| First Author | Rapp E | Year | 2025 |
| Journal | JCI Insight | Volume | 10 |
| Issue | 23 | PubMed ID | 41129748 |
| Mgi Jnum | J:375310 | Mgi Id | MGI:8264903 |
| Doi | 10.1172/jci.insight.196267 | Citation | Rapp E, et al. (2025) Carnosic acid in topical rosemary extract enhances skin repair via TRPA1 activation. JCI Insight :e196267 |
| abstractText | Mammalian skin wounds typically heal with a scar, characterized by fibrotic tissue that disrupts original tissue architecture and function. Therapies that limit fibrosis and promote regenerative healing remain a major unmet clinical need. Rosemary extract, particularly in the form of topical oils and creams, has gained widespread public attention for its purported wound-healing properties. However, its efficacy and mechanism of action remain poorly understood. We show in adult wound healing mouse models that an ethanol-based rosemary extract accelerates the speed of wound healing and mitigates fibrosis. Mechanistically, we identify that carnosic acid, a major bioactive component of rosemary leaves, activates the TRPA1 nociceptor on cutaneous sensory neurons to enhance tissue regeneration. Mice lacking TRPA1 in sensory neurons do not exhibit these pro-regenerative responses, confirming its role as a critical mediator. Together, these findings suggest that topical rosemary extract may represent an effective and accessible therapeutic approach to improve skin repair outcomes. |
