HEALTH REPORT
improving memory
A ustr a li a n-m ad e A ustr a li a n- ow ne d N o a rt ifi c i a l add i t i v e s P r emi u m in r e d ien ts
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L ost your car keys again? Forgotten where you parked the car? Try this natural herbal memory booster. We have all had those frustrating “tip of the tongue” moments. However, if forgetfulness has escalated to a point where it is not just memory that’s
Modern research supports this centuries- old observation, with a recent study showing that a standardised extract of sage significantly improved ‘performance cognition’ measures, including accuracy of attention, word recognition, word recall and working memory. The study participants were aged 65 years and over, and were given varying doses of the extract. The results showed a sustained improvement in memory over time, which became evident within an hour of taking the extract. In another study,
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affected, but focus, mood and decision-making as well, then it’s time to do something about it. There is increasing interest in the use of cognition-enhancing herbal medicines (known as nootropics) for memory- related disorders. In part- icular, research shows that sage (Salvia officinalis) , which has long been used in folk medicine to improve concentration, has numerous benefits for cognition, memory and mood. Research backing
“sage helps the memory, quickens the senses, and helps with lethargy and lowness of spirits.” Botanist and herbalist Nicolas Culpeper
improvement of mood (calmness, feeling content) and cognitive function (alertness) were reported after a single dose of sage. A 2014 systematic review found that sage exerted cognitive performance- enhancing effects in both healthy patients and in patients with dementia or cognitive impairment. Another trial, to investigate
the effects of sage in patients aged between 65 and 80 years with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, discovered that sage had a significantly better outcome on cognitive function than placebo. Two other important findings from this study were that sage was safe to use in Alzheimer’s patients, and potentially reduced their agitation.
In his Complete Herbal, published in 1653, botanist and herbalist Nicolas Culpeper wrote that sage “helps the memory, quickens the senses, and helps with lethargy and lowness of spirits.”
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ISSUE 54 • 2019
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