Sage Now and Science

Current Use & What the Science Says?

Fig. 1 - Salvia officinalis essential oil

Sage is a very popular commercial herb.  One of the most common forms of sage is in its essential oil form.  The essential oil is found in many commercial products such as perfume, massage oils, ointments, etc. (F. Lima, C., 2006).  Aromatherapy makes use of sage essential oil in many treatments.  Sage tea is used to calm fevers, and other ailments such as, colds, sore throats, joint pain, excessive perspiration, and lethargy (Dweck, 2000).  As previously mentioned, sage is also still prominently used in traditional Aboriginal culture as a ceremonial herb and for healing purposes.  Elder Gail Whitlow describes sage as a “Women’s medicine”, a fibroids-drink tea and massage oil for the abdomen” (Whitlow, G., 2010).  More recently, it is suggested that sage, like many other herbal plants, has potential to treat mild Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological ailments (Yanishlieva et al, 2006). 

Sage is commonly associated with cognitive benefits because S. officinalis exhibits central nervous system acetylcholine receptor activity (Dweck, 2000).  As research grows regarding sage as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, more researchers are studying other cognitive effects the herb may possess such as, therapeutic use for mood and cognitive performance.  Two recent clinical studies examine the effects of sage on mood and memory.  Although different study methods were employed, both garnered positive results suggesting S. officinalis has cognitive benefits (Kennedy, et al., 2006).

Fig.1 - DISS battery screen layout, cognitive stimulant and stressor.

In this 2006 clinical study, researchers studied the effect of sage on mood, anxiety, and performance. Kennedy et al (2006) aimed to determine whether or not previously established in vitro cholinesterase inhibiting properties in sage shown to enhance mnemonic performance and mood could be reproduced and further proven.  30 healthy participants were administered encapsulated S. officinalis and placebos.  The “Defined Intensity Stressor Simulation” (DISS) computerized battery, along with techniques such as, mathematical processing, stroop-colour word test, and memory search were used as cognitive assessments (Kennedy et al, 2006).  Mood was measured via the STAI subscale and the Bond-Lader visual analogue mood scales.  Results showed noticeable improvements soon after S. officinalis treatment (Kennedy et al, 2006).  Participants experienced an increase in calmness, alertness, and contentedness, while anxiety was lowered.  Although the results from this study confirm previous observations, the small number of participants and short study period should be taken into consideration.  Otherwise, the authors utilized optimal protocol by conducting a double blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study (Kennedy et al., 2006). 

Fig. 3 - Effects of the aromas of Salvia lavandulaefolia and Salvia officinalis essential oils on the cognitive factors derived from the CDR test battery.  Shown is significant improvement with salvia.

Moss et al. (2010), also study S. officinalis and its effect on cognition, but this team utilized a novel method.  In this study, the effects of sage are studied via aroma.  The aim for this study was to investigate the potential for aromas of essential oils in S. officinalis to affect mood and memory in healthy adults (Moss et al, 2010).  Participants were subject to testing cubicles where sage aroma was released within.  The “Cognitive Drug Research” computerized assessment system was employed to measure cognitive performance.  Tests included word recall, reaction time, memory scanning, etc. (Moss et al., 2010).  The end results demonstrated that S. officinalis produced significant enhancements in memory and mood.  These findings reflect previous observations from another study that utilized oral administration of sage and also found improvement in memory (Moss et al., 2010).  Although this study did have a respectable sample size (n=145), optimal study protocol was not in place.  This was a single-blind, one factor, independent group study where all 145 participants were recruited from the same university and were all in the same age group (Moss et al, 2010).  This suggests more randomization is needed before definite conclusions can be made. 

Fig. 3 - Neuronal death and brain volume loss after onset of Alzheimer's disease shown on right.  S. officinalis may be a future treatment.

Overall, I believe we are headed in an optimistic direction in terms of scientific research into herbal medicines.  Despite limitations and gaps in current studies, evidence from these two trials and others like it not only reveal the potential for herbs like S. officinalis, but solidify the potential for complementary and alternative medicine in future disease treatments.