Complementary/Alternative Medicine: This monograph describes a natural or herbal product that is not subject to FDA guidelines for medicines. Patients and clinicians are advised to read package labels carefully to ensure safe and efficacious use.
Sage leaf and volatile oil contain active constituents that have antioxidant, CNS depressant, estrogenic, anti-inflammatory and anticholinesterase activity. It may also have hypoglycemic activity. Sage also contains camphor which can cause neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in high doses.
Therapeutic Effect(s):
Improved cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease.
PO (Adults): Alzheimer's disease: 1 gram/day of extract.
Topical (Adults): Herpes labialis: apply cream with 23 mg/gram of sage extract every 2–4 hours while awake starting within 1 day of the first symptoms and continuing for 10 to 14 days.
Instruct patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care professional before taking other medications.
Advice female patient to avoid taking more than is in normal food intake. Notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.