Sage for Alzheimer’s Disease

A 2003 study found that an extract of sage (Salvia officinalis) was significantly more effective than placebo at improving cognition in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease over 4 months. Sage is thought to inhibit acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. Sage may also improve mood and reduce agitation. No significant differences in side effects were seen. However, sage contains thujone, which may be toxic in high doses and is not safe in pregnancy.

Akhondzadeh S, Noroozian M, Mohammadi M, Ohadinia S, Jamshidi AH, Khani M. 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 Feb;28(1):53-9. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2710.2003.00463.x. PMID: 12605619.

Kennedy DO, Pace S, Haskell C, Okello EJ, Milne A, Scholey AB. Effects of cholinesterase inhibiting sage (Salvia officinalis) on mood, anxiety and performance on a psychological stressor battery. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2006 Apr;31(4):845-52. doi: 10.1038/sj.npp.1300907. PMID: 16205785.

“Sage.” NCCIH, Oct. 2020, www.nccih.nih.gov/health/sage.