# Aivana

> Aivana (Salvia officinalis L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Lamiaceae family. Listed in European Pharmacopoeia; referenced in WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy; ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy) monograph available for dyspeptic complaints and excessive sweating.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Salvia officinalis L.
- **Family:** Lamiaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in European Pharmacopoeia; referenced in WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy; ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy) monograph available for dyspeptic complaints and excessive sweating

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Aivana |
| Latin/Botanical | *Salvia officinalis L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Rosmarinic acid
- Ursolic acid
- Alpha-thujone
- Beta-thujone
- 1,8-[Cineole](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#cineole) (Eucalyptol)
- [Camphor](/herb/camphor/)
- [Luteolin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#luteolin)
- Salvianolic acids A and B
- [Hispidulin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#hispidulin)
- [Viridiflorol](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#viridiflorol)

## How does it work?

- Rosmarinic acid downregulates COX-2 expression and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6) in cell models, exerting potent anti-inflammatory effects
- Ursolic acid inhibits NF-kB pathway activation and demonstrates [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) activity by disrupting bacterial membrane integrity against Staphylococcus aureus
- Luteolin and hispidulin provide [neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/) effects by scavenging free radicals in neural tissues and modulating GABA receptor activity for [anxiolytic](/reference/anxiolytic/) effects

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Cognitive enhancement and memory improvement validated through placebo-controlled clinical trials showing improved immediate and delayed recall in elderly subjects
- Antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens and skin infections confirmed through in vitro studies supporting traditional use for throat infections and wound healing
- Hypoglycemic effects validated in preclinical models supporting traditional Ayurvedic/European use for metabolic disorders

## What do recent clinical trials show?



*3 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Thujone content in sage essential oil (alpha- and beta-thujone) is neurotoxic at high doses; EU regulations limit thujone intake to 6 mg/kg in foodstuffs; prolonged use of essential oil not recommended
- Sage tea and aqueous extracts considered safe at normal culinary and therapeutic doses; no significant adverse effects reported in clinical trials at 600 mg/day for 16 weeks
- Contraindicated in pregnancy (uterotonic effects) and during lactation (may reduce milk production); caution with epilepsy medications due to potential thujone interactions

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Cineole
- Camphor
- Luteolin
- Hispidulin
- Viridiflorol
- Rosmarinic acid
- Ursolic acid
- Alpha-thujone
- Beta-thujone
- 1
- Salvianolic acids A and B
- 

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Kwatha (concentrated decoction), Lepa (paste for external use)

**Standard Dosage:** 2-4g powder twice daily; 30-60ml decoction twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Limited modern pharmacokinetic data. Traditional texts recommend administration with warm water or honey to optimize absorption. The herb's constituents are primarily water-soluble phenolics and [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides), suggesting reasonable aqueous-phase absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with warm water for digestive indications

**Standardized Extract:** Limited standardization data available. TLC/HPTLC fingerprinting recommended for batch-to-batch consistency. Aqueous extract yield typically 8-14%.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder); 2.5 years (tablets/capsules)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place below 30°C, protected from direct light and moisture.

**Marker Compounds:** Total phenolics (Folin-Ciocalteu method), Total [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/), TLC fingerprint markers

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (1:8, reduced to 1/4)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50)
- Cold maceration for delicate constituents

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) for gastrointestinal support
- With [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for immune modulation
- With Musta for digestive disorders

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/aivana/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.