Sanskrit name: Sage
Botanical name: Salvia officinalis L.
Family name: Lamiaceae
Identification No.: SDACH/HG/208
Vernacular names: Sage (English), Sefakuss (Unani), Salvia (Hindi), Garden Sage.
Habitat & Distribution:
Native to the Mediterranean region; widely cultivated in Europe, North America, and parts of India (temperate zones and herbal farms in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh)
Morphology:
A perennial, evergreen subshrub with grayish leaves, woody stems, and blue to purplish flowers. Leaves are oblong, aromatic, and slightly hairy. The plant reaches a height of 30–60 cm and gives off a strong camphoraceous aroma due to its essential oils.
Varieties:
Salvia officinalis var. purpurascens (Purple Sage)
Salvia officinalis var. tricolor (Tricolor Sage)
Substitute/ Adulterant:
Substitute – Salvia sclarea (Clary Sage)
Adulterant – Salvia glutinosa, Salvia pratensis
Phytochemicals:
Thujone, cineole, camphor, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, ursolic acid, flavonoids, tannins, diterpenes, essential oils
Raspanchaka:
Rasa – Tikta, Katu
Guna – Laghu, Ruksha
Virya – Ushna
Vipaka – Katu
Prabhava – Hridya, Medhya
Dosha shamakta – Kapha-Vata shamak
Karma – Rogaghnata:
Kasa hara, Jwara hara, Krimighna, Shothahara, Hridya, Rasayana, Medhya, Shiro-rogaghna
Amayika Prayoga/Therapeutic Uses:
External:
Used as a gargle for sore throat, mouth ulcers, and gingivitis. Essential oil used in massage for anti-inflammatory effect.
Internal:
Used in teas and decoctions for digestive issues, cough, cold, memory enhancement, menopausal symptoms, and anxiety.
Part used:
Leaves
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Research updates:
Baricevic D, Sosa S, Della Loggia R. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of Salvia officinalis leaf extract. J Pharm Pharmacol.
Delamare AP, Moschen-Pistorello IT, Artico L. Antibacterial activity of the essential oils of Salvia officinalis against multiresistant bacteria. Food Chem.
Perry NS, Bollen C, Perry EK. Salvia for cognitive enhancement in Alzheimer’s disease: A review of phytochemistry and pharmacology. Phytother Res.
