Sage Extracts Have Anti-Fungal Properties

Essential oils are known for antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, but high doses of these oils have, at times, been linked to neurotoxicity and risk of seizure. In light of the concern, Portuguese and Spanish researchers investigated the antioxidant and antimicrobial use of sage (Salvia officinalis L.), but with potentially safer water-based sage extracts instead of sage oil.

Using the flowering leaves of dried sage, researchers produced sage infusion, sage decoction, and a methanol-and-water sage extract. With both antioxidant activity and anti-fungal activity, the decoction and methanol-and-water extract were more effective than the infusion preparation. Growth of Candida species, which are often related to fungal infections in humans, was inhibited by sage in a dose-dependent manner.

Previous studies suggest that the antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of sage are due to its natural phenolic compounds. Of 21 identified in the sage extracts, the researchers said rosmarinic acid and luteolin 7-O-glucuronide were the most abundant.

Writing in Food Chemistry, the researchers noted that their outcomes could encourage the incorporating of sage extracts into dietary supplements.

Robby Gardner
Associate Editor
Nutritional Outlook magazine
robby.gardner@ubm.com


Photo © iStockphoto.com/CWLawrence