Sage's therapeutic uses

DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.

PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: Dyspepsia, excessive perspiration (hyperhidrosis), sore throat

OTHER PROPOSED USES: Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, breast-feeding support (reducing breast engorgement during weaning), enhancement of mental function, herpes, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, menopause symptoms, lowering cholesterol

Overview

The herb sage has a long history of use in food and medicine. In Mediterranean cultures, it has traditionally been used internally to treat excessive menstrual bleeding, increase fertility, aid memory, reduce symptoms of arthritis, and reduce breast engorgement during weaning. It has been used topically to treat wounds, sprains, and muscle injuries and as a gargle for sore throat, hoarseness, and cough. Several other therapeutic uses of sage have been suggested.

Therapeutic Dosages

For use as tea or gargle, one can steep 1 to 3 grams of dried sage in a cup of water three times daily. The equivalent dose of tincture or extract may also be used.

Therapeutic Uses

Germany’s Commission E has approved sage for internal use in the treatment of dyspepsia (nonspecific digestive distress) and excessive sweating and for topical use in treating inflammation of the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. However, only double-blind, placebo-controlled studies can prove that a treatment works. Studies of this type have been performed using sage for sore throat but are lacking for other conditions. Still, as studies of sage emerged in the twenty-first century, more apparent therapeutic uses of sage became evident. Studies looking into sage’s effect on overall health, cholesterol, menopause, and diabetes showed promising, if preliminary, evidence of benefits. Additionally, emerging studies indicated sage could help with memory and focus and aid in managing Alzheimer’s disease. Sage’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can protect against free radicals, which may cause chronic health conditions. Studies also indicated sage could help lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar.

Scientific Evidence

A double-blind study of 286 people found that a throat spray made using sage at a 15 percent concentration significantly reduced sore-throat pain compared with placebo. Additionally, in double-blind trials performed in Iran, 42 people with Alzheimer’s disease were given either a sage extract or placebo for four months. The results suggested a modest improvement in mental function in the sage group compared with the placebo group.

In another double-blind, placebo-controlled study, either placebo or sage essential oil was given to twenty-four healthy people using a crossover design. The results showed possible improvement in some, but not all, aspects of mental function, but the study's design was such that the results were difficult to trust. The same is true for another small study involving twenty older healthy subjects who took various doses of sage extract. Short-term benefit was seen at a dose of 333 milligrams (mg) daily. A similar-sized study (with similar flaws) found weak hints that sage leaf might improve mood and reduce anxiety levels.

Much weaker evidence, too weak to rely upon until additional studies are conducted, hints that sage might have liver-protective, anticancer, immunomodulatory (alters immune function), antimicrobial, antianxiety, and anti-inflammatory activity. One study failed to find that sage cream provided more than very modest benefits for the treatment of herpes.

Sage is high in vitamins and minerals and provides antioxidant power through flavonoids that can prevent long-term chronic conditions such as heart disease. One study found that individuals who drink sage tea can lower their low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol and raise their high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Sage’s known antimicrobial properties showed promise in another study for reducing dental plaque and promoting oral health. Another study of sage found it reduces the severity and frequency of menopause symptoms. Finally, one study of sage discovered that it lowered blood sugar and improved insulin sensitivity, though more human study is necessary before sage is declared an effective diabetes treatment.

Safety Issues

Sage is a relatively safe herb widely used in foods. However, comprehensive safety studies have not been performed. Sage essential oil contains the neurotoxic substance thujone. Maximum safe doses in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and people with severe liver or kidney disease have not been established.

Bibliography

Akhondzadeh/, S., et al. "Salvia officinalis Extract in the Treatment of Patients with Mild to Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease." Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, vol. 28, 2003, pp. 53-59.

Capek, P., and V. Hribalova. "Water-Soluble Polysaccharides from Salvia officinalis L. Possessing Immunomodulatory Activity." Phytochemistry, vol. 65, 2004, pp. 1983-1992.

Kavvadias, D., et al. "Constituents of Sage (Salvia officinalis) with In Vitro Affinity to Human Brain Benzodiazepine Receptor." Planta Medica, vol. 69, 2003, pp. 113-117.

Kennedy, D. O., et al. "Effects of Cholinesterase Inhibiting Sage (Salvia officinalis) on Mood, Anxiety, and Performance on a Psychological Stressor Battery." Neuropsychopharmacology, vol. 31, 2006, pp. 845-852.

Moll, Jennifer. "Sage: Exploring the Health Benefits of This Common Culinary Herb." Verywell Health, 21 Sept. 2024, www.verywellhealth.com/add-flavor-and-lower-cholesterol-with-sage-4069887. Accessed 18 Sept. 2024.

Richter, Amy, and Debra Rose Wilson. "12 Health Benefits and Uses of Sage." Healthline, 9 Apr. 2024, www.healthline.com/nutrition/sage. Accessed 18 Sept. 2024.

Rota, C., et al. "In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils from Aromatic Plants Against Selected Foodborne Pathogens." Journal of Food Protection, vol. 67, 2004, pp. 1252-1256.

Tildesley, N. T., et al. "Positive Modulation of Mood and Cognitive Performance Following Administration of Acute Doses of Salvia lavandulaefolia Essential Oil to Healthy Young Volunteers." Physiology and Behavior, vol. 83, 2005, pp. 699-709.

Vujosevic, M., and J. Blagojevic. "Antimutagenic Effects of Extracts from Sage (Salvia officinalis) in Mammalian System In Vivo." Acta Veterinaria Hungarica, vol. 52, 2004, pp. 439-443.