Can Sage Boost Brain Power As We Age?

Q. I recently read an interesting claim about the herb sage. It is said to increase mental acuity when taken orally.
Apparently this is not brand new. Sage has been used this way since the middle ages, which may account for the herb’s name.
Have you heard about this? Is there any evidence to support it? Should I be swallowing handfuls of the stuff right out of my wife’s spice cabinet?
A. We were surprised to discover a number of scientific studies of sage relevant to the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (J. Clin. Pharm. Ther., Feb. 2003). This spice (Salvia lavandulaefolia) affects the same enzyme targeted by prescription dementia drugs such as Aricept, Cognex, Exelon and Reminyl (J. Pharm. Pharmacol., Oct. 2001).
Clinical trials have been limited, but suggest there may be some benefit from this herb. We don’t know if taking sage will enhance mental functioning in healthy people. Until there is more research, we’d discourage you from raiding the spice shelf.