Protective effects of rosemary and ginger extracts on DNA integrity, oxidative stress, and vascular endothelial function: a pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Chronic oxidative stress driven by unhealthy lifestyles contributes to cumulative cellular damage. Rosemary and ginger contain polyphenols reported to modulate cellular stress responses, including oxidative stress; however, evidence for their combined effects in humans is limited. This pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of combined rosemary and ginger extract on oxidative stress, DNA damage, inflammation, and vascular endothelial signaling in healthy adults. Seventy-two adults were classified as Healthy or Risk, with the Risk group characterized by overweight and smoking. Participants received placebo, low-dose, or high-dose extract for 4 weeks. Supplementation did not significantly alter circulating oxidative stress or inflammatory markers. In the Risk group, oxidative DNA damage significantly decreased in both dose groups, whereas erythrocyte phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression increased in the high-dose group. Short-term supplementation was associated with protection against oxidative DNA damage and modulation of endothelial signaling in the risk group, warranting longer-term studies.