Sage Leaf

Sage Leaf

Sage is a medicinal herb which belongs to the mint family of plants and is closely related to rosemary. This Mediterranean plant has gray-green leaves with a pleasant, earthy scent. Traditionally, sage was used in the treatment of various medical conditions ranging from mental disorders to gastrointestinal discomfort. Aside from its medicinal uses, sage is also used in a variety of international cuisines because of its sweet savory flavor.

Benefits of Sage Leaf

Sage contains a variety of volatile oils, flavonoids and phenolic acids which are mainly responsible for its medicinal properties. Here are some of the proven health benefits of taking sage leaf extract:

Treats Menopausal Symptoms

Menopausal women may find sage a helpful herb for reducing the intensity and frequency of hot flashes, which are periods of intense heat, warm skin, and sweating. According to one study, menopausal women who took sage leaf extract experienced lesser periods of hot flashes compared to those who took placebo, indicating that the treatment can be a natural remedy for hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.^[1]  

Improves Cognitive Function

Studies have shown that sage can improve memory not only in older adults but in young, healthy adults, too. According to a study published in the Journal of Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, participants who received a standardized essential oil extract of sage leaf performed better in a series of tests measuring cognitive function compared to those who took placebo.^[2] 

Lowers Blood Sugar and Cholesterol

In a study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine, researchers found that diabetic patients who were given sage leaf extract for 3 months had lower blood sugar, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared to those who took placebo.^[3] The researchers concluded that sage leaf extract supplementation may be safe and effective in improving blood sugar and cholesterol levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Maintains Healthy Skin

A 2013 study found that the antioxidant properties of sage leaf help prevent skin aging.^[4] Researchers reported that by scavenging harmful free radicals in the body, sage leaf stimulates cell renewal, resulting in younger, healthy skin.

Fights Cancer

There is increasing evidence that sage leaf possesses anti-cancer properties. According to a 2011 study published in the Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology, sage leaf supplementation combined with chemotherapy showed favorable effect in improving quality of life and prolonging survival time of patients with advanced lung cancer.^[5]

Improves Digestive Health

One study found that the crude extract of sage leaf can help relieve abdominal spasms, diarrhea and other symptoms of hyperactive gut disorders.^[6]

Treats Excessive Sweating

A recent German study found that taking either a dry leaf extract or an infusion of sage leaf can help reduce excessive sweating by 50%.^[7] Researchers found that sage leaf is an antiperspirant and helps eliminate body odor.

References:

1. Rahte S. et al. Salvia officinalis for Hot Flushes: Towards Determination of Mechanism of Activity and Active Principles. Plants Med. 2013 Jun;79(9):753-60.
2. Tildesley NT, Kennedy DO, Perry EK, et al. Salvia lavandulaefolia (Spanish sage) enhances memory in healthy young volunteers. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2003;75(3):669-74.
3. Kianbakht S, Dabaghian FH. Improved glycemic control and lipid profile in hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetic patients consuming Salvia officinalis L. leaf extract: a randomized placebo. Controlled clinical trial. Complement Ther Med. 2013;21(5):441-6.
4. Binic I, Lazarevic V, Ljubenovic M, Mojsa J, Sokolovic D. Skin Ageing: Natural Weapons and Strategies. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM. 2013;2013:827248. doi:10.1155/2013/827248.
5. Xu ZY, Jin CJ, Zhou CC, Wang ZQ, Zhou WD, Deng HB, et al. Treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer with Chinese herbal medicine by stages combined with chemotherapy. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2011;137:1117–22.
6. Khan A, Najeeb-ur- Rahman, Alkharfy K, Gilani A. Antidiarrheal andantispasmodic activities of Salvia officinalis are mediated through activation of K + channels. J Bangladesh Pharmacol Soc. 2011;6:111–6.
7. Hamidpour M, Hamidpour R, Hamidpour S, Shahlari M. Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Medicinal Property of Sage (Salvia) to Prevent and Cure Illnesses such as Obesity, Diabetes, Depression, Dementia, Lupus, Autism, Heart Disease, and Cancer. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. 2014;4(2):82-88. doi:10.4103/2225-4110.130373.