Introduction
Sage is a herbaceous perennial herb belonging to the mint family that is enriched in essential antioxidants and is scientifically known as Salvia officinalis1. Besides being used in culinary due to its spicy aroma it is reported to possess antimicrobial potential against numerous gram positive/negative bacteria i.e. commonly food born pathogens 23.
Bioactive Compounds in Sages Extract
Sage extract is reported to contain high percentage of volatile oils and other vital phenolic compounds which is responsible for its strong aroma and flavor 4.The following enlisted bioactive constituents are abundant in its extract: Low molecular weight sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes, oleanolic acid, triterpenoids, ursolic acid, α/ β thujone, rosmarenic acid, camphor, α/β-pinene, cineole, borneol, chlorogenic acid, phenyl propanoid, shikimate, mevalonate, carnosic acid, methyl rosmarenate, cinnamic acid, caffeic acid, salvianolic acids, quinic acid, quercetin, ferulic acid, luteolin , apigenin, etc 5678.
Health Benefits of Sage
The following are some therapeutic applications of Sage:
Anti-Inflammatory: Rosmarinic acid in Sage is responsible for its anti-inflammatory property and is used in the preparation of medicines to reduce mouth/throat inflammation such as gingivitis and pharyngitis 9.
Anti-Microbial: Sage herb extract is reported to possess antibacterial and antifungal activity against S.aureus, E. coli, Salmonella species etc 10 and C. albicans respectively 11.Additionally, Sage is also effective in treating infections of throat, dental problems such as bleeding gums, mouth ulcers etc and infantile diarrhea 12.
Relaxant: Research suggested that Sage herb is useful in curing nervous excitement and dizziness 13.Besides it has an anti-spasmodic action which reducesmuscle tension and aid in removing mucous congestion in the respiratory tracts 1415.
Stimulant: Sage extract stimulates digestion by enhancing intestinal/pancreatic secretions, and bile flow 16.
Moderates Menopause: Sage leaf extract is reported to reduce excessive sweating, symptoms of dysmenorrhea, amenorrhoea and breast-milk production 17.
Enhances Memory: Sage is documentedto improve neural function by inhibiting the acetylcholinesterase activity and is reported to be under investigation for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease 18.
Anti-Oxidant: Research suggested that sage extract is enriched incompounds namely carnosol, rosemarinic acid, methyl carnosate, caffeic acid and carnosic acid that contributes towards its radical-scavenging properties and also offers hepatic protection 19.
Anti-Diabetic: This herb is claimed to be anti-diabetic because it elevates hepatocyte sensitivity to insulin and inhibits gluconeogenesis thus producing hypoglycaemic effects in diabetic individuals 20.
Anti-Tumour: Sage possess anti-proliferative activity in cancer cell lines of human and is considered as an antitumor agent21.In addition it showed cytotoxic activity on human prostate carcinoma cells22.Thus it is used in treating cancers and tumours in humans.
Other Uses: Sage or its extract are employed in the preparation of toothpastes, hair shampoos and preservatives 23.
Oregano is scientifically known as Origanum vulgare and commonly called as marjoram, it is native to northern Europe and has been used for curing numerous ailments 24. It is a small perennial herb with multi-branched stems covered with small grayish-green oval leaves and small white or pink flowers 25.
Health Benefits of Oregano
The following are some therapeutic applications of Oregano:
Anti-Fungal: Oregano has been reported to be used in the treatment of chronic candidiasis by inhibiting the growth of C. albicans because it possess antifungal properties attributed to the presence of thymol and carvacol compounds 26.
Anti-Bacterial: Oregano is extremely effective against bacteria including E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. enterica and S. aureus 27.In addition it also effective against amoeba G. lamblia 28.
Anti-Oxidant: Due to the presence of compounds like rosmarinic acid and thymol, oregano extracts has the potential to prevent cell damage that is caused by the generation of free radicals 29.
Source of Nutrition: Oregano is an enriched source of essential nutrients such as fiber, manganese, calcium, iron and vitamin K/A/C 30.
Promotes Digestion: Oregano promotes regular digestion, reduces heartburn, and lowers stomach acidity 31.
Anti-Inflammatory: Oregano extracts is used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease 32.
Side Effects of Sage and Oregano Excess Use
The following are some side effects observed in individuals using these above mentioned herbs in excess:
Allergic reactions in individuals who have allergies to herbs belonging to family Lamiaceae33.
Sage or Oregano extracts should not be taken in excess during pregnancy since both of these herbs increase the risk of bleeding and may lead to miscarriage 34
Stomach upset, intestinal tract discomfort, skin irritation and burning sensation are some common side effects reported when these herbs or its extracts are consumed in excess 35.