Open AccessSystematic Review of Clinical Trials Assessing Pharmacological Properties of S alvia Species on Memory, Cognitive Impairment and A lzheimer's Disease
Author(s) -
Miroddi Marco,
Navarra Michele,
Quattropani Maria C.,
Calapai Fabrizio,
Gangemi Sebastiano,
Calapai Gioacchino
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
cns neuroscience and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.403
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1755-5949
pISSN - 1755-5930
DOI - 10.1111/cns.12270
Subject(s) - salvia officinalis , medicine , dementia , sage , cognition , clinical trial , adverse effect , disease , cognitive decline , officinalis , traditional medicine , pharmacology , psychiatry , physics , nuclear physics
Summary S alvia officinalis L . and S alvia lavandulaefolia L . have a longstanding use as traditional herbal remedies that can enhance memory and improve cognitive functions. Pharmacological actions of S . officinalis and S . lavandulaefolia on healthy subjects and on patients suffering of cognitive decline have been investigated. Aim of this review was to summarize published clinical trials assessing effectiveness and safety of S . officinalis and S . lavandulaefolia in the enhancement of cognitive performance in healthy subjects and neurodegenerative illnesses. Furthermore, to purchase a more complete view on safety of S . officinalis and S . lavandulaefolia, we collected and discussed articles regarding toxicity and adverse reactions. Eight clinical studies investigating on acute effects of S . officinalis on healthy subjects were included in the review. Six studies investigated on the effects of S . officinalis and S . lavandaeluaefolia on cognitive performance in healthy subjects. The two remaining were carried out to study the effects of sage on A zheimer's disease. Our review shows that S . officinalis and S . lavandulaefolia exert beneficial effects by enhancing cognitive performance both in healthy subjects and patients with dementia or cognitive impairment and is safe for this indication. Unfortunately, promising beneficial effects are debased by methodological issues, use of different herbal preparations (extracts, essential oil, use of raw material), lack of details on herbal products used. We believe that sage promising effects need further higher methodological standard clinical trials.