A popular Chinese sage herb has been shown to contain similar active ingredients to compounds used in Western medicine to treat Alzheimer's disease.
Sage Clinical Effects
Clinical, animal and laboratory studies have shown that sage can help both the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and contain the pathological mechanisms underlying this neurodegenerative condition.
Old memories
Sage contains cholinesterase inhibitor compounds that give it the ability to act in a similar way to drugs currently used to alleviate some of the effects of Alzheimer's disease. Cholinesterase inhibitors slow the breakdown of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, thereby improving interconnectivity between different parts of the brain. By so doing they enhance cognition and memory – functions that deteriorate in Alzheimer's patients.
Sage contains cholinesterase inhibitor compounds that give it the ability to act in a similar way to drugs currently used to alleviate some of the effects of Alzheimer's disease. Cholinesterase inhibitors slow the breakdown of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, thereby improving interconnectivity between different parts of the brain. By so doing they enhance cognition and memory – functions that deteriorate in Alzheimer's patients.
Two helpful acids
More importantly, compounds in sage such as carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid both help to combat the pathological processes that underlie Alzheimer's disease. Both of these compounds are strong antioxidants; carnosic acid is particularly useful as it crosses the blood-brain barrier to counteract free radical damage to the brain.
More importantly, compounds in sage such as carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid both help to combat the pathological processes that underlie Alzheimer's disease. Both of these compounds are strong antioxidants; carnosic acid is particularly useful as it crosses the blood-brain barrier to counteract free radical damage to the brain.
Carnosic acid
Sage also enhances the production of glutathione, one of the most important of the body's own antioxidants. Furthermore, it helps to improve circulation to the brain by dilating the middle cerebral arteries. This is a very important function as a declining blood supply to the brain exacerbates the impaired neurological function caused by other pathological processes associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
Sage also enhances the production of glutathione, one of the most important of the body's own antioxidants. Furthermore, it helps to improve circulation to the brain by dilating the middle cerebral arteries. This is a very important function as a declining blood supply to the brain exacerbates the impaired neurological function caused by other pathological processes associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
Beats beta-amyloid
Sage also counters the damaging effects of beta-amyloid, the protein that clogs up the neural pathways in the brain and is the root cause of Alzheimer's disease.
Sage also counters the damaging effects of beta-amyloid, the protein that clogs up the neural pathways in the brain and is the root cause of Alzheimer's disease.
Medicinal Plant Research Centre Research
It has taken 400 years but scientists have finally demonstrated what herbalists have long believed: sage is a tonic for the brain. Oil derived from the herb improved the memory of healthy young adults given a list of words to recall.
The Medicinal Plant Research Centre atNewcastle and Northumbria universities (both in UK
Those who took the sage oil performed consistently better, remembering more words than those who had the placebo.
Herbalists have been recommending sage since the 16th century. In 1597 John Gerard wrote: 'It is singularly good for the head and brain and quickeneth the nerves and memory.' Part of a 1652 description of sage by Nicholas Culpepper reads: 'It also heals the memory, warming and quickening the senses.'
The Medicinal Plant Research Centre at
Those who took the sage oil performed consistently better, remembering more words than those who had the placebo.
Herbalists have been recommending sage since the 16th century. In 1597 John Gerard wrote: 'It is singularly good for the head and brain and quickeneth the nerves and memory.' Part of a 1652 description of sage by Nicholas Culpepper reads: 'It also heals the memory, warming and quickening the senses.'
Other Applications for Sage
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Cognitive improvement (Grade: A)
Sage has long been suggested to improve memory. Several trials provide evidence for the use of sage. Additional study is needed to confirm these findings and determine the best dose.
Sage has long been suggested to improve memory. Several trials provide evidence for the use of sage. Additional study is needed to confirm these findings and determine the best dose.
Mood enhancement (Grade: A)
Sage has long been suggested to improve mood. Several trials provide evidence for the use of sage. Additional study is needed to confirm these findings and determine the best dose.
Sage has long been suggested to improve mood. Several trials provide evidence for the use of sage. Additional study is needed to confirm these findings and determine the best dose.
Acute pharyngitis (Grade: B)
Sage mouthwashes and gargles have been approved for use against sore throat inGermany
Sage mouthwashes and gargles have been approved for use against sore throat in
Herpes (Grade: B)
Early evidence suggests that sage extracts may be useful in the treatment of herpes skin manifestations.
Early evidence suggests that sage extracts may be useful in the treatment of herpes skin manifestations.
Menopausal symptoms (Grade: B)
Sage has been tested against menopausal symptoms with promising results.
Sage has been tested against menopausal symptoms with promising results.
Lung cancer prevention (Grade: C)
Sage used daily as a spice in foods has been associated with a lower risk of lung cancer in the Mediterranean diet.
Sage used daily as a spice in foods has been associated with a lower risk of lung cancer in the Mediterranean diet.
Dosing
Adults (over 18 years old)
Doses of 25-50 microliters of the essential oil have been taken by mouth one to three times daily. Single daily doses of 60 drops of an ethanolic extract of S.officinalis were used in a clinical study with benefit. 120 milligrams of sage extract and 60 milligrams of alfalfa extract (Medicago sativa) have been used daily for up to three months to alleviate symptoms of menopause. Dried sage leaf, 300 or 600 milligrams, in single daily doses have been used. A 15% spray containing 140 microliters of S. officinalis extract per dose has been applied to the skin six to nine times daily for three days.
Children (under 18 years old)
There is no proven effective dose for sage in children. However, secondary sources note that children have safely eaten sage as a spice in foods for many centuries.
Safety
Allergies
Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to sage species, their constituents, or to members of the Lamiaceae family. Systemic allergic reactions relating to cross sensitivity have been noted.
Dust from sage plants may contain airborne microorganisms that may induce allergic reactions in farm workers and herb processors.
Sage powder should not be used for asthma. Although some formulations of sage have been reported to be useful in asthma, sage powder is not appropriate for use in asthmatic patients since it can cause bronchial reactions.
Side Effects and Warnings
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is uncontrolled in the United States U.S. United States
Skin rash may occur in some patients who are exposed to the leaves.
Sage is likely safe when included in the preparation of foods as a spice for upset stomach, due to a long history of use around the world. Sage is also likely safe when used in moderate amounts as a cream applied to the skin for herpes infections.
Certain medicinal preparations or high doses of sage have been documented to induce seizures. Large amounts or prolonged use of sage leaf or ingestion of sage oil may cause restlessness, vomiting, dizziness, rapid heart beats, tremors, seizures, and kidney damage.
Some patients may exhibit increases in blood pressure during sage essential oil therapy.
When using a 15% spray containing sage extract for three days, minor dry pharynx or mild burning of the throat have been reported in some patients. Other side effects may include: cheilitis (cracking and drying of the lips), stomatitis (mouth sores), dry mouth, and local irritation.
A plant preparation that is not sterile and not free of particles should not be used in the eye since these preparations may damage the cornea.
Sage powder should not be used for asthma, since sage powder can cause asthmatic attacks.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Due to a lack of available scientific evidence, women should avoid sage supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Hormonal effects are possible and could be dangerous.
Interactions
Interactions with Drugs
Sage essential oil and tinctures may increase the effects of drugs used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Sage extracts may have antimicrobial effects.
Sage may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Sage may have anti-inflammatory activity. Use cautiously with anti-inflammatory medications, due to possible additive effects.
Sage may have antioxidant activity.
Use cautiously with benzodiazepines or drugs broken down by the liver. Sage may increase sedation.
Sage essential oil and tinctures can induce seizures and may enhance the ability of some drugs to induce seizures.
Sage essential oil may have estrogenic activity. Extracts of the leaves of sage may abolish hot flashes and night sweating in some menopausal women.
Use cautiously with thyroid hormones, due to possible additive effects.
Interactions with Herbs & Dietary Supplements
Sage may increase the effects of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) on the reduction of menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, insomnia, nocturnal sweating, dizziness, headaches, and palpitations.
Sage essential oil and tinctures may increase the anticholinergic effects of drugs used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Sage extracts may have antimicrobial effects.
Some species of sage may cause convulsions. Theoretically, this might interfere with anticonvulsant drug therapy.
Sage may have anti-inflammatory activity. Caution is advised when taking other anti-inflammatory herbs or supplements, due to possible additive effects.
Based on laboratory studies, sage may have antioxidant activity.
Sage may interact with therapies that are broken down by the liver.
Sage may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.
Sage essential oil may have estrogenic activity. In addition, extracts of the leaves of sage may abolish hot flashes and night sweating in some menopausal women. Caution is advised in patients taking phytoestrogens.
Sage may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some herbs or supplements.
Sage may induce a significant increase in thyroid stimulating hormone and interact with other herbs and supplements that affect the thyroid.
Sources and Additional Information:
