Microcapsules containing Rosemary essential oil

Dry microcapsules obtained by coacervation containing rosemary essential oil, specifically designed for the protection of the active principle from direct oxidizing agents. Microcapsules facilitate the delivery of the active part (rosemary essential oil) to the intestine, thus increasing its therapeutic efficacy. ^[1]. They can be added to solid oral formulations - also in association with other active ingredients - such as hard capsules or single-dose sachets, dispersible or buccal, while maintaining unaltered the nutritional characteristics of the oil.

Rosemary essential oil is rich in terpene and phenolic compounds (carnosic acid), that are responsible for its many properties: antispasmolytic in renal colics, cholagogue and carminative ones. Recent studies also demonstrate its beneficial effects on lipid metabolism ^[2], ^[3].

In particular, carnosic acid has proved to be effective in controlling lipid metabolism by acting on the inhibition of pancreatic lipase ^[4].

By conveying the essential oil of rosemary in the microencapsulated form, it is possible to obtain a uniform distribution of the oil over the entire gastrointestinal tract, thus facilitating the absorption of the active ingredient in the intestine, where it can carry out its action on a systemic level.

"[1]. M. R. Vaquero et al.,Bioavailability of the major bioactive diterpenoids in a rosemary extract: Metabolic profile in the intestine, liver, plasma, and brain of Zucker rats Mol. Nutr. Food Res. 2013, 00, 1–13"

"[2]. Ngo, S. N., Williams, D. B., Head, R. J., Rosemary and cancer prevention: preclinical perspectives.Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nutr. 2011, 51, 946–954"

"[3]. Harach, T., Aprikian, O., Monnard, I., Moulin, J. et al., Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) leaf extract limits weight gain and liver steatosis in mice fed a high-fat diet. Planta Med. 2010, 76, 566–571."

"[4]. Doolaege, E. H., Raes, K., De Vos, F., Verh ´ e, R. et al., Absorption, distribution and elimination of carnosic acid, a natural antioxidant from Rosmarinus officinalis, in rats. Plant Foods Hum. Nutr. 2011, 66, 196–202."