Rosemary
The most recent polyphenols isolated from herbs and spices include terpenes such as thymol and carvacrol. These are found in oregano and thyme. The compounds seem to inhibit the oxidation of low density lipoproteins (LDL), the undesirable cholesterol. They also might reduce inflammation by inhibiting LDLs from stimulating pro-inflammatory chemicals produced by the immune system.
Carnosic acid, carnosol, rosmaridiphenol and rosmanol found in rosemary and sage protect membranes from damage and reduce inflammation by inhibiting formation of pro-inflammatory compounds. Hidroxycinnamic acids and their derivatives, including caffeic acid found in sage, parsley, thyme and oregano, as well as ferulic acid present in mint may also inhibit oxidation of LDLs. Rosmarinic acid, found in rosemary, thyme, mint, sage, basil and oregano, inhibits inflammatory proteins of the immune system. Curcumin, the active compound found in turmeric serves as both an anti-inflammatory and a powerful antioxidant. It reduces COX-2 and other pro-inflammatory proteins while increasing the production of endogenous antioxidants.
Flavonoids are found in lower concentrations in herbs and spices than polyphenols, but they, too, are powerful antioxidants. Quercetin from dill has been determined in laboratory experiments to inhibit inflammation via the COX-2 pathway, and to decrease C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation. Other powerful flavonoids include luteolin from thyme and mint, thought to reduce total and LDL cholesterol while increasing the more desired HDL cholesterol, and apigenin, found in parsley, also inhibit inflammatory signaling proteins.
It’s important to note that randomized controlled trials on the intake of single isolated antioxidants have failed to fully demonstrate health benefits promised by use of the whole herbs and spices. Botanical ingredients are complex substances whose subtle organoleptic contributions to a variety of traditional cuisines, as well as other food and beverage products, are reinforced by their health potential. But as a part of the whole diet, herbs and spices work in synergy to help promote health and well-being.