Sage Can Improve Memory
By Dr. Randi Fredricks, Ph.D.
Sage has been used in Europe for centuries as a spice and a medicine. There are many different species of sage, with some reports
describing over 500 species. Salvia officinalis and Salvia lavandulaefolia/Salvia lavandulifolia are two species covered in this
monograph; both are used interchangeably in commerce.
However, Salvia officinalis is more commonly used medicinally, horticulturally, and commercially and although
Salvia lavandulifolia is a related species, it is unclear whether the actions of S. officinalis and S. lavandulifolia are interchangeable.
Salvia lavandulaefolia (Spanish sage) extracts have demonstrated anticholinesterase, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, oestrogenic
and sedative effects; all of which are relevant to the treatment of dementia.
In a study at Northumbria University in the U.K, sage oil was found to improve memory.
Scientists took 44 healthy, young adults and gave 24 sage oil and 20 placebo. The volunteers then took part in a word recall test.
Results showed that those who had taken the sage oil consistently performed better than those who had taken placebos.
Sage (Salvia officinalis) has been investigated as a potential treatment for AD after research discovered that it inhibits
acetylcholinesterase. In a double-blind Iranian study of AD patients, supplementing with sage for four months resulted in a
significant improvement in cognitive function.
The History and Common Uses of Sage
Sage is a popular European treatment for inflammations of the mouth and throat, upset stomach) and excessive sweating, in
addition to other uses.
An extract of sage (Salvia libanotica) native to the Mediterranean region has been noted as a popular
plant remedy used by Middle Eastern people as a soporific and antimicrobial and to treat colds, influenza, abdominal pain, headaches,
heart disorders, and gall stones.
Sage has a long history of use against inflammation of the oral cavity and throat when used as a mouthwash or gargle, especially in Europe.
The strongest evidence for the use of sage comes from clinical trials conducted with sage for Alzheimer's disease, menopausal discomfort,
pharyngitis, herpes infections, and to improve mood, cognition, and memory. Potential uses of sage include decreasing menopausal symptoms
and for lung cancer prevention.
References (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
Akhondzadeh S, Noroozian M, Mohammadi M, Ohadinia S, Jamshidi AH, Khani M. Salvia officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a double blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Pharm Ther 2003;28: 53-9.
Fredricks, R. (2008). Healing & wholeness: Complementary and alternative therapies for mental health. Bloomington, IN: Author House.
Perry NS, Bollen C, Perry EK, Ballard C. Salvia for dementia therapy: review of pharmacological activity and pilot tolerability clinical trial. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2003 Jun;75(3): 651-9.
Perry NS, Houghton PJ, Jenner P, Keith A, Perry EK. Salvia lavandulaefolia essential oil inhibits cholinesterase in vivo. Phytomedicine 2002 Jan;9(1): 48-51.
Tildesley NT, Kennedy DO, Perry EK, Ballard CG, Savelev S, Wesnes KA, Scholey AB. Salvia lavandulaefolia (Spanish sage) enhances memory in healthy young volunteers. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2003 Jun;75(3): 669-74.
Tierra, M. (1998). The Way of Herbs. New York: Pocket.
Wood, Matthew. Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism: Basic Doctrine, Energetics, and Classification. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2004.
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