Sage
Also known as common sage, dalmatian sage, salvia, salvia officinalis
Key takeaways
- Sage extracts with anticholinesterase properties improve memory and attention in healthy older volunteers (PMID: 18350281).
- Compound salvia pellets showed efficacy for chronic stable angina pectoris in a meta-analysis of 3,722 patients (PMID: 16369479).
- Monoterpenoid extract of Salvia lavandulaefolia improves cognitive performance and mood in healthy adults (PMID: 20937617).
What the research shows
AI-synthesized from 14 peer-reviewed sources · Updated 2025
Sage (Salvia species) is a botanical supplement used for cognitive enhancement and various therapeutic applications. Research suggests potential benefits for memory, attention, and cardiovascular health, though evidence varies across different species and delivery methods.
By condition
Cognitive Function and Memory
Moderate
Multiple RCTs indicate that sage extracts with anticholinesterase properties can improve memory, attention, and mood in both healthy adults and older volunteers.
Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris
Moderate
A meta-analysis suggests that compound salvia pellets may be effective in treating chronic stable angina.
Diabetic Nephropathy
Weak
Preliminary meta-analysis evidence suggests a potential benefit from a combination of Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza.
Acute Stroke Recovery
Weak
One RCT suggests Salvia miltiorrhiza polyphenol injections may improve limb use and cognitive impairment in stroke patients.
Effective doses
Specific standardized dosages are not consistently detailed across the provided abstracts, though studies utilize various extracts and polyphenol injections.
Safety & interactions
Liver function monitoring is recommended for those receiving Salvia miltiorrhiza polyphenol injections (PMID: 32103121).
Limitations
Research is fragmented across different Salvia species and delivery methods (aroma vs. extract vs. injection), and many cognitive studies have small sample sizes.
Top-rated Sage products
Ranked by safety score and evidence coverage
How it's sold
Data aggregated from 124 product labels
Research evidence
Showing top 10 of 14 sources, sorted by quality
**Wang et al., 2006** | Med Sci Monit | Meta Analysis Wang Gang, Wang Lei, ... Li Ting-Qian. Compound salvia pellet, a traditional Chinese medicine, for the treatment of chronic stable angina pectoris compared with nitrates: a meta-analysis…
**Liang et al., 2025** | Ren Fail | Meta Analysis Liang Huiyu, Chen Zedong, ... Xiao Ya. Efficacy and potential pharmacological mechanism of Astragalus-Salvia miltiorrhiza combination in diabetic nephropathy: integrating meta-analysis, netw…
**Miroddi et al., 2014** | CNS Neurosci Ther | Systematic Review Miroddi Marco, Navarra Michele, ... Calapai Gioacchino. Systematic review of clinical trials assessing pharmacological properties of Salvia species on memory, cognitive impair…
**Cheng et al., 2020** | Sci Rep | Meta Analysis Cheng Jin-Quan, Shi Qing-Ping, ... Wang Can. Liver function monitoring: a prospective nested case-control study of Salvia miltiorrhiza polyphenol injection. Sci Rep. 2020-Feb-26;10(1):3538. d…
**Wightman et al., 2021** | Nutrients | Rct Wightman Emma L, Jackson Philippa A, ... Kennedy David O. The Acute and Chronic Cognitive Effects of a Sage Extract: A Randomized, Placebo Controlled Study in Healthy Humans. Nutrients. 2021-Jan-1…
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) represent a potential therapeutic strategy for cognitive impairment in disorders associated with NMDAR hypofunction, including Huntington's disease (HD) and Alzheim…
**Scholey et al., 2008** | Psychopharmacology (Berl) | Rct Scholey Andrew B, Tildesley Nicola T J, ... Kennedy David O. An extract of Salvia (sage) with anticholinesterase properties improves memory and attention in healthy older volunteers…
**Perry et al., 2018** | Phytomedicine | Rct Perry N S L, Menzies R, ... Perry E K. A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled pilot trial of a combined extract of sage, rosemary and melissa, traditional herbal medicines, on the enhanceme…
**Cong et al., 2022** | Comput Math Methods Med | Rct Cong Shan, Dong Chunxue, ... Li Nan. Effect of Salvia Miltiorrhiza Polyphenolic Acid Injection on Improving Limb Use and Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Acute Stroke. Comput Math M…
BACKGROUND: In whole foods, polyphenols exist alongside a wide array of other potentially bioactive phytochemicals. Yet, investigations of the effects of combinations of polyphenols with other phytochemicals are limited. OBJECTIVE: The curr…
Frequently asked questions
What is Sage and what is it used for?
Sage (Salvia species) is a botanical supplement primarily used for cognitive enhancement, including memory and attention, as well as for cardiovascular health. Research indicates potential benefits for these areas, though the evidence varies depending on the specific species and delivery method used.
Does Sage work for memory and cognitive function?
There is moderate evidence suggesting that sage extracts with anticholinesterase properties can improve memory, attention, and mood in both healthy adults and older volunteers. Studies have shown that specific extracts and even aromas of Salvia species may positively impact cognitive performance and mood.
Is Sage effective for heart conditions like angina?
There is moderate evidence from a meta-analysis indicating that compound salvia pellets may be effective in treating chronic stable angina pectoris. However, evidence for other cardiovascular applications, such as diabetic nephropathy, remains weak and requires further research.
What is the effective dose of Sage?
Specific standardized dosages are not consistently detailed across the provided research, as studies have utilized various extracts and polyphenol injections. Consumers should consult a healthcare provider for appropriate usage, as effective amounts vary by the type of Salvia species and preparation method.
Is Sage safe to take, and are there side effects?
Safety monitoring is recommended, particularly for those receiving Salvia miltiorrhiza polyphenol injections, where liver function monitoring is advised. While generally used as a supplement, individuals should be cautious and consult a healthcare provider to ensure safety, especially regarding liver health.
Who should avoid taking Sage supplements?
Individuals receiving Salvia miltiorrhiza polyphenol injections should undergo liver function monitoring. Additionally, because specific safety data for all populations is not fully detailed, pregnant women, those on medications, or individuals with liver concerns should consult a healthcare provider before use.
Does Sage interact with other medications?
No drug interactions have been documented in the provided evidence summary. However, because research is ongoing and individual health conditions vary, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare provider before combining Sage with other treatments or medications.