added to mineral water as a cooling drink.

Inhalation 10-15 drops of essential oil or blend or 1 ml added to dead sea salt Hand diffuser or nasal suppository

Add oils to diffuser or suppository.  Place under the nose and breathe in deeply 3-4 times.  Repeat after 20 minutes.

Jacuzzi 3 drops per person

Add the essential oils to the water and repeat in 10-15 minutes.

Light Bulb Ring 1 ring 1 drop essential oil

Place one drop in the ring and use as directed by the manufacturer of the ring.

Massage Oil* 2 oz. carrier 20-30 drops essential oil

Mix essential oils with the carrier of your choice. Apply using standard massage techniques.

Nail Care 5 drops of essential oil (Tea Tree preferred for nail growth or anti-fungal) or 2 drops of each essential oil in a blend (Lavender, Bay Laurel, and Sandalwood preferred for dry/torn cuticles). 1/2 oz. carrier oil

Add essential oil to carrier or add blend to carrier and apply to nails.

Room Spray 4 oz. distilled water 80-100 drops essential oil

Mix essential oils with distilled water in a spray bottle. Spray room to deodorize unpleasant odors. Be careful not to spray directly onto furniture, curtains or carpets as most essential oils will stain.

Sauna 1-2 drops of essential oil per cup of water

Shake or throw on heat source as usual.  Recommended oils are Eucalyptus, Tea Tree or Pine.

Shampoo 6 oz. carrier 75 drops essential oil

Mix essential oils with a carrier of unscented castile liquid soap. Otherwise, you may you an off-the-shelf shampoo. Use daily or as directed by bottle.

Soap 4 oz. carrier 10-25 drops essential oil

Mix essential oils with a carrier of unscented castile liquid soap.

Steam (inhalant) 2 cups of hot water in a bowl 3-5 drops essential oil

Mix essential oils with water. Hold head above the bowl with a towel over top head and bowl and breathe in.

Therapeutic Blend 10 ml of carrier oil 40 drops essential oil

Mix essential oils with carrier oils.

Vacuum Bag 1 bag/filter 3 drops essential oil

Put essential oils directly on the vacuum bag or filter. You may also put the oils on a cotton ball, then, place the ball inside the vacuum bag. As you run the vacuum, the heat built up inside the vacuum will release the scent into the air.

* Some blends are marked with an asterisk. The elderly, children and pregnant women should reduce the amount of essential oils by half when using these methods.

Linalool, A Common Essential Oil Constituent, Shown to Have Anti-Cancer Effects

Much research has been published on the anti-tumorial & anti-cancer effects of essential oils. The research seems to have focused on a few oils with long histories of medicinal use: Frankincense, Myrrh and Lemongrass are examples. Research abstracts are available through Pub Med, at www.pubmed.gov -- a search for 'essential oil cancer' yields hundreds of results. Linalool, Found in Lavender and Other Oils, Decreases Liver Cancer Cell Viability

Linalool has been the subject of numerous studies investigating its anxiolytic (anti-stress) effects. Inhalation of Linalool, extracted from natural essential oils, leads to decreased aggressive behavior, lessens stress response (see Lavender: Nature's Anxiolytic), and improves sleep.

Now, in a study just released in the Journal of Chemico-biological Interactions, researchers at the American University of Beirut focused on a specific natural constituent of many common essential oils: Linalool. Linalool is the 'sweetness' of many oils; Lavender is perhaps the most popular linalool-containing oil, though it is found in many, many species of plants. One of the chemotypes of Thyme essential oil is called c.t. (for 'chemotype) linalool, meaning this particular variety of thyme has a high percentage of the linalool molecule.

Linalool Appears to Kill Cancer Cells at a Very Low Concentration

In this study, linalool derived from steam distilled Coriander essential oil was found to decrease the viability of the HepG2 cell line, cells of liver cancer used throughout the world for cancer research. Coriander was chosen as the spice is considered to have important medicinal qualities. Linalool inhibited these liver cancer cells from replicating. A concentration of 0.4 micromole inhibited 50% of the cells from replicating, a concentration of 2 micromol inhibited 100% of the cells from replicating, thereby destroying the cancer.

Now we don't claim to be high-tech researchers here, but we did take a bit of chemistry in college. It appears this is an exceptionally small amount of linalool -- 1 mole of Linalool is 154 grams. This appears to be .000308 grams of linalool per liter of solution the cell line was bathed in.

Given that most Lavender species produce an essential oil containing between 30 and 40% linalool, this is astounding. 25 drops of Lavender essential oil delivers in somewhere around .3 grams of linalool. This is easily absorbed when topically applied. Some medical aromatherapists consider Lavender safe to ingest in small amounts as well. This is the freely available abstract:

Study: Linalool decreases HepG2 viability by inhibiting mitochondrial complexes I and II, increasing reactive oxygen species and decreasing ATP and GSH levels.

Usta J, Kreydiyyeh S, Knio K, Barnabe P, Bou-Moughlabay Y, Dagher S. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.

Coriander is used as an appetizer, a common food seasoning in Mediterranean dishes, and a remedy for many ailments. In this study we tested the biochemical effect of its essential oil components, in particular linalool, its main component. The oil extract was prepared by hydro-distillation of coriander seeds. The various components were identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy.

The effect of the various oil components on the viability of different cell lines (HepG2, Caco2, NIH3t3, MCF7 and Hek293) was examined using MTT assay. Linalool was the most potent and HepG2 cells the most sensitive. A 50% and 100% decrease in the viability of HepG2 was obtained at 0.4muM and 2muM linalool, respectively. Whereas none of the other components exerted a significant effect at concentrations lower than 50muM, myrcene and nerolidol, the structural analogues of linalool, were more potent at 100muM than the other components decreasing HepG2 viability to 26%.

The biochemical effect of linalool on mitochondria isolated from HepG2 showed a concentration-dependent inhibition in complexes I and II activities of the respiratory chain, and a time-dependent decrease in ATP level. In addition, a time-dependent decrease in glutathione (GSH) level and in the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium was obtained, indicating increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Pretreatment with the antioxidants: N-acetyl cysteine (2mM), Trolox (100muM) and different flavonoids (50muM) was partially protective against the linalool-induced cell death; the most effective response was that of rutin and apigenin which restored 91% of HepG2 viability.

We hereby report a decrease in cell viability of HepG2 cells by linalool and identify the mitochondria as one possible target for its site of action, inhibiting complexes I and II and decreasing ATP. In addition linalool increased ROS generation and decreased GSH level.

posted by Tarah Michelle Cech, ND