Ethnopharmacological relevance: Salvia glutinosa, also known as the glutinous
sage, has been used in Romanian folk medicine in the treatment of
inflammation, injuries, and mild infections. However, there is no direct
scientific evidence to demonstrate these activities. Aim of the Study: The present research was based on evaluating antioxidant,
antiproliferative, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of S. glutinosa extracts, as
well as the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity.
Materials and Methods: Infusions and 70% (v:v) ethanol solution extracts of S.
glutinosa stems and leaves, collected from two different locations in Romania,
were prepared. Ten phenolic compounds were identified and quantified using
the LC-DAD-ESI/MSn method, and total phenolic and flavonoid content, as well
as in vitro antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays), antiproliferative, antiinflammatory
and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities were determined. A rat
model of induced inflammation with turpentine oil was used for the
examination of in vivo effects of the extracts, using diclofenac as an antiinflammatory
control. Results: The highest inhibitory α-glucosidase activity was determined to be
IC50 = 0.546 mg/ml for the hydroalcoholic extract made with plant material
collected on the road to Sighișoara. The highest cytotoxic activity against
HepG2 cell line was determined to be GI50 = 131.68 ± 5.03 μg/ml, for the
hydroalcoholic extract made with plant material from Sighișoara. In vivo
administration of extract (200 mg lyophilized powder/ml) showed a
significant reduction of NO production.Conclusion: Our findings indicate that S. glutinosa extracts exhibit antioxidant, α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, as well as a modest cytotoxic effect on HepG2 cell line. By in vivo administration, the extracts show antiinflammatory
and antioxidant activity, which correlates with the traditional
use of the species. The environmental conditions seemed to induce
important changes in the chemical composition and the bioactivity of the
herbal preparations derived from S. glutinosa.
This work was supported by a grant of the Romanian
Ministry of Education and Research, CNCS–UEFISCDI,
project number PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019–5360.
