Sage (Salvia officinalis) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, including for memory enhancement. In recent years, scientific interest has focused on its potential cognitive benefits, particularly for Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Several in vitro and animal studies have indicated that sage extracts and essential oils possess cholinesterase-inhibiting properties, similar to some pharmaceutical drugs used in AD management. These effects may help increase acetylcholine levels in the brain, a neurotransmitter that is deficient in Alzheimer's patients.

Some small-scale human clinical trials have explored sage's impact on cognitive function. For example, randomized controlled trials have found that both acute and chronic administration of sage extract can improve memory and attention in healthy adults and in patients with mild to moderate AD. In one study, patients with mild to moderate AD who received sage extract (60 drops/day) for four months showed significantly better cognitive function compared to placebo.

However, the quality, size, and duration of these studies are limited, and results are not always consistent. While the mechanism of cholinesterase inhibition provides a plausible scientific rationale, robust evidence from large-scale, long-term clinical trials is lacking. Therefore, while there is scientific interest and some preliminary evidence supporting sage's use in Alzheimer's, the overall strength of the evidence is modest.