Title:Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Agents from Salvia Genus (Lamiaceae): An Assessment of the Current State of Knowledge
VOLUME: 16 ISSUE: 2
Author(s):Marco Bonesi, Monica R. Loizzo, Rosaria Acquaviva, Giuseppe A. Malfa, Francesca Aiello and Rosa Tundis*
Affiliation:Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Cosenza, Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Cosenza, Department of Drug Science-Biochemistry Section, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Department of Drug Science-Biochemistry Section, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Cosenza, Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Cosenza
Keywords:Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, diterpenes, flavonoids, Salvia, tanshinones.
Abstract:Background: Salvia species are known for their biological properties in many
countries and might potentially provide novel therapeutic agents. This review provides an
overview of the available literature on the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Salvia
species.
Methods: Using bibliographic databases, particularly PubMed, this review aims to add new
information to the list of Salvia species, including S. ceratophylla, S. chloroleuca, S. fruticosa,
S. lachostachys, S. lavandulifolia, S. miltiorrhiza, S. mirzayanii, S. officinalis, S. plebeia,
S. verbenaca, and S. virgata, and their main constituents as promising antiinflammatory
and antioxidant agents, highlighting their mode of action.
Results: Salvia species are sources of health-promoting phytochemicals that comprise polyphenols,
flavonoids, terpenes and several other constituents. Many studies have indicated
that plants from the Salvia genus reduce the oxidative stress and may be able to prevent
and/or to treat inflammatory diseases. These potential beneficial effects have been attributed
to the presence of compounds that show antioxidant properties and that demonstrated to inhibit
the molecular targets of pro-inflammatory mediators in inflammatory responses.
Conclusion: Salvia species and their secondary metabolites may be potential agents to improve
the quality of life in patients with inflammatory diseases.
