Salvia officinalis: Traditional medicinal plant with novel therapeutical perspectives

Abstract

Salvia officinalis L. (Dalmatian sage, common sage, garden sage) (Lamiaceae), is well known from ancient times due to its prominent healing and flavoring properties. This species is native to the northern Mediterranean coast, however it is cultivated worldwide as valuable medicinal, culinary, honey and ornamental plant. Tea prepared from sage leaves is extensively used in traditional medicine for treatment of throat and skin inflammations, mild dyspepsia, ulcers, seizure, gout, rheumatism, dizziness, tremor, convulsion, hyperglycemia, excessive sweating, age-related cognitive disorders, to boost immune system etc. In recent years, numerous studies have been focused on the scientific confirmation of traditional usage of this herb and on searching and identifying the sage active principles. Up to date, chemical composition and diverse biological effects of sage essential oil, different extracts, as well as their individual components have been reported. Sage possesses antimicrobial, antioxidant, carminative, astringent, antihydrotic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, anticancer, antidiabetic, memory-enhancing and many other health beneficial properties. As main active principles of sage, constituents of the essential oil, diterpenes, phenolic acids, flavonoids and tannins have already been identified. As the most extensively revealed bioactivities, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic and antineurodegenerative effects of essential oil and extracts are reviewed in this chapter. The long-time usage and contemporary discoveries proved S. officinalis as an invaluable source of health promoting substances.