Sage (Salvia officinalis) is said to help combat Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, cardiovascular disease and improve memory in the elderly.
Sage is a common herb that has been used as a spice for long time in Europe. Scientists found that sage has antioxidant properties. Sage has been shown to improve the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease in clinical, animal and laboratory studies.
Scientists believe that, cholinesterase inhibitors in sage slow the breakdown of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, thereby improving interconnectivity between different parts of the brain, and enhancing cognition and memory. These help treat Alzheimer’s disease.
Sage also contains two other compounds: carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid. Both of them are strong antioxidants that can help to fight the pathological processes that underlie Alzheimer’s disease. Carnosic acid counteracts free radical damage to the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier.
Sage has been shown to improve memory in animal studies, as well as in clinical studies, though trials in human subjects are limited. In a study, mood and cognitive performance were improved in young healthy volunteers given 300 and 600 mg of dried S. officinalis leaf.
Studies have shown the promising results in using sage extracts to treat Alzheimer disease. In a double blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial, sage was found to be effective in improving the conditions of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Some methodological issues remain, and larger, long-term trials are needed.
Sage is available commercially in forms of tea, essential oil, and extract.
Please consult your doctor before using sage for Alzheimer’s Disease.
For more information about natural remedies and alternative cures for seniors, go to Natural Remedies Center: http://www.naturalremediescenter.com/treat/remedies-for-seniors/
