Salvia spp.: An updated on antioxidant activity and pharmacological uses

Abstract

Salvia spp. (sage) is the largest genus of the family Lamiaceae (formerly Labiatae). This important genus includes about 900 species widespread throughout the world. Their species have been cultivated worldwide due to their excellent medicinal values, pharmaceutical applications and for culinary purposes. Studies on the chemical constituents of Salvia have revealed the presence of different active compounds, including terpenoids, flavonoids and phenolic compounds; the interesting pharmacological properties of sage have been attributed mainly to them. As example, some of the phenolic compounds of plants belonging to this genus have shown activity of active-oxygen scavengers such as superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical and singlet oxygen and activity to inhibit lipid peroxidation. Sage has been credited with a long list of medicinal uses. Salvia officinalis, Salvia lavandulifolia, Salvia miltiorrhiza and Salvia leriifolia, among others, have demonstrated potential antioxidant properties, an effect currently relevant to the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. In recent years, there is an increasing evidence to suggest that many degenerative diseases, such as brain dysfunction, cancer, heart diseases, ageing processes and immune system decline, could be the result of cellular damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants may play an important role in preventing diseases caused by oxidative stress. The aim of this chapter is to update of antioxidant activity and pharmacological uses of species of Salvia to provide a better understanding of their therapeutic application.