Abstracts

Background

One in seven people live with a mental health condition. Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) is a medicinal plant with constituents that act on the nervous system, modulating monoamine neurotransmission and reducing sympathetic overactivation.

Methods

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize the evidence on the effect of rosemary for the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychological stress. Medical databases searched included MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Ovid), Web of Science (Core Collection), and CINAHL. Meta-analysis was completed to calculate the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane ROB 2.0.

Results

The literature search yielded 1858 studies. Fourteen studies met criteria, including a total of 865 participants. Nine of the 14 studies administered rosemary by inhalation, mostly in a single dose, while five studies administered it orally for four to eight weeks. Meta-analyses did not reveal a significant benefit to depression, anxiety or stress outcomes. Heterogeneity was high. Risk of bias was “high” or “some concerns” in five and six studies, respectively. In a planned sub-analysis, the studies using oral rosemary significantly improved anxiety symptoms (SMD= -0.61; 95% CI: -0.99, -0.23). Post hoc sub-analysis found a significant improvement in anxiety symptoms among the studies that provided the treatment for four to eight weeks (SMD=-1.14; 95% CI -2.20, -0.09).

Discussion/Conclusions

It is uncertain if rosemary administration improves anxiety, depression and psychological stress outcomes.

DOI link: doi.org/10.1016/j.hermed.2026.101147