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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Caffeine wins 3 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
22 of 25 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
2 of 2 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both Caffeine and Sage have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
100-200mg
Morning, 30-60 minutes before exercise
Pill/capsule for precise dosing
300–600 mg standardized extract daily
With breakfast, With dinner (split dosing)
Standardized extract (300–600 mg, 2.5% rosmarinic acid)
15-45 minutes
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
4–8 weeks
4–8 weeks
4–8 weeks
8–12 weeks
Effect of Acute Caffeine Intake on the Fat Oxidation Rate during Exercise: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2020) · Meta analysis · n=2020
A subsequent meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD).
The effects of caffeine intake on weight loss: a systematic review and dos-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (2019) · Meta analysis · n=606
Thirteen RCTs with 606 participants were included in the meta-analyses.
Effect of Caffeine and Nitrates Combination on Exercise Performance, Heart Rate and Oxygen Uptake: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis · n=95
The meta-analysis revealed that caffeine and nitrates supplementation (CAF+nitrates) did not enhance performance in time trials (TTs) over the CAF alone (g = -0.06; 95% CI = -0.46 to 0.35; p = 0.78) or nitrates alone (g = 0.29; 95% CI = -0.12 to 0.70; p = 0.17).
Systematic review of clinical trials assessing pharmacological properties of Salvia species on memory, cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics (2014) · Systematic review
Multiple clinical trials demonstrated improvements in memory and attention in healthy young adults following acute and chronic Salvia officinalis or Salvia lavandulaefolia administration.
Exploring the therapeutic impact of Salvia officinalis on lipid and oxidative stress markers in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome - a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2025) · Rct · n=60
Women with PCOS receiving Salvia officinalis extract showed significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides compared to the placebo group.
Salvia officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease
J Clin Pharm Ther (2003) · Rct · n=42
Significant improvement in ADAS-cog and CDR-SB scores vs placebo (P<0.003)
Based on multiple meta-analyses showing 3-6mg/kg optimal dosing. Performance benefits plateau around 200-300mg with increased jitteriness at higher doses.
Based on multiple RCTs showing improvements in word recall, working memory, and attention. Effects varied by specific cognitive domain and population. Most studies used standardized extracts.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Caffeine has a higher evidence score (9.5/10 vs 7.8/10) and wins in 3 of 3 categories.
For sharpen focus, Caffeine has a higher relevance score (90 vs 70).
No known interactions between Caffeine and Sage have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.