Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences

Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.) and its main components in prostate cancer: A narrative review of anticancer mechanisms

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Article

Authors
Kiana Nakhaei 1
Elnaz Vafadar Moradi 2
Hossein Sobhani 1
Seyed-Alireza Esmaeili 3
Behrang Rezvani Kakhki 4, 2
Jalileh Jalali 5
Mahboobeh Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar 6, 4
1 School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2 Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
3 Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
4 Shahid Hasheminejad Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
5 Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
6 Cancer Molecular Pathology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
10.22038/ijbms.2026.94991.20488
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the most aggressive malignancies, marked by late diagnosis, rapid progression, and limited therapeutic options. Resistance to conventional chemotherapy and treatment-related toxicity underscore the need for novel, safe, and effective anticancer strategies. Medicinal plants are increasingly explored as complementary therapies. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.) exhibits antioxidant, anti‑inflammatory, and anticancer properties. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the anticancer effects of rosemary and its main components in prostate cancer, with particular emphasis on underlying molecular mechanisms. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies published between 2000 and 2026. Electronic databases Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were systematically searched to retrieve eligible publications. Rosemary and its main components, including carnosic acid, carnosol, ursolic acid, betulinic acid, and rosmarinic acid, exert multiple anticancer effects in prostate cancer models. They inhibit cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, suppress inflammation and oxidative stress, and interfere with key signaling pathways involved in tumor progression. Moreover, studies report modulation of central oncogenic pathways, including PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF‑κB, STAT3, and AMPK, as well as effects on androgen receptor signaling and cellular metabolism. The findings suggest that rosemary‑derived phytochemicals act as multi‑target modulators that influence several interconnected processes relevant to prostate cancer development and progression. However, the absence of robust clinical trials remains a major limitation, necessitating future human studies to confirm the safety, pharmacokinetics, and clinical therapeutic value of these promising compounds.
Keywords
Apoptosis
Cell proliferation
Inflammation
Oxidative stress
Phytochemicals
Prostatic neoplasms
Rosmarinus
Ursolic Acid
Subjects
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Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences

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