Are sage, rosemary and lemon balm effective interventions in dementia? A narrative review of the clinical evidence

Shinjyo, N. and Green, J. 2017. Are sage, rosemary and lemon balm effective interventions in dementia? A narrative review of the clinical evidence. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 15, pp. 83-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2017.08.013

TitleAre sage, rosemary and lemon balm effective interventions in dementia? A narrative review of the clinical evidence
TypeJournal article
AuthorsShinjyo, N. and Green, J.
Abstract

Introduction
Dementia is a common, progressive disorder impairing brain function and affecting sufferers and caregivers’ wellbeing. Numbers of dementia patients will increase as the population ages. Rosmarinic acid is a natural compound with choline esterase inhibitory potency found in members of the botanical family lamiaceae, including sage, rosemary, and lemon balm, suggesting potential efficacy in dementia intervention. This study aimed to evaluate effectiveness of these herbs based on a review of randomised controlled trials.

Methods
Database searches were conducted separately for each herb using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect for clinical evidence for sage (Salvia officinalis L. or S. lavandulaefolia Vahl), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), administered individually.

Results
Database searching identified 235, 112, and 177 articles for sage, rosemary, and lemon balm, respectively. From these, eight for sage, five for rosemary and eight for lemon balm met inclusion criteria. Trials were analysed based on the study designs and summarized as narrative synthesis as data were heterogeneous in terms of the target populations, herbal preparations and administration methods.
Studies suggested sage spp. could improve cognitive performance and alertness. Rosemary could improve cognitive performance and alertness. Among eight articles identified on lemon balm, seven studies found it effective in improving mood or cognition. One study found no effect.
Conclusions
Some clinical evidence supports the benefit of these herbs in dementia intervention. However, methodological heterogeneity and variable trial quality made information synthesis difficult. Further research is required to determine dosage and intervention periods.

Keywordsdementia, Salvia spp, Rosmarinus officinalis, Melissa officinalis, rosmarinic acid, narrative review
JournalEuropean Journal of Integrative Medicine
Journal citation15, pp. 83-96
ISSN1876-3820
Year2017
PublisherElsevier
Accepted author manuscript
File Access Level
Open (open metadata and files)
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2017.08.013
Web address (URL)https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S187638201730149X
Publication dates
PublishedOct 2017
LicenseCC BY-NC-ND 4.0

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