Background

• Sage has been used in Europe for centuries as a spice and a medicine. Salvia officinalis and Salvia lavandulifolia (Salvia lavandulaefolia) are two of the most common species of sage.
• Sage is a popular European treatment for inflammation of the mouth and throat, upset stomach (dyspepsia), and excessive sweating, in addition to other uses. It has also been used to decrease human milk production and as a mouthwash. Sage mouthwashes and gargles have been approved in Germany by the German Commission E for many years for use against sore throat.
• Early clinical evidence exists supporting the use of sage for Alzheimer's disease, pharyngitis, herpes infections, and improvement of mood, cognition, and memory. Sage has also been studied for menopausal symptom improvement, lung cancer prevention, bacterial infections, postoperative pain, and ultraviolet light-induced swelling (erythema). Further study is necessary.
• Despite its common historical use, sage is known to be toxic when taken in excessive doses.

References

• Akhondzadeh S, Noroozian M, Mohammadi M, et al. 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(1):53-59.
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• De, Leo V, Lanzetta D, Cazzavacca R, et al. [Treatment of neurovegetative menopausal symptoms with a phytotherapeutic agent]. Minerva Ginecol 1998;50(5):207-211.
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• Dos Santos-Neto LL, Vilhena Toledo MA, Medeiros-Souza P, et al. The use of herbal medicine in Alzheimer's disease-a systematic review. Evid.Based.Complement Alternat.Med 2006;3(4):441-445.
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• Fortes C, Forastiere F, Farchi S, et al. The protective effect of the Mediterranean diet on lung cancer. Nutr Cancer 2003;46(1):30-37.
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• Guaschino S and Benvenuti C. SOPHY project: an observational study of vaginal pH, lifestyle and correct intimate hygiene in women of different ages and in different physiopathological conditions. Part II. Minerva Ginecol 2008;60(5):353-362.
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• Hubbert M, Sievers H, Lehnfeld R, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of a spray with Salvia officinalis in the treatment of acute pharyngitis - a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with adaptive design and interim analysis. Eur J Med Res 1-31-2006;11(1):20-26.
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• Kennedy DO, Pace S, Haskell C, et al. Effects of cholinesterase inhibiting sage (Salvia officinalis) on mood, anxiety and performance on a psychological stressor battery. Neuropsychopharmacology 2006;31(4):845-852.
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• Lalicevic S. and Djordjevic I. Comparison of benzydamine hydrochloride and Salvia officinalis as an adjuvant local treatment to systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug in controlling pain after tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, or both: An open-label, single-blind, randomized clinical trial. Current Therapeutic Research, Clinical and Experimental 2004;65:360-372.
• Perry NS, Bollen C, Perry EK, et al. Salvia for dementia therapy: review of pharmacological activity and pilot tolerability clinical trial. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2003;75(3):651-659.
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• Reuter J, Jocher A, Hornstein S, et al. Sage extract rich in phenolic diterpenes inhibits ultraviolet-induced erythema in vivo. Planta Med 2007;73(11):1190-1191.
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• Saller R, Buechi S, Meyrat R, et al. Combined herbal preparation for topical treatment of Herpes labialis. Forsch.Komplementarmed.Klass.Naturheilkd 2001;8(6):373-382.
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• Schapowal A, Berger D, Klein P, et al. Echinacea/sage or chlorhexidine/lidocaine for treating acute sore throats: a randomized double-blind trial. Eur.J Med Res 9-1-2009;14(9):406-412.
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• Scholey AB, Tildesley NT, Ballard CG, et al. An extract of Salvia (sage) with anticholinesterase properties improves memory and attention in healthy older volunteers. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2008;198(1):127-139.
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• Tildesley NT, Kennedy DO, Perry EK, et al. Salvia lavandulaefolia (Spanish sage) enhances memory in healthy young volunteers. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2003;75(3):669-674.
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• Tildesley NT, Kennedy DO, Perry EK, et al. Positive modulation of mood and cognitive performance following administration of acute doses of Salvia lavandulaefolia essential oil to healthy young volunteers. Physiol Behav 1-17-2005;83(5):699-709.
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