Pharmacology of Rosmarinic Acid against Psychological Disorders

Anxiety and depression are the major psychological disorders globally, increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality and considerably leading to a socioeconomic burden by 2030. Both disorders impact day-to-day life via several symptoms (fear, insomnia, anorexia, irritability, loss of concentration, and inability to think). The available treatment strategy for psychological disorders has shown major adverse effects, which limits its use and paves the way for the development of the herbal drug-based novel drug. Natural compounds are offered as the most contented option because they possess very least side effects, are easily available, and are of low cost with high therapeutic activity. In the present chapter, we focus on the pharmacology of a plant polyphenol, Rosmarinic acid (RA), against psychological disorders. Specific plant constituents of Rosmarinus officinalis (rosmarinic acid) help treat anxiety and depression by reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. Other important targets, such as neurotransmitters (noradrenaline, 5-HT, and dopamine), neuroendocrine (Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal-axis), brain-derived neurotrophic factor, T-type calcium channels, mitogen kinase protein-1, and phosphorylated extracellular regulated kinase 1 and 2 protein, are also involved in the pathophysiology of psychological disorders (anxiety and depression). Thus, in this chapter, we have illustrated the pharmacology of RA in major psychological disorders, including anxiety and depression. 

Keywords: Anxiety, Depression, Psychological disorders, Rosmarinic acid.