Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

White Sage Leaf Extract

Also known as: White sage leaf extract, Common sage, Garden sage, Salvia apiana, Salvia officinalis

Overview

White sage leaf extract, primarily derived from *Salvia officinalis*, is a botanical supplement with traditional uses for cognitive enhancement, lipid regulation, and menopausal symptom relief. It contains bioactive compounds such as rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, and various flavonoids, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. While 'white sage' can also refer to *Salvia apiana*, most clinical research focuses on *S. officinalis*. The research maturity for *S. officinalis* is moderate, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses supporting its effects on cognitive function and lipid profile modulation. Evidence quality is generally good, including systematic reviews with appropriate controls and sample sizes.

Benefits

White sage leaf extract (primarily *S. officinalis*) offers several evidence-based benefits. Acute supplementation has been shown to improve attention and memory in healthy adults, with statistically significant effects on cognitive tests and reduced perceived effort during tasks, supported by randomized controlled trials. A systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated significant improvements in lipid profiles, including reductions in total cholesterol (mean difference −52.64 mg/dL), LDL cholesterol (−23.28 mg/dL), and triglycerides (−74.98 mg/dL), alongside an increase in HDL cholesterol (+6.34 mg/dL) after *S. officinalis* administration. These findings are robust, based on clinical trials with adequate sample sizes. Additionally, oral intake of sage extract has shown some promise in improving menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats over 4 weeks, though this evidence is less robust and requires further confirmation. The extract also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting COX-2, iNOS, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, contributing to its potential neuroprotective and systemic benefits.

How it works

The cognitive benefits of white sage leaf extract are primarily mediated by its modulation of cholinergic neurotransmission and its potent antioxidant effects. These actions help improve neuronal signaling and reduce oxidative stress within the brain. Its lipid-lowering effects are thought to involve the modulation of various lipid metabolism pathways, although the precise molecular targets are still being fully elucidated. The anti-inflammatory actions of the extract occur through the inhibition of key inflammatory mediators such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathways. This inhibition reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mitigates oxidative damage. Bioactive compounds like rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid are key contributors to these diverse mechanisms. The absorption and bioavailability of these compounds are influenced by the extract's preparation, with standardized extracts generally preferred for consistent delivery.

Side effects

White sage leaf extract is generally considered safe when used at recommended doses for short-term periods, typically up to 4 weeks. Adverse effects are rare, with mild gastrointestinal discomfort being the most commonly reported side effect. Current research has not identified any significant drug interactions or contraindications for *Salvia officinalis* within the reviewed literature. However, specific risk factors for certain populations exist. Due to a lack of sufficient safety data, pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to avoid using white sage leaf extract until more comprehensive evidence becomes available. Long-term safety data are also limited, so prolonged use beyond recommended durations should be approached with caution. It is important to adhere to product-specific instructions and consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications.

Dosage

Effective doses for white sage leaf extract (specifically *S. officinalis*) vary depending on the intended purpose. For lipid profile improvement, clinical trials have utilized standardized extracts ranging from 300 mg to 600 mg daily, typically administered for 2–3 months. Cognitive benefits have been observed with acute doses, though exact standardized dosing varies; general recommendations for cognitive support range from 150 mg to 600 mg per day. For menopausal symptoms, studies have used standardized extracts over a 4-week period. It is crucial to follow product-specific instructions regarding timing and form (e.g., capsules, tinctures). Standardized extracts are highly recommended as they ensure a consistent concentration of bioactive compounds, which is essential for predictable effects and safety. Upper limits and safety thresholds for long-term use are not well-established, so adherence to short-term use guidelines is advised.

FAQs

Is white sage leaf extract effective for memory?

Yes, evidence from randomized controlled trials supports modest acute improvements in memory and attention in healthy adults following supplementation with *Salvia* extract.

Can it lower cholesterol?

Yes, meta-analytic data indicate significant reductions in LDL and total cholesterol, and an increase in HDL cholesterol, after several weeks of *S. officinalis* supplementation.

Is it safe long-term?

Long-term safety data for white sage leaf extract are limited. Short-term use (up to 4 weeks) appears safe with minimal reported side effects.

Does it help with menopause?

Possibly, some studies suggest it may help with hot flashes and night sweats, but the evidence is less conclusive and requires further research for confirmation.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6574745/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis included four randomized controlled trials and found significant improvements in serum lipid profiles (total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and HDL) with *S. officinalis* supplementation over 2–3 months. The study highlights the clinical relevance of these findings despite a limited number of included studies, showing high statistical significance and effect sizes.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2021.771518/full – This randomized controlled trial demonstrated that acute supplementation with *Salvia* extract improved cognitive test performance and reduced perceived exertion in healthy volunteers. The study involved adequate sample sizes and rigorous statistical analysis, supporting the cognitive benefits of *Salvia* species.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5318325/ – This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms of *Salvia* species, detailing their anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties through various bioactive compounds. It provides mechanistic plausibility for the observed health benefits, although it is not an interventional study itself.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-504/sage – This source provides general information on sage, including its traditional uses and some reported effects on menopausal symptoms. While not a primary research article, it offers a broad overview of sage's applications, noting that some findings, such as those for menopausal relief, require further confirmation.