Running Head: Rosemary Plant Research Project

Running Head Rosemary Plant Research Projectrosemary Plant Research P

Rosemary plant research project 10 Rosemary plant research project Name: Institution: Course: Date: Introduction Rosemary can be defined as a woody-stemmed which has a needle-like and its leaves are commonly 3 feet in height. It is a perennial herb and it has pink, white, blue or pink flowers. Eventually, during warmer climate, rosemary stretches to 5 feet when not clipped. Rosemary can also make an excellent evergreen hedge especially in zone 8 or further south. In zone 7 or the even colder environment, attempting to grow rosemary in a container may bring inside in the cold weather.

It is also possible to train rosemary into different shapes, for example, topiary shapes (Reppert, 2015). The binomial nomenclature name for rosemary is Rosmarinus Officinalis. Rosemary is a member of mint family, Lamiaceae and it includes various herbs. The term “rosemary” is derived from Latin names “dew” (ros) and “sea” (marinus), meaning “dew of the sea.” The plant can also be referred to as anthos.

This plant has a fibrous root system (Wood, 2011). Common uses of rosemary Rosemary is a culinary spice that is used widely. Rosemary has been used in traditional medicine due to its astringent, carminative, tonic, diaphoretic, and antispasmodic properties. It is also among the oldest referred to as medicinal herbs. These herbs were used several centuries ago to improve memory and mental function.

Rosemary is best known for boosting the human immune system strength. Rosemary has important active components such as anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant (Wood, 2011). These components possess a three-pronged attack against illnesses and pathogens which may damage the integrity of our body or threaten our immune system. The antioxidant components form a defense line behind the immune system. Rosemary contains compounds such as caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, carnosol, and betulic acid.

Rosemary extracts and volatile oil from rosemary are used to promote menstrual flow and as abortives. Extracts of rosemary are obtained as cosmetic ingredients. Rosemary lotion is used to prevent baldness and stimulate hair growth. It is also used to improve digestion and blood circulation, especially in the head and brain (Reppert, 2015). Rosemary is also used as an antimicrobial agent.

The powdered leaves of rosemary are used as a tick repellent and a natural flea remedy. Rosemary oil exhibits antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties and is active against meat-spoiling bacteria. It can be infused into oils for topical use in skin irritations such as arthritis and eczema.

Externally, rosemary oil expedites healing of bruises and wounds (Kendal, 2014). Internally, rosemary is added as a cooking spice, and tea made from its leaves can help fight diseases. Rosemary is also known to boost mood, relieve stress, and improve mental clarity (Wood, 2011). Aromatherapy utilizes rosemary oil to achieve similar effects.

Basic information about rosemary Rosemary is a bushy, perennial plant native to the Mediterranean regions including Greece, Spain, Portugal, North Africa, Italy, parts of Turkey, and Southern France. Cultivated for its medicinal and aromatic qualities, it is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall under ideal conditions. It thrives in sandy, chalky soils in sunny environments, often on rocky slopes near the sea (Reppert, 2015). Historically, rosemary was associated with remembrance, loyalty, and ceremonial uses, such as brides carrying sprigs in their wedding bouquets or wreaths and Greeks wearing it in their hair for concentration (Wood, 2011).

The plant has woody, deep taproots, with scaly, branching, light brown stems. Leaves are sessile, narrow, and simple, typically pale green underneath and darker on top with conspicuous veins. Leaves often curl inward at their margins. Its flowers are violet or light blue, forming clusters of five to seven blossoms (Kendal, 2014).

Research has shown that rosemary contains active compounds like carnosic acid that protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals and toxins, potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases (Reppert, 2015). The aroma of rosemary also has calming effects, lowering cortisol levels and reducing stress and anxiety during examinations and stressful situations.

Medicinally, rosemary extracts are used to prevent and treat dementia and cognitive decline, especially in aging populations. Its neuroprotective properties are associated with improved memory and mental functions (Tehon, 2011). Additionally, rosemary exhibits anti-cancer effects, particularly inhibiting the growth and spread of skin and lung carcinoma cells (Farnham, 2013).

Rosemary is also employed to treat hair loss includes conditions like alopecia. Applying rosemary oil daily, along with other essential oils such as lavender, cedarwood, and thyme, over several months has shown promising results in promoting hair growth and reducing baldness (Kendal, 2014).

Growth habits Rosemary propagates best from plants rather than seeds, as seed germination is slow and inconsistent. It can be planted during spring when weather warms up in zones 1 through 9 or in fall or spring in zone 10. Full sun exposure is essential; however, in warmer climates, some light shade is tolerated. Rosemary prefers well-drained, light to medium soil with a pH of 5 to 8. Regularly pinching the tips (2-3 inches) encourages bushiness, and hard pruning in early spring promotes healthy growth (Reppert, 2015). When growing in containers, placement in sunny but not excessively direct sunlight, along with careful watering until roots develop (typically three weeks), is critical for successful establishment.

Rosemary is adaptable to various conditions, including limestone, snowy environments, high temperatures by the seaside, and salt-rich soils. Nonetheless, it thrives best in dry, hot, or warm climates, which accelerates its growth and medicinal benefits (Farnham, 2013).

Preparation for medicinal use Rosemary’s medicinal efficacy depends on proper preparation. External applications include using rosemary spirit (spiritus Rosmarini) in hair lotions to strengthen hair and treat scalp conditions. Internally, rosemary can be consumed as a dry herb (teas, powders) or fresh herb (liquid form). It acts as a dietary fiber, contains vitamins A, C, B, and essential oils that boost immunity, improve digestion, and enhance blood circulation (Kendal, 2014). The herb's antioxidant properties help combat free radicals, supporting overall health and reducing disease risk.

References

• Farnham, B. (2013). Fragrance and flavor; the growing and using rosemary herbs. New York: Pearson.
• Kendal, S. L. (2014). Health benefits of rosemary. New York: McGraw-Hill.
• Reppert, B. P. (2015). Growing & using rosemary. New York: Wiley.
• Tehon, A. (2011). Growing rosemary herbs. Boston: Branford Co.
• Wood, B. F. (2011). Uses of rosemary plant. Boston: Pearson.
• Farnham, B. (2013). Fragrance and flavor; the growing and using rosemary herbs. New York: Pearson.
• Ghasemzadeh, A., et al. (2020). Phytochemical properties and biological activities of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.): A review. Food Chemistry, 330, 127177.
• Medina, S., et al. (2018). Therapeutic potential of rosemary and its constituents. Phytotherapy Research, 32(10), 1851-1864.
• Moursi, T., et al. (2022). Rosemary essential oil as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent: A review. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 34(1), 1-15.
• Salvador, R., et al. (2019). Neuroprotective effects of rosemary phytochemicals. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 10, 127.