Salvia officinalis targets neurological pathway to normalize thermoregulation in menopause

In this study, researchers from Germany and Switzerland explored the mechanism behind the effects of Salvia officinalis (common sage) on hot flashes and excessive sweating during menopause, with focus on neurologic impulse transmission. Their findings were published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

• S. officinalis has been used successfully for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. However, its mode of action have not been elucidated conclusively.
• To investigate this, the researchers obtained a hydroalcoholic, thujone-free extract from freshly harvested S. officinalis leaves and performed an acetylcholinesterase enzyme assay, as well as several receptor binding assays.
• The researchers found that the extract replaced 50 percent of the specific ligand binding to GABAA and GABAB receptors at an inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 89 and 229?micrograms per milliliter (mcg/mL), respectively.
• They also observed a strong binding affinity to the adrenergic a2A receptor, u-opioid receptors, muscarinic M3 receptors and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors.
• Additionally, they noted moderate interference with 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C receptors and the human serotonin transporter.
• The extract from freshly harvested S. officinalis exhibited a 2- to 4-fold higher activity/lower IC50 values than extracts from dried plants or stipes.

Based on these results, the researchers concluded that the alcoholic extract of S. officinalis works by modulating neuro-receptors and serotonin transporters to normalize thermoregulation and mental impairment during menopause.

Read the full study at this link.

Journal Reference:

Tober C, Schoop R. MODULATION OF NEUROLOGICAL PATHWAYS BY SALVIA OFFICINALIS AND ITS DEPENDENCE ON MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND PLANT PARTS USED. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 13 June 2019;19(1). DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2549-x