What Is Sage (Salvia officinalis)? Other Names: Broadleaf Sage, Common Sage, Salvia lavandulaefolia

What is Sage (Salvia officinalis)?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Sage, scientifically known as Salvia officinalis, is a perennial, evergreen subshrub with woody stems, grayish leaves, and blue to purplish flowers. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is native to the Mediterranean region, although it has been naturalized worldwide2 4. Sage is widely recognized for its culinary, medicinal, and aromatic properties, making it a staple in both kitchens and traditional medicine cabinets around the globe6 7. Other names include: Broadleaf Sage, Common Sage, Culinary Sage, Dalmatian Sage, Feuille de la Bergère, Garden Sage, Golden Sage, Herbe Sacré, Kitchen Sage, Meadow Sage, Salvia lavandulaefolia, Salvia officinalis, Sauge, Sauge Ananas, Sauge des Prairies, Sauge Divinatoire, Sauge Divine, Sauge Domestique, Sauge Officinale, Scarlet Sage, Spanish Sage, True Sage, Vraie Sauge.

Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Sage

Historically, sage has been used in folk medicine for treating a variety of ailments such as seizures, ulcers, gout, rheumatism, inflammation, dizziness, tremor, paralysis, diarrhea, and hyperglycemia2. Its use in traditional medicine is well-documented, and recent studies have explored its potential in modern pharmacology, revealing a range of biological activities including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antimutagenic effects2 5.

Pharmacological Properties

Sage contains numerous bioactive compounds that contribute to its pharmacological properties. These include essential oils rich in monoterpenes like α-thujone, camphor, and 1,8-cineole, which have been shown to possess significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities4 10. Additionally, sage has been studied for its potential estrogenic effects, which may be beneficial in alleviating menopausal symptoms5.

Agricultural and Environmental Factors

The growth and chemical composition of sage can be influenced by various environmental factors such as altitude, water availability, and soil conditions. These factors can affect the yield and quality of sage’s essential oils, which are used in the pharmaceutical, perfumery, and food industries3 4. The application of biostimulants and chitosan has been shown to enhance the growth and essential oil yield of sage, particularly under organic farming conditions3 9.

Cognitive and Reproductive Health

Sage has also been recognized for its cognitive-enhancing properties, particularly in relation to Alzheimer’s disease. Clinical studies have suggested that certain species of sage, including Salvia officinalis, may improve memory and cognitive function in both healthy individuals and those with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease8. Furthermore, sage has been found to promote ovarian function and may be beneficial in treating female infertility by stimulating estradiol hormone release and controlling folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis1.

Learn more with Consensus:

 

---

Adverse Effects of Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Reported Adverse Effects

Lack of Significant Adverse Effects: In a clinical trial involving hyperlipidemic patients, sage extract did not significantly affect liver enzymes or creatinine levels, and no adverse effects were reported, suggesting its safety in this context2.

No Local or Systemic Side Effects: In a study on sheep with subclinical mastitis, the intramammary infusion of sage essential oil showed no local or systemic side effects, indicating its safety for this application9.

Protective and Therapeutic Effects

Antioxidant and Protective Effects: Sage has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and protect against toxicity in various studies. It mitigated kidney damage from deltamethrin in rats3 and alleviated trazodone-induced cardiotoxicity by modulating oxidative stress and autophagy10.

Metabolic and Hormonal Benefits: Sage consumption improved lipid profiles and reduced oxidative stress in different animal models, suggesting cardiovascular protective effects4 5.

Learn more with Consensus:

 

---

How has Sage (Salvia officinalis) Improved Patient Outcomes?

Periodontal Health

Periodontitis Treatment: Sage gel used as an adjunct to scaling and root surface debridement significantly improved clinical periodontal parameters, such as bleeding on probing and probing pocket depth, due to its anti-inflammatory properties1.

Metabolic Health

Hyperlipidemia Management: Sage leaf extract significantly reduced blood levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL, while increasing HDL levels in hyperlipidemic patients, without adverse effects, suggesting its efficacy and safety as a lipid-lowering agent2.

Oral Health

Gingivitis and Mouth Ulcers: Sage extract mouthwash significantly improved gingival inflammation and healing of mouth ulcers, demonstrating its effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory treatment for oral health issues3 5.

Reproductive Health

Ovarian Function: High doses of sage extract improved ovarian function by increasing estradiol levels and promoting folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis, indicating potential benefits for treating female infertility disorders4.

Cognitive Function

Memory and Attention: Sage extract improved memory and attention in older adults, likely due to its cholinesterase inhibiting properties, which enhance cognitive performance6 9.

Mood and Stress: Sage also improved mood and reduced anxiety, with higher doses enhancing alertness and calmness9.

Oxidative Stress and Insulin Resistance

PCOS Management: Sage tea improved oxidative status and reduced blood glucose and atherogenic index in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome, suggesting cardiovascular protective effects8.

Learn more with Consensus:

 

---

Sage (Salvia officinalis) Mechanisms of Action

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects: Sage has been shown to modulate oxidative stress and inflammation. It reduces oxidative damage by enhancing antioxidant capacity and decreasing markers like malondialdehyde, which is indicative of lipid peroxidation. This action is beneficial in conditions like cardiotoxicity and kidney damage induced by toxins such as trazodone and deltamethrin1 7 8.

Cholinesterase Inhibition: Sage contains compounds that inhibit acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, enzymes that break down acetylcholine. This inhibition enhances cholinergic function, which is associated with improved cognitive performance, memory, and mood. These effects have been observed in both young and older adults, suggesting sage’s potential in managing cognitive decline and mood disorders3 4 6.

Hormonal Modulation: Sage influences reproductive hormones, particularly by increasing estradiol levels, which can enhance ovarian function and potentially aid in treating female infertility. It affects genes involved in folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis, promoting healthy ovarian activity2.

Autophagy Modulation: Sage has been found to modulate autophagy, a cellular process involved in the degradation and recycling of cellular components. This modulation helps in protecting cardiac tissues from damage and supports ovarian function1 2.

Learn more with Consensus:

 

---

Common Complaints Associated with Sage (Salvia officinalis) Use

Hormonal Effects: High doses of sage extract can significantly increase estradiol concentration levels, which may affect hormonal balance and reproductive health2.

Potential Overuse Concerns: While not explicitly detailed in the abstracts, the use of high doses of herbal extracts like sage could potentially lead to hormonal imbalances or other side effects, especially if used without medical supervision2.

Learn more with Consensus:

 

---

Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please seek immediate attention from a healthcare provider.