Alzheimer’s affects more than 20 million people worldwide. Symptoms  include progressive memory loss, poor concentration, language problems, disorientation, and agitated behavior. The exact cause of AD is unknown, but some physicians believe it may be caused by an accumulation of aluminum in the brain or a defect in the production of a chemical in the brain called acetylcholine, which is involved with short-term memory. Some scientists believe sage binds to specific receptors in the brain, mimicking the action of acetylcholine. Treatment may slow the progression of AD, but no studies currently show that AD can be reversed. However, this study suggests sage may lead to symptomatic improvement.

The study involved 30 adults between the ages of 65 and 85 with mild to moderate AD who were randomly assigned to receive either 60 drops per day of sage extract or placebo for four months. Two rating scales (Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale and Clinical Dementia Rating) were used to measure the degree of impairment of various aspects of cognition, such as memory, orientation, judgment, problem-solving, speech, and personal care. Higher scores suggest more severe impairment. Participants were assessed every two weeks for the duration of the study.

The group taking the sage extract experienced significant improvements in cognition after 16 weeks of treatment compared to the placebo group. The benefits of sage were observed between 4 and 6 weeks after starting treatment. Scores on the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale increased by 22% in those taking the placebo, but decreased by 26% in the sage group. The frequency of agitation was higher in the placebo group, suggesting sage may have a beneficial effect on mood.

Preliminary evidence suggests lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) may have similar beneficial effects as sage in the treatment of AD. Other supplements that may useful in treating AD include ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), L-acetylcarnitine, vitamin E, and huperzine A. People taking blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin®) should avoid taking ginkgo to avoid thinning the blood too much. Those taking aspirin, another blood thinner, should consult their doctor before taking ginkgo.

Source: Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics (2003;28:53–9).

FDA Warns Consumers Not to Purchase Herbal Version of "Ecstasy"

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning that consumers should not consume a liquid dietary supplement called Green Hornet. This product has been marketed on the Internet and sold in stores as a herbal version of the illegal street drug "Ecstasy". Four teenagers were rushed to hospital emergency rooms suffering from seizures, excessive heart rates, severe body rashes and high blood pressure after consuming the product. The product involved in the case of the teenagers were distributed by Kekio, Inc. of Colorado Springs, doing business as a store called Mind Excursions, however, the manufacturer remains unknown. Two active ingredients contained in the product are over-the-counter antitussive (dextromethorphan) and antihistamine (diphenhydramine) agents. [Editor's Note: Diphenhydramine is also a powerful anti-depressant.  Sudden withdrawal of the medication may produce severe symptoms of depression.]

(Click here for the complete FDA press release)

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Mix to blend. Add the liquid ingredients. Stir, adding more milk if necessary to make a ball that can be kneaded and rolled out on a cutting board. Roll out dough, and cut out dog bone shapes using a cookie cutter or knife. Place on a well-greased baking pan, and bake at 350 F for 25 to 35 minutes, or until browned.

April 16-17: 3^rd Annual Integrative Pain Medicine. New York, NY. Presented by Columbia University, course directors are Fredi Kronenberg, Ph.D. James N. Dillard, MD. Participants will learn the fundamentals of modern pain medicine, complementary and alternative therapies for use in pain management, and practical integration of conventional and complementary therapies for the treatment of cancer and non-cancer pain patients. Continuing education credit for physicians, Category 1. Ph: 212/305-3334. Website: www.rosenthal.hs.columbia.edu/04_BOT_CME_FLYER.htm.

April 17: United Plant Savers’ Planting the Future Educational Conference. Santa Rosa, CA. Workshop topics will include using herbs as medicine, cultivation of herbs, ecological herbalism, and more. Website: www.unitedplantsavers.org.

April 24: Maymont’s 20th Annual Herb’s Galore Festival. Richmond, VA.  Sponsored by the Maymont Foundation, in addition to seminars and workshops on everything from gardening to cooking, this event will also feature an herbal marketplace with over 40 vendors selling herb plants, fruit trees, herbal cosmetics, garden ornaments, food and more. Ph: 804/358-7166. Website: www.maymont.org.

April 24: Plants and Your Health Symposium. Bronx, NY. Sponsored by the New York Botanical Garden, this event offers a rare opportunity to learn from experts about compelling issues such as "Herbs for Cardiovascular Health" and "Botanical Medicine for Women's Health." Featured speakers include Michael Balick, Ph.D., the Garden's Vice President for Botanical Research, MetLife Fellow; Ellen Kamhi, Ph.D., R.N., clinical instructor in the Department of Family Medicine at Stony Brook University and a TV and radio host; and many more. Website: www.nybg.org/edu/conted/spsu04/plantsandyourhealth.html.

April 24–25: Herbal Medicine and Cancer. Atlanta, GA. Held at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, the American Herbalists Guild presents Donald Yance and Roy Upton for in-depth exploration of botanical and nutritional options to prevent, heal cancer. 40 years of combined clinical experience with botanical medicines from both Western and traditional Chinese botanical approaches, evidence-based specific protocols, clinical insights, strategies. CEUs for nurses, naturopathic physicians, acupuncturists, and pharmacists. Contact: AHG. Ph: 770/751-6021. E-mail: ahgoffice@earthlink.net.

April 28: Glory of the Garden. Round Top, TX. This all day (10-3) lecture/demonstration course will help you learn the secrets of Festival Hill Garden Treasures with cultivation and harvesting tricks of flowering perennial herbs, fragrant trees and shrubs, plus create a lovely, symbolic Tussie Mussie to take home. Cost: $60.00 per person, including tax and gratuity. Contact: Gwen Barclay, The International Festival-Institute, P.O. Box 89, Round Top, Texas 78954-0089. Ph: 979/249-5283 (for reservations), 979/248-3129 (general office, for accommodations and tours). Fax: 979/249-3828. E-mail: gwenbarclay_herbs@hotmail.com. Website: www.festivalhill.org.

April 29: Herb Days at Festival Hill. Round Top, TX. These are very special occasions and perfect for first time attendees.  Celebrate a birthday, a special friendship or just the season with Herb Days.  Includes Guided Tour of Herb Gardens with Madalene and Henry, Three-Course Luncheon and Short Lecture by Gwen. Reservations accepted for individuals and small groups. Cost: $30.00 per person including tax and gratuity. 11:00 am – 2:15 pm.  Note: Tours begin in front of Menke House, with luncheon and lecture following in the Menke House Dining Room on lower level. Contact: Gwen Barclay, The International Festival-Institute, P.O. Box 89, Round Top, Texas 78954-0089. Ph: 979/249-5283 (for reservations), 979/248-3129 (general office, for accommodations and tours). Fax: 979/249-3828. E-mail: gwenbarclay_herbs@hotmail.com. Website: www.festivalhill.org.

April 29-May 9: Healing into Wholeness Retreat. Glouster, OH. Presented by the Eupsychia Institute, this ten day psychospiritual wellness retreat will be led by Jacquelyn Small. E-mail: eupsychia1@aol.com. Website: www.eupyschia.com.