A review on the essential oil chemical profile of Salvia genus from Iran

Abstract

Iran is one of the major centres of diversity for Salvia, with 58 species of which 25% are endemic. A literature-based survey of the chemical profile of Salvia species essential oil found in Iran was carried out. As a result, 46 species belonging to Salvia genus were identified for their essential oil composition. A concise review of the scientific literature pertaining to components of Salvia essential oils and volatile fractions is presented. The present review showed that the Iranian Salvia species have been classified into four main categories based on the GC/MS and GC-FID analyses of their essential oils. monoterpene chemotype, mono and sesquiterpene chemotype, sesquiterpene chemotype and GLV chemotype which stands for green leaf volatiles. It was indicated the most of the studied Salvia species were considered as sesquiterpene chemotype. Among the sesquiterpenes, β-caryophyllene followed by germacrene D, spathulenol and caryophyllene oxide were the most common and abundant in Persian Salvia species. The β-caryophyllene and germacrene D were reported from 27 and 22 Salvia species in Iran, respectively.