The effects of sage (Salvia officinalis) supplementation on vascular health, cognitive function and menopausal symptoms in peri- and post- menopausal women

Abstract

The current body of growing evidence concurs with the use of Salvia officinalis in the amelioration of cardiovascular health and cognitive function, in addition to its use in the treatment of common menopausal symptoms. However, the above listed benefits of Salvia officinalis have not been investigated in conjunction with each other in peri- and postmenopausal women. The aim of this study is to explore the effects of a daily dose of Salvia officinalis on vascular health, cognitive function and menopausal symptoms in peri- and postmenopausal women over the trial period of 29 days. This study employed a non-blinded, nonrandomised, within-subject intervention. Five women were recruited (53.8±1.9 years) and assessments were undertaken on days 0, 14 and 28. Treatment involved a daily dose of Salvia officinalis. Assessment days involved examining body mass index, vascular health through assessment of blood pressure and heart rate, concurrent to monitoring them during the cold pressure test. Cognitive function was investigated using three computerised cognition tests: Stroop colour test, Digit span test and Corsi Block-tapping test. Menopausal symptoms were evaluated using the menopausal rating scale (MRS). Data generated would indicate that Salvia officinalis resulted in significant differences between baseline and endpoint timepoints, with a decrease in systolic blood pressure (p=0.018) and a decrease in Stroop colour test reaction times (p=0.002). Furthermore, there was a decrease in the MRS total score (p=0.008); the MRS somato-vegetative score (p=0.013); the MRS psychological score (p=0.05); and the MRS genitourinary score (p=0.027). No statistical variances were observed in body mass index; the digit span test; the Corsi block-tapping test; diastolic blood pressure; heart rate or both parameters monitored during the cold pressor test. In conclusion results generated indicated that Salvia officinalis can elicit improvements in cognitive function; a decrease in systolic blood pressure and overall improvement in common menopausal symptoms.