Sage
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Evidence Summary
Sage (Salvia species) is primarily researched for its potential to enhance cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and mood in healthy adults and older populations. There is also emerging evidence regarding its use in managing cardiovascular conditions and certain neurological recovery processes.
Evidence by Condition
Multiple studies and systematic reviews indicate that sage extracts and aromas can improve memory, attention, and cognitive performance in healthy and older adults.
Meta-analysis suggests that compound salvia pellets may be effective in treating chronic stable angina compared to nitrates.
Research indicates that a combination of Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza may be effective in treating diabetic nephropathy.
A pilot trial suggests Salvia miltiorrhiza polyphenol injection may improve limb use and cognitive impairment in patients with acute stroke.
Effective Doses
Dose ranges are not explicitly specified in the provided research abstracts.
Key Findings
- Sage extracts with anticholinesterase properties improve memory and attention in healthy older volunteers (PMID: 18350281).
- Sage extract has demonstrated both acute and chronic cognitive effects in healthy humans (PMID: 33466627).
- The aroma of Salvia species can have differential effects on memory and mood (PMID: 20589925).
- Salvia miltiorrhiza polyphenol injection may assist in improving limb use and cognitive impairment following acute stroke (PMID: 35983530).
Limitations
Much of the high-quality evidence focuses on healthy populations or specific extracts rather than standardized whole-plant sage, and more research is needed to establish standardized dosing for clinical pathologies.
Safety & Interactions
Liver function monitoring has been noted as important when using Salvia miltiorrhiza polyphenol injections (PMID: 32103121).
AI-generated summary from 14 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 99% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 77% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 1% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
| No Claim | 1% | Tier D (No claim on label) | ✅ Supported |
Research by Topic
Research Evidence (14)
**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. Med Sci ...
**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, network pharma...
**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 impairment and A...
**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. doi:10.1038...
**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-14;13(1). d...
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 Alzheimer's disea...
**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. Psychoph...
**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 enhancement of memo...
**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 Methods Med...
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 current study ...
**Moss et al., 2010** | Hum Psychopharmacol | Rct Moss Lucy, Rouse Michelle, ... Moss Mark. Differential effects of the aromas of Salvia species on memory and mood. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2010-Jul;25(5):388-96. doi:10.1002/hup.1129 This study investiga...
**Kennedy et al., 2011** | J Psychopharmacol | Rct Kennedy David O, Dodd Fiona L, ... Haskell Crystal F. Monoterpenoid extract of sage (Salvia lavandulaefolia) with cholinesterase inhibiting properties improves cognitive performance and mood in healt...
This double-blind positive-controlled study investigated the potential for the aroma of a novel blend of essential oils, Genius to enhance cognitive performance and mood in healthy adults, and whether any such benefits might be related to changes in ...
**NCT ID**: NCT03695003 **Phase**: NA **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 94 **Completion**: 2019-09-24
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is sage and what are its main benefits?
Sage (Salvia species) is a plant primarily researched for its potential to enhance cognitive functions like memory, attention, and mood. There is strong evidence suggesting it can improve cognitive performance in both healthy adults and older populations.
Can sage help improve my memory and focus?
Yes, there is strong evidence that sage extracts and aromas can improve memory, attention, and overall cognitive performance. These benefits have been observed in both healthy individuals and older adults.
Is there evidence that sage helps with heart conditions?
There is moderate evidence suggesting that compound salvia pellets may be effective in treating chronic stable angina compared to nitrates. However, more research is needed to confirm these results.
Can sage help with diabetic kidney disease?
There is moderate evidence indicating that a combination of Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza may be effective in treating diabetic nephropathy. You should always consult a healthcare provider before using supplements for kidney-related conditions.
Does sage help with recovery after a stroke?
There is currently weak evidence regarding the use of Salvia miltiorrhiza polyphenol injections for acute stroke. A small pilot trial suggested it might assist with limb use and cognitive impairment, but larger studies are necessary.
What is the recommended dose of sage?
Effective dose ranges for sage are not explicitly specified in the current research. It is best to consult with a medical professional to determine an appropriate dosage for your specific needs.
Are there any safety concerns or side effects to watch for with sage?
While general safety is being studied, monitoring liver function is noted as important when using Salvia miltiorrhiza polyphenol injections. Always speak with a doctor before starting sage, especially if you have existing liver concerns.
Does sage have any known drug interactions?
There are currently no documented drug interactions for sage in the available research. However, you should always inform your doctor about any supplements you are taking to ensure they are safe with your current medications.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.