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Sage Tea Drinking Improves Lipid Profile and Antioxidant Defences in Humans |
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| Authors: | Carla M S�� Alice A Ramos Marisa F Azevedo Cristovao F Lima Manuel Fernandes-Ferreira and Cristina Pereira-Wilson |
| Affiliation: | 1.CBMA–Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology/Department of Biology, School of Sciences, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; E-Mails: (C.M.S.); (A.A.R.); (M.F.A.);2.CITAB–Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environment and Biological Sciences/Department of Biology, School of Sciences, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; E-Mails: (C.F.L.); (M.F.F.) |
| Abstract: | Salvia officinalis (common sage) is a plant with antidiabetic properties. A pilot trial (non-randomized crossover trial) with six healthy female volunteers (aged 40–50) was designed to evaluate the beneficial properties of sage tea consumption on blood glucose regulation, lipid profile and transaminase activity in humans. Effects of sage consumption on erythrocytes’ SOD and CAT activities and on Hsp70 expression in lymphocytes were also evaluated. Four weeks sage tea treatment had no effects on plasma glucose. An improvement in lipid profile was observed with lower plasma LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels as well as higher plasma HDL cholesterol levels during and two weeks after treatment. Sage tea also increased lymphocyte Hsp70 expression and erythrocyte SOD and CAT activities. No hepatotoxic effects or other adverse effects were observed. |
| Keywords: | Salvia officinalis L type 2 diabetes mellitus lipid profile human trial antioxidant defences |