Evidence supporting the use of: Sage
For the body system: Estrogen
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Sage (Salvia officinalis) has a long history of traditional use for supporting the estrogen body system, particularly in relation to menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and excessive sweating. In folk medicine, sage tea and extracts have been recommended for women experiencing symptoms associated with declining estrogen levels. The rationale is that sage contains compounds that may have weak estrogenic activity, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, although these effects are not strong compared to actual estrogens.
Scientific research on sage's direct estrogenic effects is limited, but some small clinical studies and reviews suggest that sage may help alleviate menopausal symptoms, potentially due to its anticholinergic and thermoregulatory properties rather than a direct estrogenic effect. For example, a few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported reductions in the frequency and severity of hot flashes in menopausal women using sage extract. However, these studies are often small and sometimes lack rigorous methodology. There is a lack of robust evidence demonstrating that sage or its constituents directly modulate estrogen levels or estrogen receptor activity in humans.
Overall, the use of sage to support the estrogen body system is primarily justified by traditional use, with some preliminary scientific support for symptom management but not for direct estrogenic action. The overall evidence rating is moderate-low due to the limited quality and quantity of clinical data.
Other ingredients that support Estrogen
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)black cohosh
chaste tree
d-glucarate
daidzin
dandelion
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
fennel
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
ginseng
HMR lignan
hops
indole-3-carbinol
licorice root
lignans
maca
sage
secoisolariciresinol diglucoside
soybean
spearmint leaf
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
red clover
anise
yarrow
dioscorea
Equol (proprietary)
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
4-Hydroxyandrostenedione
8-Prenylnaringenin
Agnuside
Anti-aromatase
Brassica
Bugbane
biochanin
Barbasco
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cruciferous
Casticin
Coumesterol
DHEA
Daidzein
Dong Quai
Diosgenin
Isoflavones
Soy Protein