Pharmacological Activities and Therapeutic Potentials of Salvia sp. (Lamiaceae) Based on Practical and Clinical Evidence: A Literature Review
Keywords:
bioactive compounds,, degenerative diseases, ethnopharmacy, Salvia sp, Laminaceae, pharmacological activityAbstract
The Lamiaceae family, particularly the genus Salvia, has long been valued in ethnopharmaceutical practices due to its rich secondary metabolites, including phenolics, flavonoids, and diterpenoids, which exhibit a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities. This review synthesizes findings from 22 scientific publications evaluating the pharmacological potential of Salvia species in managing degenerative, metabolic, inflammatory, and infectious diseases. Active compounds such as tanshinone IIA, rosmarinic acid, cryptotanshinone, and magnesium lithospermate B demonstrated significant cardioprotective, anticancer, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and antioxidant effects. Key mechanisms include inhibition of MMP-9, upregulation of TIMP-1, α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase inhibition, as well as increased expression of GLUT4 and caspase-3/-9. Scientific evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and preliminary clinical studies highlights Salvia as a promising candidate for the development of standardized herbal therapies. However, further research is needed on its bioavailability, chronic toxicity, and drug interactions to ensure safe and effective clinical application.
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