Sage Extract (Salvia officinalis)
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Sage Extract (Salvia officinalis) (Salvia officinalis) is a dietary supplement with 7 published peer-reviewed studies involving 560 participants, researched for Menopausal Hot Flushes, Cognitive Function, Anti-inflammatory and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Menopausal Hot Flushes
StrongCognitive Function
ModerateAnti-inflammatory
ModerateAntioxidant
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Menopausal Hot Flushes
To assess the tolerability and efficacy of a fresh sage preparation in treating hot flushes and other menopausal complaints.
Study Type
Open-label clinical trial
Purpose
To assess the tolerability and efficacy of a fresh sage preparation in treating hot flushes and other menopausal complaints.
Dose
One fresh sage tablet daily (1.5 g dried sage equivalent)
Participants
71 menopausal women
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Mean daily hot flush frequency declined by 50% within 4 weeks and by 64% after 8 weeks. Intensity was also significantly reduced. Sage was well tolerated with no serious adverse events.
How They Measured It
Hot flush frequency and severity diary, Kuppermann Menopause Index
To systematically review and meta-analyse the evidence for Salvia officinalis effects on hot flashes in postmenopausal women.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To systematically review and meta-analyse the evidence for Salvia officinalis effects on hot flashes in postmenopausal women.
Dose
Various sage preparations
Participants
Meta-analysis of clinical trials
Duration
Various
Results
Meta-analysis showed Salvia officinalis significantly reduced hot flash frequency compared to control. The review supports sage as an evidence-based option for management of menopausal vasomotor symptoms.
How They Measured It
Hot flash frequency and severity across RCTs
To investigate the effect of Salvia officinalis tablet on hot flashes, night sweating and estradiol in postmenopausal women.
Study Type
Randomised clinical trial
Purpose
To investigate the effect of Salvia officinalis tablet on hot flashes, night sweating and estradiol in postmenopausal women.
Dose
100 mg Salvia officinalis tablet twice daily
Participants
60 postmenopausal women
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Salvia officinalis significantly reduced hot flash frequency, night sweating and improved estradiol levels compared to placebo. Menopausal symptoms on the Greene Climacteric Scale improved significantly.
How They Measured It
Hot flash frequency/intensity, night sweating VAS, serum oestradiol
Cognitive Function
To assess the effects of Salvia officinalis extract on cognitive performance and mood in healthy older adults.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess the effects of Salvia officinalis extract on cognitive performance and mood in healthy older adults.
Dose
167 mg or 333 mg dried sage leaf extract
Participants
30 healthy adults aged 65–80
Duration
Single dose, crossover design
Results
Both doses of sage significantly improved immediate and delayed word recall compared to placebo. The 333 mg dose also improved accuracy on attention tasks. Results support cholinesterase-inhibiting properties of sage.
How They Measured It
Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) battery, Bond-Lader mood scale
To evaluate the cognitive and mood effects of Salvia lavandulaefolia essential oil and S. officinalis leaf extract.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover
Purpose
To evaluate the cognitive and mood effects of Salvia lavandulaefolia essential oil and S. officinalis leaf extract.
Dose
50 μL sage essential oil inhaled or 600 mg S. officinalis capsule
Participants
44 healthy adults
Duration
Acute crossover
Results
Sage consumption improved secondary memory performance and increased alertness, calmness, and contentedness on the mood scale. Cholinesterase inhibition in CNS is the proposed mechanism.
How They Measured It
CDR computerised test battery, STAI mood assessment
Anti-inflammatory
To evaluate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Salvia officinalis leaf extract.
Study Type
In vitro and animal study
Purpose
To evaluate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Salvia officinalis leaf extract.
Dose
Sage extract various concentrations
Participants
In vitro and murine models
Duration
N/A
Results
Sage extract demonstrated significant free radical scavenging activity, COX inhibition, and reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid identified as key active anti-inflammatory compounds.
How They Measured It
DPPH radical scavenging, COX-1/COX-2 inhibition, LPS-stimulated macrophage cytokines
Antioxidant
To evaluate the antioxidant effects of sage consumption on plasma lipids and oxidative stress markers in healthy volunteers.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the antioxidant effects of sage consumption on plasma lipids and oxidative stress markers in healthy volunteers.
Dose
300 mg sage leaf tea twice daily
Participants
40 healthy volunteers
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Sage tea consumption significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, glutathione peroxidase) and reduced markers of lipid peroxidation (TBARS). HDL increased and LDL-cholesterol was reduced.
How They Measured It
Serum lipids, LDL oxidation, TBARS, glutathione, SOD
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Sage Extract (Salvia officinalis) research
There are currently 9 peer-reviewed studies on Sage Extract (Salvia officinalis) (Salvia officinalis), involving 560 total participants. Research covers Menopausal hot flushes, Cognitive function, Anti-inflammatory and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Very Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Very Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (7 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Sage Extract (Salvia officinalis) has been researched for: Menopausal hot flushes, Cognitive function, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 7 out of 9 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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