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.