Sage

Background

• The word “sage” refers to many plants in the genus Salvia. Sage is used in cooking as a spice. Common sage (S. officinalis) and Spanish sage (S. lavandulaefolia) are two different species of sage that have been used as traditional remedies. Both are shrubs native to the Mediterranean region and Middle East. Traditionally, sage was used for digestive, respiratory, and skin problems and other health conditions.
• Today, sage is promoted as a dietary supplement for many purposes, including managing menopause symptoms, enhancing memory, and reducing cholesterol levels.

How Much Do We Know?

• Only small amounts of research have been done on the use of sage for health conditions, so definitive conclusions about its effects cannot be reached.

What Have We Learned?

• The results of a few small studies suggest that common sage might be helpful in reducing the frequency of hot flashes associated with menopause.
• A few studies suggest that common sage, Spanish sage, or a combination of the two may improve scores on tests of memory or other aspects of cognition in healthy people; however, the amount of evidence is small, and additional research would be needed before definite conclusions could be reached. It is uncertain whether sage affects cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease because very little research has been done on this topic in people.
• A few studies suggest that sage may have beneficial effects on levels of blood cholesterol and other lipids. There isn’t enough evidence to show whether sage has beneficial effects on blood glucose (sugar).

What Do We Know About Safety?

• Sage is likely safe in the amounts commonly found in foods, and larger amounts have been used safely for up to 8 weeks in research studies. However, some species of sage, including common sage (S. officinalis), contain a component called thujone that can be toxic if consumed in large amounts; therefore, sage may be unsafe in high doses or if consumed for long periods of time.
• It may be unsafe to use sage during pregnancy because its component thujone may have harmful effects. If you’re considering using sage while pregnant, consult your health care provider. Little is known about whether it’s safe to use sage while breastfeeding.

Keep in Mind

• Take charge of your health—talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions.
• If you take any type of medicine, talk with your health care provider before using any herbal product; some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways. 
• Federal Regulation of Herbal Products
  • Depending on what’s in them, how they’re intended to be used, and how they’re administered (orally or topically), herbal products are regulated in a variety of ways. Many herbal products intended for oral use are marketed as dietary supplements. The regulatory paths for making and distributing dietary supplements are different than those for drugs.
  • Unlike drugs, dietary supplements are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they are sold to the public. When public health concerns arise about the safety of a dietary supplement or an ingredient including an herb, the FDA can take action to protect the public. Manufacturers and distributors of supplements are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all regulatory requirements. 

For More Information

• Using Dietary Supplements Wisely
• Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
• Know the Science: How To Make Sense of a Scientific Journal Article

Key References