The delayed death-causing nature of Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extracts and their mixture within experimental chronic toxoplasmosis: Therapeutic and prophylactic implications

•The curative and prophylactic efficacy of Rosmarinus officinalis alcoholic, oil extracts and their mixture were evaluated.•Parasite burden and infectivity of brain cysts of in treated mice have been reduced.•Low BAG1 gene expression and massive mutilation of T.gondii cyst in the targeted group were reported using scanning electron microscopy.•R.officinalis analysis revealed the presence of isobornylformate as a novel ingredient.•The therapeutic efficacy of this mixture was superior to its valuable prophylactic effect considering it as an alternative safe remedy for the treatment of toxoplasmosis besides its delayed death-causing nature.