Evidence supporting the use of: Sage
For the body system: Acetylcholine

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Sage (Salvia officinalis) has been traditionally used for cognitive enhancement, but recent scientific studies provide some support for its role in supporting the acetylcholine system. Sage contains compounds such as rosmarinic acid and various terpenoids that have been shown to inhibit acetylcholinesterase—the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine. By inhibiting this enzyme, sage may help increase acetylcholine levels in the brain, which is associated with improved memory and cognitive function.

Preclinical studies and a handful of small-scale human trials have demonstrated that sage extracts can improve memory and attention in healthy adults and in individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. For example, randomized controlled trials have found that both acute and chronic administration of sage extracts led to significant improvements in cognitive performance, likely mediated by enhanced cholinergic activity. The mechanism is thought to involve inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, as well as possible antioxidant effects.

However, most clinical studies to date have been limited in size and duration, and more research is needed to confirm these effects and determine optimal dosages. Overall, the use of sage to support the acetylcholine system is scientifically plausible and moderately supported by current evidence, but it should be considered as an adjunct rather than a replacement for conventional treatments.

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