The effect of short-term consumption of an over the counter preparation of sage on cognitive function in healthy individuals, aged between 18 and 60

Background: Salvia Officinalis (sage) is a traditional herbal medicine that has been around since 1500 BC and the use of it became popular in the sixteenth century after the benefits of the herbs were discovered by English herbalist Gerard. Sage is commonly used to prevent post-menopausal symptoms of sweating and hot flushes. Other uses and pharmacological properties of sage has become a research of interest. Sage is becoming known as a cognition enhancing agent and as an anticholinesterase inhibitor that could be beneficial for patients diagnosed with AD. Aims/Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine if a short-term intervention with Menoforce®, an over the counter preparation of Sage, has an effect on the cognitive function in the recruited healthy individuals aged between 18 and 60 in a one week trial. Three cognitive tests: corsi block, digit span and memory test were used to measure different aspects of cognitive function such as visual-spatial memory, reaction time, number processing, word processing, visual memory and working memory. The antioxidants capacity and total polyphenolics concentration was determined in Menoforce® tablets as this may contribute towards the modulation of blood pressure. Methods: Post receiving ethics approval, eighteen participants (aged between 20 and 54) were recruited. Menoforce® tablets were prescribed to each participant to be administered daily for one week. Participants were asked to visit at baseline (day 0), one day post intervention (day 2) and at the end of the 7 day intervention period (day 8), to measure their height, weight, BMI, BP and for them to complete the three cognitive tests using the PEBL 2.0 program. The antioxidants capacity and total polyphenolics concentration was determined using the two validated methods; FRAP assay and Folin and Ciocalteau method. The results were then statistically analysed. Results: A one-way ANOVA test was undertaken to analyze a significant change in memory span and correct trials from each cognitive test. Sage significantly increased the memory span of the participants in corsi block (p