Antioxidant Capacity and Polyphenolic Composition as Quality Indicators for Aqueous Infusions of Salvia officinalis L. (sage tea)

Sage (Salvia officinalis) alleviates trazadone induced rat cardiotoxicity mediated via modulation of autophagy and oxidative stress

The antidepressant drug trazodone (TRZ) is commonly used for treating depression, anxiety, and insomnia, however, it causes cardiotoxicity, which is one of its limitations. The objective of this work was to investigate the impact of sage (Salvia officinalis) in rats against cardiotoxicity induced by TRZ and to investigate the mechanisms involved in its cardio-protective properties through autophagy and oxidative stress. Fifty male albino rats were split randomly into five experimental groups: control group, sage oil group (100 mg/kg), TRZ group (20 mg/kg), protective group, and curative group. Cardiac function biomarkers (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], creatine kinase-MB [CK-MB], and cardiac troponin T [cTnI]) were assessed in serum. Oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in cardiac tissue (total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, and tumor necrosis factor-α) were evaluated. Heart tissues were subjected to histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural evaluations. DNA damage also evaluated. Significant rise in the levels of AST, CK-MB, and cTnI were observed with enhanced autophagy along with marked histopathological changes in the form of interrupted muscle fibers with wide interstitial spaces with areas of hemorrhage and extravasated blood and interstitial mononuclear cellular infiltration in TRZ group. DNA damage was also significantly increased in TRZ group. However, administration of sage in both protective and curative groups show marked improvement of the cardiac alterations. In conclusion, sage ameliorated the alterations in the heart induced by trazadone through modulation of autophagy and oxidative stress.

Analysis of Bioactive Aroma Compounds in Essential Oils from Algerian Plants: Implications for Potential Antioxidant Applications

In samples of Artemisia campestris (AC), Artemisia herba-alba (AHA) and Salvia jordanii (SJ) essential oils, up to 200 distinct volatile compounds were identified. Using headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-olfactometry-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-O-MS), different panelists detected 52 of these compounds. This study offers the most detailed analysis of bioactive compound profiles conducted so far. The most abundant compounds identified were curcumene, making up 12.96% of AC, and camphor, constituting 21.67% of AHA and 19.15% of SJ. The compounds with the highest odor activity value (OAV) were (E,Z)-2,4-nonadienal (geranium, pungent), 3-nonenal (cucumber) and 2-undecenal (sweet) in AC, AHA and SJ, respectively. AHA essential oil showed significant antioxidant activity (IC50 = 41.73 ± 4.14 mg/g) and hydroxyl radical generation (hydroxylation percentage = 29.62 ± 3.14), as assessed by the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. In terms of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), the strongest antioxidant activity was obtained for SJ essential oil (antioxidant activity of the essential oils, AOX = 337.49 ± 9.87).

Salvia officinalis L. exerts oncostatic effects in rodent and in vitro models of breast carcinoma

Introduction: Based on extensive data from oncology research, the use of phytochemicals or plant-based nutraceuticals is considered an innovative tool for cancer management. This research aimed to analyze the oncostatic properties of Salvia officinalis L. [Lamiaceae; Salviae officinalis herba] using animal and in vitro models of breast carcinoma (BC). Methods: The effects of dietary administered S. officinalis in two concentrations (0.1%/SAL 0.1/and 1%/SAL 1/) were assessed in both syngeneic 4T1 mouse and chemically induced rat models of BC. The histopathological and molecular evaluations of rodent carcinoma specimens were performed after the autopsy. Besides, numerous in vitro analyses using two human cancer cell lines were performed. Results and Conclusion: The dominant metabolites found in S. officinalis propylene glycol extract (SPGE) were representatives of phenolics, specifically rosmarinic, protocatechuic, and salicylic acids. Furthermore, the occurrence of triterpenoids ursolic and oleanolic acid was proved in SPGE. In a mouse model, a non-significant tumor volume decrease after S. officinalis treatment was associated with a significant reduction in the mitotic activity index of 4T1 tumors by 37.5% (SAL 0.1) and 31.5% (SAL 1) vs. controls (set as a blank group with not applied salvia in the diet). In addition, salvia at higher doses significantly decreased necrosis/whole tumor area ratio by 46% when compared to control tumor samples. In a rat chemoprevention study, S. officinalis at a higher dose significantly lengthened the latency of tumors by 8.5 days and significantly improved the high/low-grade carcinomas ratio vs. controls in both doses. Analyses of the mechanisms of anticancer activities of S. officinalis included well-validated prognostic, predictive, and diagnostic biomarkers that are applied in both oncology practice and preclinical investigation. Our assessment in vivo revealed numerous significant changes after a comparison of treated vs. untreated cancer cells. In this regard, we found an overexpression in caspase-3, an increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and a decrease in MDA, ALDH1, and EpCam expression. In addition, salvia reduced TGF-β serum levels in rats (decrease in IL-6 and TNF-α levels were with borderline significance). Evaluation of epigenetic modifications in rat cancer specimens in vivo revealed a decline in the lysine methylations of H3K4m3 and an increase in lysine acetylation in H4K16ac levels in treated groups. Salvia decreased the relative levels of oncogenic miR21 and tumor-suppressive miR145 (miR210, miR22, miR34a, and miR155 were not significantly altered). The methylation of ATM and PTEN promoters was decreased after S. officinalis treatment (PITX2, RASSF1, and TIMP3 promoters were not altered). Analyzing plasma metabolomics profile in tumor-bearing rats, we found reduced levels of ketoacids derived from BCAAs after salvia treatment. In vitro analyses revealed significant anti-cancer effects of SPGE extract in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines (cytotoxicity, caspase-3/-7, Bcl-2, Annexin V/PI, cell cycle, BrdU, and mitochondrial membrane potential). Our study demonstrates the significant chemopreventive and treatment effects of salvia haulm using animal or in vitro BC models.

Extraction Optimization and Qualitative/Quantitative Determination of Bioactive Abietane-Type Diterpenes from Three Salvia Species (Common Sage, Greek Sage and Rosemary) by 1H-qNMR

The objective of this study was the optimization of the extraction process and the qualitative and quantitative determination of the bioactive metabolites: 12-O-methylcarnosic acid (12MCA), carnosic acid (CA), carnosol (CS), 7-O-methyl-epi-rosmanol (7MER) and rosmanol (RO) in infusions, decoctions, turbulent flow extracts, tinctures and oleolites from three Salvia species: Salvia officinalis L. (common sage, SO), Salvia fruticosa Mill. (Greek sage, SF) and Salvia rosmarinus Spenn (syn Rosmarinus officinalis L.) (rosemary, SR), using Quantitative Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-qNMR). Regarding the aqueous extracts, decoctions appeared to be richer sources of the studied metabolites than infusions among the three plants. For SR, the turbulent flow extraction under heating was the most efficient one. The optimum time for the preparation of decoctions was found to be 5 min for SF and SO and 15 min for SR. It is noteworthy that SR tinctures were not stable in time due to decomposition of the abietane-type diterpenes CA and CS because of the polar solvent used for their preparation. Contrary to this finding, the oleolites of SR appeared to be very stable. Olive oil as a solvent for extraction was very protective for the contained abietane-type diterpenes. A preliminary stability study on the effect of the storage time of the SF on the abietane-type diterpenes content showed that the total quantity of abietanes decreased by 16.51% and 40.79% after 12 and 36 months, respectively. The results of this investigation also demonstrated that 1H-qNMR is very useful for the analysis of sensitive metabolites, like abietane-type diterpenes, that can be influenced by solvents used in chromatographic analysis.

Investigating the Therapeutic Potential of Plants and Plant-Based Medicines: Relevance to Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects

Oxidative stress is a common characteristic of psychiatric, neurological, and neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, compounds that are neuroprotective and reduce oxidative stress may be of interest as novel therapeutics. Phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin content, ORAC and DPPH free radical scavenging, and Cu2+ and Fe2+ chelating capacities were examined in variations (fresh/capsule) of Queen Garnet plum (QGP, Prunus salicina), black pepper (Piper nigrum) clove (Syzygium aromaticum), elderberry (Sambucus nigra), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and sage (Salvia officinalis), plus two blends (Astralagus membranaceus-lemon balm-rich, WC and R8). The ability of samples to prevent and treat H2O2-induced oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells was investigated. Pre-treatment with WC, elderberry, QGP, and clove prevented the oxidative stress-induced reduction in cell viability, demonstrating a neuroprotective effect. Elderberry increased cell viability following oxidative stress induction, demonstrating treatment effects. Clove had the highest phenolic and flavonoid content, DPPH, and Cu2+ chelating capacities, whereas QGP and elderberry were highest in anthocyanins. Black pepper had the highest ORAC and Fe2+ chelating capacity. These findings demonstrate that plant extracts can prevent and treat oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of neuron-like cells in vitro. Further research into phytochemicals as novel therapeutics for oxidative stress in the brain is needed.

Chitosan Membranes Containing Plant Extracts: Preparation, Characterization and Antimicrobial Properties

The main strategy of this study was to combine the traditional perspective of using medicinal extracts with polymeric scaffolds manufactured by an engineering approach to fabricate a potential dressing product with antimicrobial properties. Thus, chitosan-based membranes containing S. officinalis and H. perforatum extracts were developed and their suitability as novel dressing materials was investigated. The morphology of the chitosan-based films was assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the chemical structure characterization was performed via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The addition of the plant extracts increased the sorption capacity of the studied fluids, mainly at the membrane with S. officinalis extract. The membranes with 4% chitosan embedded with both plant extracts maintained their integrity after being immersed for 14 days in incubation media, especially in PBS. The antibacterial activities were determined by the modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method for Gram-positive (S. aureus ATCC 25923, MRSA ATCC 43300) and Gram-negative (E. coli ATCC 25922, P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853) microorganisms. The antibacterial property was enhanced by incorporating the plant extracts into chitosan films. The outcome of the study reveals that the obtained chitosan-based membranes are promising candidates to be used as a wound dressing due to their good physico-chemical and antimicrobial properties.

Antioxidative potential and ameliorative effects of green lentil (Lens culinaris M.) sprouts against CCl4-induced oxidative stress in rats

The present study is aimed to investigate the antioxidative potential and ameliorative effects of Lens culinaris Medikus sprouts hydroalcoholic extract (LSHE) on CCl4-induced oxidative stress in rats. The research has been carried out in two successive stages. Firstly, the highest phenolic content and antioxidant activity of L. culinaris sprouts were assessed at 20 ± 1°C and 90-93% RH during sprouting. Total phenolic content (TPC), total carotenoids (TC), total flavonoids (TF), total flavonols (TFL), DPPH-RSA, and vitamin C contents of L. culinaris seeds and 6-days sprouts were determined. Subsequently, phenolics by HPLC analysis of L. culinaris seeds, 3rd and 6th-day sprouts were identified and quantified. Results indicated that 6th-day sprouts contained considerable phenolics with superior antioxidant capacity, thus selected to be examined for biological activity in a rat's module consisting of five groups. G1, normal rats orally received distilled water. G2 received 1.0 mL kg-1 of CCl4 and olive oil (1:1) intraperitoneally (i.p.) twice a week. G3 received CCl4 (i.p.) and 50 mg GAE kg-1 of LSHE daily/orally. G4 received CCl4 (i.p.) 100 mg kg-1 of LSHE orally/daily. G5 (reference group) treated by intramuscular injection (i.m.) of vit. E+Selenium (Vit. E+Se, 50 mg kg-1 twice a week). The weight gain, relative weight of organs, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic efficiencies, liver's and kidneys' functions, and antioxidant biomarkers were examined. LSHE enhanced the weight gain recovery % and significantly reduced fasting blood glucose. The hypolipidemic effect of LSHE was dramatically reduced triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (CHO), high- and low-density lipoproteins (HDL-c and LDL-c), and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL-c). Administration of 50 and 100 LSHE mg kg-1 ameliorated liver and kidney function in dose-dependent manure. Intriguingly, LSHE considerably reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) while significantly raising reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, biochemical examinations confirmed the therapeutic efficacy of LSHE as a functional product. It encouraged us to recommend L. culinaris sprout production for attenuating hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, as well as being beneficial and profitable for controlling oxidative stress complications.

An Overview of Herbal-Based Antidiabetic Drug Delivery Systems: Focus on Lipid- and Inorganic-Based Nanoformulations

Diabetes is a metabolic pathology with chronic high blood glucose levels that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body does not properly use the insulin it produces. Diabetes management is a puzzle and focuses on a healthy lifestyle, physical exercise, and medication. Thus far, the condition remains incurable; management just helps to control it. Its medical treatment is expensive and is to be followed for the long term, which is why people, especially from low-income countries, resort to herbal medicines. However, many active compounds isolated from plants (phytocompounds) are poorly bioavailable due to their low solubility, low permeability, or rapid elimination. To overcome these impediments and to alleviate the cost burden on disadvantaged populations, plant nanomedicines are being studied. Nanoparticulate formulations containing antidiabetic plant extracts or phytocompounds have shown promising results. We herein aimed to provide an overview of the use of lipid- and inorganic-based nanoparticulate delivery systems with plant extracts or phytocompounds for the treatment of diabetes while highlighting their advantages and limitations for clinical application. The findings from the reviewed works showed that these nanoparticulate formulations resulted in high antidiabetic activity at low doses compared to the corresponding plant extracts or phytocompounds alone. Moreover, it was shown that nanoparticulate systems address the poor bioavailability of herbal medicines, but the lack of enough preclinical and clinical pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic trials still delays their use in diabetic patients.

GC-MS Chemical Profiling, Biological Investigation of Three Salvia Species Growing in Uzbekistan

Salvia is a potentially valuable aromatic herb that has been used since ancient times. The present work studied the chemical profile of three Salvia species essential oils (EO): S. officinalis, S. virgata and S. sclarea, as well as assessing their antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities. A total of 144 compounds were detected by GC-MS analysis, representing 91.1, 84.7 and 78.1% in S. officinalis, S. virgata and S. sclarea EOs, respectively. The major constituents were cis-thujone, 2,4-hexadienal and 9-octadecenoic acid, respectively. The principal component analysis (PCA) score plot revealed significant discrimination between the three species. The antioxidant activity of the EOs was evaluated using in vitro assays. Only S. virgata EO showed antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay (26.6 ± 1.60 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g oil). Moreover, this oil exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in 2,2-azino bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and ferric-reducing power (FRAP) assays in comparison with the other two EOs (190.1 ± 2.04 vs. 275.2 ± 8.50 and 155.9 ± 1.33 mg TE/g oil, respectively). However, S. virgata oil did not show any effect in the chelating ability assay, while in the PBD assay, S. officinalis had the best antioxidant activity (26.4 ± 0.16 mmol TE/g oil). Enzyme inhibitory effect of the EOs was assessed against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, α-glucosidase and α-amylase. AChE enzyme was more sensitive to S. officinalis EO (4.2 ± 0.01 mg galantamine equivalent (GALAE)/g oil), rather than S. virgata EO, which was ineffective. However, S. virgata had the highest BChE effect (12.1 ± 0.16 mg GALAE/g oil). All studied oils showed good tyrosinase inhibitory activity, ranging between 66.1 ± 0.61 and 128.4 ± 4.35 mg kojic acid equivalent (KAE)/g oil). Moreover, the EOs did not exhibit any glucosidase inhibition and were weak or inefficient on amylase enzyme. Partial least squares regression (PLS-R) models showed that there is an excellent correlation between the antioxidant activity and the volatile profile when being compared to that of enzyme inhibitory activity. Thus, the studied Salvia essential oils are interesting candidates that could be used in drug discovery for the management of Alzheimer’s and hyperpigmentation conditions.

Antioxidative, Antidiabetic, and Hypolipidemic Properties of Probiotic-Enriched Fermented Camel Milk Combined with Salvia officinalis Leaves Hydroalcoholic Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Rats

Antioxidative, antidiabetic, and hypolipidemic properties of probiotic-enriched fermented camel milk (FCM) combined with Salvia officinalis L. leaves hydroalcoholic extract (SOHE) in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats were investigated. Phytochemicals analysis and antioxidant capacity indicated that S. officinalis contained high phenolics with super antioxidant activity. Subsequently, HPLC analysis demonstrated 13 phenolic acids and 14 flavonoids in considerable amounts with ferulic acid and resveratrol as predominant, respectively. The antidiabetic and hypolipidemic properties of FCM and SOHE were examined in a designed animal model consisting of seven treated groups for four weeks. There was a negative group (G1); the positive group (G2) received a single dose (50 mg kg^-1) of streptozotocin (STZ) by intraperitoneal injection (i.p.); in G3, diabetic rats (DRs) orally received 5 mL FCM kg^-1 daily; in G4, DRs orally received 50 mg GAE SOHE kg^-1 daily; in G5, DRs orally received 5 mL FCM contains 25 mg GAE SOHE kg^-1 daily; in G6, DRs orally received 5 mL FCM contains 50 mg GAE SOHE kg^-1 daily; in G7, DRs orally received 50 mg metformin kg^-1 daily. Combining FCM with SOHE at 25 or 50 mg kg^-1 exhibited a synergistic effect in significantly lowering random blood glucose (RBG), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and improved weight gain recovery %. The hypolipidemic effect of FCM + 50 mg GAE SOHE kg^-1 was significantly higher than using FCM or SOHE individually, and attenuation in triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (CHO), and high- and low-density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL), and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) was remarked. Combining FCM with SOHE at 25 or 50 mg kg^-1 ameliorated liver and kidney functions better than individual uses of FCM, SOHE, or metformin. Interestingly, FCM with 50 mg SOHE kg^-1 presented significant improvement in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and a substantial reduction in malonaldehyde (MDA) levels with 53.75%, 89.93%, 63.06%, and 58.69% when compared to the STZ group (G2), respectively. Histopathologically, administrating FCM + 25, 50 mg SOHE kg^-1 or 50 mg kg^-1 metformin showed a normal histological structure of both islets of Langerhans cells and acini. In conclusion, combining FCM with SOHE presented synergistic and therapeutical efficacy. It could be beneficial and profitable for controlling diabetes mellitus complications and protecting against oxidative stress.

Insights on the neuroprotective effects of Salvia officinalis L. and Salvia microphylla Kunth in memory impairment rat model

Salvia species have a traditional longstanding culinary use mostly consumed in the Mediterranean diet as a common spice added to food. Salvia is commonly consumed as an herbal tea for...

Comparative analysis of five Salvia species using LC-DAD-QToF

Several Salvia species, commonly known as sage plants, are an integral part of various culinary and folklore preparations for the perceived wide range of effects from organoleptic to psychological. As a result, many of these species are an integral part of botanical drug applications, highlighting the need for accurate identification and quality control for consumer's safety. Five closely related Salvia species (S. officinalis, S. miltiorrhiza, S. divinorum, S. mellifera, and S. apiana) within a same botanical family were analyzed and differentiated using LC-QToF. Accurate mass measurement (<5 ppm) of protonated and deprotonated molecules together with resulting fragments and product ions allowed unequivocal or tentative identification of more than 180 compounds either by comparison with reference standards or literature data. The leaf part were identified based on various phenolic acids, flavonoids as well as di- and tri-terpenoids. Polyphenolics, viz., salvianolic A/B and rosmarinic acids in S. officinalis, lipophilic diterpenoids, viz., tanshinones in S. miltiorrhiza, abietatriene diterpenes and triterpenoids (ursane-/olean-type) in S. mellifera, and S. apiana were identified as characteristic, significant components. In comparison, salvinorins and divinorins representing a class of neoclerodane diterpenoids were detected only in S. divinorum. The presented methodology can successfully be applied to qualitatively assess sage-based ingredients in various finished products and formulations.

Stability of Rosmarinic Acid and Flavonoid Glycosides in Liquid Forms of Herbal Medicinal Products-A Preliminary Study

Peppermint leaf, sage leaf, thyme herb, and their preparations are common components of herbal medicinal products (HMPs). According to the European Pharmacopoeia guidelines, the above-mentioned plant substances are standardized for the content of essential oils, omitting polyphenols, which also have a significant impact on their activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of the predominant polyphenols—rosmarinic acid, luteolin-7-O-β-glucuronide, and eriocitrin—in selected commercial liquid HMPs containing thyme, sage, and peppermint under long-term, intermediate, and accelerated testing conditions. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of these polyphenols were performed by the previously optimized and validated HPLC-DAD method. Rosmarinic acid stability was better in hydroethanolic than in an aqueous solution. The effect of the solvent on the stability of luteolin-7-O-β-glucuronide and eriocitrin could not be determined and requires further investigation. The present study is the first to analyze the stability of these compounds in commercial herbal medicinal products. The expiration dates proposed by the manufacturers of the tested HMPs did not guarantee stable levels of all analyzed polyphenols throughout the stated period. However, this study is preliminary and requires continuation on a larger number of medicinal products.

Salvia Species as Nutraceuticals: Focus on Antioxidant, Antidiabetic and Anti-Obesity Properties

Salvia plants belong to the Lamiaceae family and are recognized as being strongly aromatic, being widely used for different purposes in culinary or traditional medicine. These plants are well recognized as being rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids and terpenic compounds, which exhibit health-beneficial activities, protecting against oxidative and inflammatory-related diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. Because of these properties, phytochemicals from Salvia species have been investigated as health promoting agents, for application in distinct fields. However, the growing demand for natural products with possible uses and applications in industry requires scientific validation studies. This review consists of a compilation of relevant studies with an emphasis on the antioxidant, antidiabetic and anti-obesity properties of phenolic-rich extracts from Salvia plants.

Salvia Officinalis Protects Pancreatic Beta-cells Against Streptozotocin-Induced Damage; A Stereological Study

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease, progressing due to inadequate secretion of insulin by pancreas. Salvia officinalis (SVO) has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative potentials, which may be beneficial in regulating underlying causes of DM. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to estimate the protective effects of SVO against Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced pancreatic injury in rat models of DM. Methods: Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 12); C1: normal group with no treatment, C2: diabetic group with no treatment, E1: diabetic group treated with 200 mg/kg of the SVO extract, and E2: diabetic group treated with 400 mg/kg of the SVO extract. All groups received a single dose of STZ on day 7 except C1. Pancreas volume, shrinkage, volume densities of the islets, numerical densities, and volume of the beta cells were measured using stereological methods. Results: Blood sugar (BS) levels were significantly lower in SVO-treated groups comparing to C2 group. Also, volume densities and total number of islets and beta cells in E1 and E2 groups were higher than C2 (P < 0.05), but lower than C1 (P < 0.05). Volume densities of the islets and beta cells, and total number of beta cells in E1, and volume densities of the islets and beta cells in E2 groups were considerably higher than C2 group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our result showed the beneficial effects of SVO extract regarding pancreatic damage. We concluded that SVO might be prescribed as a therapeutic food supplement for patients with diabetes.

Roles and action mechanisms of herbs added to the emulsion on its lipid oxidation

Quality of food emulsions is mainly determined by their physicochemical stability such as lipid oxidation, and herbs as antioxidative food materials are added to improve their quality and shelf-life. Despite the extensive researches, the chemistry and implications of herb addition in the lipid oxidation of emulsions are still confusing. This review intended to provide the information on the roles and action mechanisms of herbs in the lipid oxidation of food emulsions, with focuses on polyphenols. Polyphenols act as antioxidants mainly via reactive oxygen species scavenging and metal chelating; however, their oxidation products and reducing capacity to more reactive metal ions increase the lipid oxidation. Factors such as structure, concentration, and distribution determine their anti- or prooxidant role. Interactions, synergism and antagonism, among polyphenol compounds and the effects of tocopherols derived from oil on the antioxidant activity of herbs were also described with the involving action mechanisms.

Evidence for side effects of cannabidiol (CBD) products and their non-conformity on the European food market - response to the European Industrial Hemp Association

An interesting and valuable discussion has arisen from our recent article (Lachenmeier et al., 2020) and we are pleased to have the opportunity to expand on the various points we made. Equally important, we wish to correct several important misunderstandings that were made by Kruse and Beitzke (2020) on behalf of the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) that possibly contributed to their concerns about the validity of our data, toxicological assessment and conclusions regarding regulatory status of cannabidiol (CBD) products. First and foremost, our study did only assess the risk of psychotropic Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) without inclusion of non-psychotropic Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA). Secondly, as this article will discuss in more detail, there is ample evidence for side effects of CBD products, not only in paediatric patients, but also in adult users of over-the-counter CBD products (including inadvertent "high" effects). Thirdly, the exposure and risk assessment was conducted using up-to-date guidelines according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). And finally, the current legal situation in the European Union, without approval of any hemp extract-containing product according to the Novel Food regulation, actually allows blanket statements that all such products are illegal on the market, and this indeed would imply a general ban on the use and marketing of such products as food or food ingredients until such an approval has been granted. We hope that this reassures the F1000Research readership regarding the validity of our results and conclusions. We are pleased, though, that the EIHA has acknowledged the fact that there are non-compliant CBD products available, but according to our data these are a substantial fraction of the market.

Evidence for adverse effects of cannabidiol (CBD) products and their non-conformity on the European food market - response to the European Industrial Hemp Association

An interesting and valuable discussion has arisen from our recent article (Lachenmeier et al., 2020) and we are pleased to have the opportunity to expand on the various points we made. Equally important, we wish to correct several important misunderstandings that were made by Kruse and Beitzke (2020) on behalf of the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) that possibly contributed to their concerns about the validity of our data, toxicological assessment and conclusions regarding regulatory status of cannabidiol (CBD) products. First and foremost, our study did only assess the risk of psychotropic Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) without inclusion of non-psychotropic Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA). Secondly, as this article will discuss in more detail, there is ample evidence for adverse effects of CBD products, not only in paediatric patients, but also in adult users of over-the-counter CBD products (including inadvertent "high" effects). Thirdly, the exposure and risk assessment was conducted using up-to-date guidelines according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). And finally, the current legal situation in the European Union, without approval of any hemp extract-containing product according to the Novel Food regulation, actually allows blanket statements that all such products are illegal on the market, and this indeed would imply a general ban on the use and marketing of such products as food or food ingredients until such an approval has been granted. We hope that this reassures the F1000Research readership regarding the validity of our results and conclusions. We are pleased, though, that the EIHA has acknowledged the fact that there are non-compliant CBD products available, but according to our data these are a substantial fraction of the market.

A high-throughput method for dereplication and assessment of metabolite distribution in Salvia species using LC-MS/MS

Dereplication of crude plant extracts through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry is a powerful technique for the discovery of novel natural products. Unfortunately, this technique is often plagued by a low level of confidence in natural product identification. This is mainly due to the lack of extensive chromatographic and mass spectrometric optimizations that result in improper and incomplete MS/MS fragmentation data. This study proposes a solution to this problem by the optimization of chromatographic separation and mass spectrometry parameters. We report herein a direct and high-throughput strategy for natural product dereplication in five Salvia species using high-resolution ESI-QTOF-MS/MS data. In the present study, we were able to identify a total of forty-seven natural products in crude extracts of five Salvia species using MS/MS fragmentation data. In addition to dereplication of Salvia species, quantitative profiling of twenty-one bioactive constituents of the genus was also performed on an ion trap mass spectrometer. For the quantitation study, method development focused on chromatographic optimizations to achieve maximum sensitivity. The developed dereplication and quantitation strategy can be extended to develop comprehensive metabolic profiles of other plant genera and species and thus can prove useful in the field of drug discovery from plants.

Antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of extracts from Salvia tebesana Bunge and Salvia sclareopsis Bornm cultivated in Iran

Salvia, a member of the Lamiaceae family, represents more than 58 species in Iran. In the present study, antibacterial and cytotoxic activity of extracts obtained from the roots of Salvia tebesana and Salvia sclareopsis were investigated. The antibacterial activity of the extracts was investigated against 4 bacterial strains and yeast using serial dilution method. The petroleum ether and CH₂Cl₂ extracts of S. tebesana showed a good activity against Gram-positive bacteria particularly Bacillus cereus (MIC 1.25 mg/mL) while Gram-negative bacteria and yeast were resistant to the extracts. Also, the cytotoxic effects of the extracts on A2780 (ovarian), MCF-7 (breast) and DU 145 (prostate) cancer cell lines were examined using AlamarBlue^® assay. The petroleum ether and CH₂Cl₂ extracts of S. tebesana were found to be cytotoxic against the tested cell lines, with IC₅₀ values less than 50 µg/mL. The petroleum ether extract also showed a potent anti-proliferative activity against DU 145 cells with the lowest IC₅₀ value (6.25 µg/mL).

Salvia elegans, Salvia greggii and Salvia officinalis Decoctions: Antioxidant Activities and Inhibition of Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolic Enzymes

Salvia elegans Vahl., Salvia greggii A. Gray, and Salvia officinalis L. decoctions were investigated for their health-benefit properties, in particular with respect to antioxidant activity and inhibitory ability towards key enzymes with impact in diabetes and obesity (α-glucosidase, α-amylase and pancreatic lipase). Additionally, the phenolic profiles of the three decoctions were determined and correlated with the beneficial properties. The S. elegans decoction was the most promising in regard to the antioxidant effects, namely in the scavenging capacity of the free radicals DPPH•, NO• and O₂•⁻, and the ability to reduce Fe3+, as well as the most effective inhibitor of α-glucosidase (EC50 = 36.0 ± 2.7 μg/mL vs. EC50 = 345.3 ± 6.4 μg/mL and 71.2 ± 5.0 μg/mL for S. greggii and S. officinalis, respectively). This superior activity of the S. elegans decoction over those of S. greggii and S. officinalis was, overall, highly correlated with its richness in caffeic acid and derivatives. In turn, the S. officinalis decoction exhibited good inhibitory capacity against xanthine oxidase activity, a fact that could be associated with its high content of flavones, in particular the glycosidic forms of apigenin, scutellarein and luteolin.

Quality control of goji (fruits of Lycium barbarum L. and L. chinense Mill.): A value chain analysis perspective

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Goji (fruits of Lycium barbarum L. and L. chinense Mill., Solanaceae) have been used as a traditional food and medicine for hundreds of years in Asian countries and are now consumed globally. Quality of herbal medicines is critical for safe use and has been shown to be affected by value chains.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Using a value chain (VC) framework, we aim at understanding the influence of different VC types on goji quality and revenue of stakeholders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participant observation and semi-structured interviews were conducted during five months of fieldwork in the main production areas in China with a total of 65 stakeholders. Quality of goji, behaviour and financial performance of stakeholders was documented and analysed for different VCs.

RESULTS

Ten different types of VCs were identified. VCs with vertical integration and horizontal collaboration were found to have a more coherent quality control and better goji quality as well as improved stakeholders' financial performance. Vertical integration at different levels was found for independent farmer-based VCs, horizontal collaboration was found in the cooperative-based VCs. Full vertically integrated VCs were found in large-scale production.

CONCLUSIONS

Goji quality and stakeholders' revenues are linked with different types of VCs which mirror stakeholders' behaviour driven by target markets. Considering their positive influence on quality and revenues, well-developed vertically integrated value chains are likely to become more important in the near future.

Quality Variation of Goji (Fruits of Lycium spp.) in China: A Comparative Morphological and Metabolomic Analysis

Goji (fruits of Lycium barbarum L. and L. chinense Mill.) has been used in China as food and medicine for millennia, and globally has been consumed increasingly as a healthy food. Ningxia, with a semi-arid climate, always had the reputation of producing best goji quality (daodi area). Recently, the increasing market demand pushed the cultivation into new regions with different climates. We therefore ask: How does goji quality differ among production areas of various climatic regions? Historical records are used to trace the spread of goji production in China over time. Quality measurements of 51 samples were correlated with the four main production areas in China: monsoon (Hebei), semi-arid (Ningxia, Gansu, and Inner Mongolia), plateau (Qinghai) and arid regions (Xinjiang). We include morphological characteristics, sugar and polysaccharide content, antioxidant activity, and metabolomic profiling to compare goji among climatic regions. Goji cultivation probably began in the East (Hebei) of China around 100 CE and later shifted westward to the semi-arid regions. Goji from monsoon, plateau and arid regions differ according to its fruit morphology, whereas semi-arid goji cannot be separated from the other regions. L. chinense fruits, which are exclusively cultivated in Hebei (monsoon), are significantly lighter, smaller and brighter in color, while the heaviest and largest fruits (L. barbarum) stem from the plateau. The metabolomic profiling separates the two species but not the regions of cultivation. Lycium chinense and samples from the semi-arid regions have significantly (p < 0.01) lower sugar contents and L. chinense shows the highest antioxidant activity. Our results do not justify superiority of a specific production area over other areas. Instead it will be essential to distinguish goji from different regions based on the specific morphological and chemical traits with the aim to understand what its intended uses are.

What is the best ethanol-water ratio for the extraction of antioxidants from rosemary? Impact of the solvent on yield, composition, and activity of the extracts

Extracts rich in antioxidants, such as rosemary extracts, are currently obtained by extraction of the plant material using hydro-alcoholic mixtures with high ethanol content. As this ratio is generally chosen by default and scarcely optimized, we intended to investigate the impact of the hydro-alcoholic composition on extract characteristics such as extraction yield, composition profile in selected compounds, and antioxidant/reducing activity such as Folin-Ciocalteu, DPPH, and ORAC. A theoretical determination of rosmarinic (RA) and carnosic (CA) acid solubilities in ethanol:water mixtures was also performed using COSMO-RS and was confronted to experiments. While the best solubilizing solvent (100% ethanol) was also the best extracting solvent for CA, it was not the case with RA since pure ethanol appeared as a poor solvent compared to 30% ethanol which was optimal. Finally, the best antioxidant activities were obtained with 30% ethanol.

Genotoxicity of carbon tetrachloride and the protective role of essential oil of Salvia officinalis L. in mice using chromosomal aberration, micronuclei formation, and comet assay

The present work was conducted to evaluate the genotoxic effect of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in mouse bone marrow and male germ cells. The safety and the modulating activity of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) essential oil (SEO) against the possible genotoxic effect of CCl₄ were also evaluated. A combination of in vivo mutagenic endpoints was included: micronucleus (MN), apoptosis using dual acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining, comet assay, chromosomal aberrations (CAs), and sperm abnormalities. Histological examination of testis tissues was also studied. The extracted SEO was subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for identifying its chemical constituents. Safety/genotoxicity of SEO was determined after two consecutive weeks (5 days/week) from oral treatment with different concentrations (0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mL/kg). For assessing genotoxicity of CCl₄, both acute (once) and subacute i.p. treatment for 2 weeks (3 days/week) with the concentrations 1.2 mL/kg (for acute) and 0.8 mL/kg (for subacute) were performed. For evaluating the protective role of SEO, simultaneous treatment with SEO plus CCl₄ was examined. In sperm abnormalities, mice were treated with the subject materials for five successive days and the samples were collected after 35 days from the beginning of treatment. Based on GC-MS findings, 22 components were identified in the chromatogram of SEO. The results demonstrated that the three concentrations of SEO were safe and non-genotoxic in all the tested endpoints. Negative results were also observed in bone marrow after acute and subacute treatment with CCl_4. In contrast, CCl₄ induced testicular DNA damage as evidenced by a significant increase of CAs in primary spermatocytes, sperm abnormalities, and histological distortion of testis. A remarkable reduction in these cells was observed in groups treated with SEO plus CCl₄ especially with the two higher concentrations of SEO. In conclusion, SEO is safe and non-genotoxic under the tested conditions and can modulate genetic damage and histological alteration induced by CCl₄ in the testes.

The effects of Salvia officinalis L. on granulosa cells and in vitro maturation of oocytes in mice

BACKGROUND

Salvia officinalisL. has been used since ancient times but there are little data about effects of this herb on normal reproductive cells.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the toxicity effects of Salvia officinalis L. on granulosa cells (GCs) and maturation of oocytes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

GCs and oocytes were extracted from superovulated ovaries of immature mice. The cells were treated with concentrations of 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 μg/ml of Salvia officinalis hydroalcoholic extracts and compared with the control culture. Bioviability, chromatin condensation, estradiol and progesterone concentrations, lipid synthesis, apoptosis, and alkaline phosphatase activity of GCs were measured. In vitro maturation of oocytes by determination of different maturation stages of oocytes including germinal vesicle, germinal vesicle breaks down, and metaphase II were examined.

RESULTS

The results revealed that 500 and 1000 μg/ml concentrations of Salvia officinalisL. were toxic. The most of the GCs were in the early stages of apoptosis in 100 μg/ml treated culture and cell death happened with 500 μg/ml treatment. Progesterone concentration was reduced in 100 μg/ml and higher doses but estradiol concentration and alkaline phosphatase showed opposite effects. The lipid droplets content of GCs reduced significantly in all groups especially in 500 and 1000 μg/ml. Finally, oocyte's nucleus and cytoplasm showed a high level of condensation, and meiosis rate reduced in all treated cultures.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggested that higher dose of Salvia officinalis hydroalcoholic extracts inhibits, oocyte maturation, GCs bioviability, proliferation, and secretion.

Ethnopharmacological and Chemical Characterization of Salvia Species Used in Valencian Traditional Herbal Preparations

In Valencia Region (Spain), some wild and cultivated sages are used for medicinal purposes. Among them, Salvia officinalis subsp. lavandulifolia (SL) is widely employed and known for production of Spanish sage oil and herbal products. Nevertheless, it shares the market with S. blancoana subsp. mariolensis (SB) and, to a lesser extent, with their hybrid S. x hegelmaieri (SH). The knowledge on these two species is far low and confusion between them is possible. The aim of the present paper is to improve the ethnopharmacological, morphological and chemical knowledge of these sages, and to contribute to setting up quality specifications for improving identification and distinction from other Salvia species, such as, S. officinalis subsp. officinalis, S. x auriculata and S. microphylla var. microphylla. Samples were collected in Valencia Region and surrounding mountain areas during the ethnopharmacological field work. Twenty-nine medicinal uses were reported for SL, 13 of them being also recorded for SB. Of particular interest is a homemade liquor, used as digestive and known as "salvieta," which is mainly prepared with SB. The macro- and microscopic characters are insufficient for identification of cut, crushed or powdered material. The study of the essential oil and a HPTLC (High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography) fingerprint of their extracts could help to distinguish SB from the other sages. The essential oil from dried aerial parts of SB (content: 1.8-4.5%) was characterized by GC-FID (Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector) and GC-MS (Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry) showing a composition close to that currently accepted for Spanish sage essential oil in the European Pharmacopoeia, ISO (International Standard Organization) and UNE (Una Norma Española) standards, with 1,8-cineole (13.7-45.7%) and camphor (12.1-28.6%) as major constituents. HPTLC methods, based on the analysis of hydroalcoholic and dichloromethane extracts, allowed to distinguish SB from other Salvia taxa currently found in Valencia region, except from its hybrid SH. This interdisciplinary study, that combines popular knowledge with botany and chemistry, allows to identify the raw herbal material from SB and to distinguish it from other Salvia species, ensuring a proper commercialization as herbal teas or for the preparation of spirits.

Genetic diversity and metabolic profile of Salvia officinalis populations: implications for advanced breeding strategies

As a result of this work, we were able to characterize seven indigenous to Greece Salvia officinalis populations using genetic and metabolomic tools. These tools can be used to select the most promising genotypes, capable to design future breeding programs for high valuable varieties. An initial investigation was carried out to compare the genetic and metabolic diversity in S. officinalis grown in Greece and to discern the relationship between the two sets of data. Analysis of inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) revealed significant genetic differences among seven sage populations, which were grouped into three main clusters according to an UPGMA ISSR data-based dendrogram and Principle Coordinate Analysis. 80 loci were scored of which up to 90% were polymorphic at species level. According to the composition of their essential oil, the populations were classified into two chemotypes: 1.8 cineole/α-thujone and α-thujone/1.8 cineole. Additionally, a targeted ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC-MS/MS) method was used to qualify and quantify phenolic compounds in methanolic extracts of the seven sage genotypes according to which they were districted in six clusters among the sage populations. The main compounds characterizing the seven genotypes were rosmarinic acid and carnosol, followed by apigenin-7-O-glucoside (Ap7glc), and luteolin-7-O-glucoside (Lu7glc). The correlation between matrices obtained from ISSR data and metabolic profiles was non-significant. However, based on the differences in metabolic fingerprint, we aimed to define populations using as main selection criteria the high polyphenol content and desired essential oil composition, using state to the art analytical tools for the identification of parent lines for breeding programs.

Enzyme-assisted supercritical fluid extraction: an alternative and green technology for non-extractable polyphenols

This contribution proposes an enzyme-assisted eco-friendly process for the extraction of non-extractable polyphenols (NEPPs) from black tea leftover (BTLO), an underutilized tea waste. BTLO hydrolyzed with various enzyme formulations was extracted using supercritical carbon dioxide and ethanol as co-solvent (SC-CO₂ + EtOH). A conventional solvent extraction (CSE) was performed using EtOH + H₂O (80:20, v/v) for comparison purposes. The results revealed that hydrolysis of BTLO with 2.9% (w/w) kemzyme at 45 °C and pH 5.4 for 98 min improved the liberation of NEPPs offering 5-fold higher extract yield (g/100 g) as compared with non-treated BTLO. In vitro antioxidant evaluation and LC-MS characterization of extracts revealed the presence of phenolic acids (mainly caffeic and para-coumaric acid) of high antioxidant value. Scanning electron micrograph of the hydrolyzed BTLO samples indicated noteworthy changes in the ultrastructure of BTLO. Moreover, polyphenol extracts obtained by SC-CO₂ + EtOH extraction were found to be cleaner and richer in polyphenols as compared to CSE. The devised enzyme-assisted SC-CO₂ + EtOH extraction process in the present work can be explored as an effective biotechnological mean for the optimal recovery of antioxidant polyphenols. Graphical abstract Enzymatic pretreatment can effectively liberate non-extractable polyphenols (NEPPs) while hydrolyzing the cellulosic and hemicellulosic framework of black tea left overs (BTLO).

Safety profile of solid lipid nanoparticles loaded with rosmarinic acid for oral use: in vitro and animal approaches

Rosmarinic acid (RA) possesses several protective bioactivities that have attracted increasing interest by nutraceutical/pharmaceutical industries. Considering the reduced bioavailability after oral use, effective (and safe) delivery systems are crucial to protect RA from gastrointestinal degradation. This study aims to characterize the safety profile of solid lipid nanoparticles produced with Witepsol and Carnauba waxes and loaded with RA, using in vitro and in vivo approaches, focused on genotoxicity and cytotoxicity assays, redox status markers, hematological and biochemical profile, liver and kidney function, gut bacterial microbiota, and fecal fatty acids composition. Free RA and sage extract, empty nanoparticles, or nanoparticles loaded with RA or sage extract (0.15 and 1.5 mg/mL) were evaluated for cell (lymphocytes) viability, necrosis and apoptosis, and antioxidant/prooxidant effects upon DNA. Wistar rats were orally treated for 14 days with vehicle (control) and with Witepsol or Carnauba nanoparticles loaded with RA at 1 and 10 mg/kg body weight/d. Blood, urine, feces, and several tissues were collected for analysis. Free and loaded RA, at 0.15 mg/mL, presented a safe profile, while genotoxic potential was found for the higher dose (1.5 mg/mL), mainly by necrosis. Our data suggest that both types of nanoparticles are safe when loaded with moderate concentrations of RA, without in vitro genotoxicity and cytotoxicity and with an in vivo safety profile in rats orally treated, thus opening new avenues for use in nutraceutical applications.

Insights into the protective role of solid lipid nanoparticles on rosmarinic acid bioactivity during exposure to simulated gastrointestinal conditions

The evaluation of the digestion effects on bioactive solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) was performed. For this purpose, witepsol and carnauba SLN loaded with rosmarinic acid (RA) were exposed to the simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT) conditions prevailing in stomach and small intestine. The simulation of intestinal epithelium was made with a dialysis bag and intestinal cell culture lines. Changes on SLN physical properties, RA release and absorption profiles were followed at each step. Combination of digestion pH and enzymes showed a significant effect upon SLN physical properties. Zeta potential values increased at stomach conditions and decreased at small intestine simulation. Also, at intestine, SLN increased their sizes and released 40-60% of RA, maintaining its initial antioxidant activity values. Sustained release of 40% of RA from SLN was also observed in dialysis tube. At CaCo-2 cell line, both types of SLN showed similar absorbed RA % (ca. 30%). Nevertheless, in CaCo-2/HT29x mix cell lines, for carnauba SLN a lower adsorption RA % was observed than for witepsol SLN. Solid lipid nanoparticles protected RA bioactivity (in terms of antioxidant activity) until reaching the intestine. A controlled release of RA from SLN was achieved and a significant absorption was observed at intestinal cells. Overall, SLN produced with witepsol showed a higher stability than carnauba SLN.

Salvia officinalis L. induces alveolar bud growing in adult female rat mammary glands

OBJECTIVES

In traditional medicine Salvia officinalis (sage) has been used as menstrual cycle regulator. In the present study the effects of sage extract on breast tissue were examined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fourteen female rats were divided into two groups: 1) Distilled water-treated rats (Con) that were gavaged with 1ml distilled water and 2) Saliva officinalis hydroalcoholic extract (SHE)-treated rats that were gavaged with 30mg/kg/body weight of sage extract for 30 days. The estrus cycle changes were monitored by daily examination of vaginal smear. Whole mounts of right pelvic breast were spread on the slide and stained by carmine. The number of alveolar buds (ABs) type 1 and 2 and lobules of mammary gland were scored. Tissue sections of left pelvic mammary gland were prepared and its histomorphometrical changes were measured. Blood samples were taken from dorsal aorta and estradiol and progesterone concentrations were measured using radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

Estrous cycles decreased significantly in SHE-treated animals. The number of alveolar buds and lobules in mammary gland whole mount of SHE-treated group were higher than the Con group. The number and diameter of ducts in histological section of mammary gland in SHE-treated group increased as compared to the Con group.

CONCLUSION

Sage promotes alveologenesis of mammary glands and it can be used as a lactiferous herb.

Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Medicinal Property of Sage (Salvia) to Prevent and Cure Illnesses such as Obesity, Diabetes, Depression, Dementia, Lupus, Autism, Heart Disease, and Cancer

For a long time, sage (Salvia) species have been used in traditional medicine for the relief of pain, protecting the body against oxidative stress, free radical damages, angiogenesis, inflammation, bacterial and virus infection, etc., Several studies suggest that sage species can be considered for drug development because of their reported pharmacology and therapeutic activities in many countries of Asia and Middle East, especially China and India. These studies suggest that Salvia species, in addition to treating minor common illnesses, might potentially provide novel natural treatments for the relief or cure of many serious and life-threatening diseases such as depression, dementia, obesity, diabetes, lupus, heart disease, and cancer. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the botanical, chemical, and pharmacological aspects of sage (Saliva).

Polyphenolic characterization and chromatographic methods for fast assessment of culinary Salvia species from South East Europe

Although the knowledge and use of several Salvia species (Salvia officinalis, Salvia fruticosa, and Salvia pomifera) can be dated back to Greek Era and have a long history of culinary and effective medicinal use, still there is a remarkable interest concerning their chemistry and especially the polyphenolic composition. Despite the demand in the food and pharmaceutical industry for methods for fast quality assessment of the herbs and spices, even now there are no official requirements for the minimum content of polyphenols in sage covered by current regulations neither the European Pharmacopoeia monographs nor the ISO 11165 standard. In this work a rapid analytical method for extraction, characterization and quantification of the major polyphenolic constituents in Sage was developed. Various extractions (infusion - IE; ultrasound-assisted extraction - USE and microwave-assisted extraction - MWE) were performed and evaluated for their effectiveness. Along with the optimization of the mass-detector and chromatographic parameters, the applicability of three different reverse C18 stationary phases (extra-density bonded, core-shell technology and monolith column) for polyphenolics characterization was evaluated. A comprehensive overview of the very variable polyphenolic composition of 118 different plant samples of 68 populations of wild growing culinary Salvia species (S. officinalis: 101; S. fruticosa: 15; S. pomifera: 2) collected from South East Europe (SEE) was performed using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS(n) and more than 50 different compounds were identified and quantified. With this work the knowledge about polyphenols of culinary Sage was expanded thus the possibility for gaining an insight into the chemodiversity of culinary Salvia species in South East Europe was unlocked.

Holistic Control of Herbal Teas and Tinctures Based on Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) for Compounds with Beneficial and Adverse Effects using NMR Spectroscopy

A methodology that utilizes (1)H-NMR spectroscopy has been developed to simultaneously analyze toxic terpenes (thujone and camphor), major polyphenolic compounds, the total antioxidant capacity (ORAC) and the Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) index in foods and medicines containing sage. The quantitative determination of rosmarinic acid (limit of detection (LOD) = 10 mg/L) and total thujone (LOD = 0.35 mg/L) was possible using direct integration of the signals. For other parameters (derivatives of rosmarinic acid, carnosol and flavone glycosides, ORAC and FC index), chemometric regression models obtained separately for alcohol-based tinctures (R(2) = 0.94-0.98) and aqueous tea infusions (R(2) = 0.79-0.99) were suitable for screening analysis. The relative standard deviations for authentic samples were below 10%. The developed methodology was applied for the analysis of a wide variety of sage products (n = 108). The total thujone content in aqueous tea infusions was found to be in the range of not detectable (nd) to 37.5 mg/L (average 9.2 mg/L), while tinctures contained higher levels (range nd-409 mg/L, average 107 mg/L). The camphor content varied from 2.1 to 43.7 mg/L in aqueous infusions and from not detectable to 748 mg/L in tinctures (averages were 14.1 and 206 mg/L, respectively). Phenolic compounds were also detected in the majority of the investigated products. (1)H-NMR spectroscopy was proven to have the ability to holistically control all important adverse and beneficial compounds in sage products in a single experiment, considerably saving time, resources and costs as NMR replaces four separate methodologies that were previously needed to analyze the same parameters.