In this article, we discuss the paper “A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled pilot trial of a combined extract of sage, rosemary and melissa, traditional herbal medicines, on the enhancement of memory in normal healthy subjects, including influence of age“
Plant name and species
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), sage (salvia officinalis) and lemon balm (melissa officinalis)
Aim of study
To evaluate the combination of sage, rosemary and lemon balm on verbal recall and memory in healthy subjects.
Study method
44 healthy subjects participated in this study which was a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. The groups were split into an active group (with SRL extract) and placebo group. Immediate and delayed word recall were used to assess memory after taking SRM or placebo. The groups were also divided into younger and older subgroups.
Herbal preparation
An ethanol extract of SRL was used that was chemically characterised using high resolution LC-UV-MS/MS analysis.
Sample size
There were 44 participants overall split into the following group sizes; (≤ 62 years mean age n = 26: SRL n = 10, Placebo n = 16; ≥ 63 years n = 19: SRL n = 13, Placebo n = 6).
Results of study
Overall there was no significant differences between treatment and the placebo group from baseline for immediate or delayed word recall, however in the treatment group who were under 63 years old there was significant improvements. There were no adverse effects.
Discussion
This pilot study shows encouraging indications that sage, rosemary and lemon balm can be valuable for supporting memory and brain health which is in alignment with their traditional uses. This is likely to be due to anticholinesterase actions of these species, as acetylcholine is a key component for forming memories. Other contributing factors include anti-inflammatory, anti-amyloid, antioxidative and neuroprotective actions due to compounds such as pinenes, geraniol, apigenin, terpenoids and phenolics.
You can also read “An interview with medicinal plant scientist Dr Howes on plants for neurodegeneration“.
Conclusion
This study shows that the SRL extract is more effective than placebo for verbal episodic memory tests in healthy subjects under 63 years of age. Short and long term supplementation with SRL should be further investigated as an adjunctive treatment for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and the general ageing population.
