Potential anti-inflammatory activity of the Salvia fruticosa Mill. essential oil

Abstract

Context: Salvia fruticosa, known as Greek sage, is a perennial shrub indigenous to the eastern Mediterranean. Historically, its leaves have been prized for their medicinal properties, particularly in traditional remedies for anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and digestive ailments. Aims: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties and possible mechanisms of action of Salvia fruticosa essential oil (EOSF). Methods: The essential oil was obtained from the aerial parts of the plant using hydrodistillation and then analyzed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The anti-inflammatory effects of the essential oil were examined using established inflammation models, specifically carrageenan-induced paw edema and peritonitis. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the essential oils, widely recognized inflammation models were employed, specifically carrageenan-induced paw edema and peritonitis. In addition, the essential oil's antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring its ability to scavenge nitric oxide radicals and inhibit lipid peroxidation. Results: The primary constituents of the EOSF were found to be 1,8-cineol (eucalyptol) (45.5%), β-caryophyllene (9.2%), and β-pinene (6.5%). The results of the study demonstrated that EOSF displayed a significant reduction in edema, peritonitis, myeloperoxidase activity, and NOx-peritoneal lavage concentration induced by carrageenan. Moreover, the essential oil exhibited notable inhibition of nitric oxide radical production stimulated by sodium nitroprusside. Additionally, EOSF demonstrated the ability to prevent lipid peroxidation caused by Fe2+ or Fe2+ plus H2O2. Conclusions: The findings indicate that EOSF possesses anti-inflammatory properties, potentially attributed to its antioxidant capacity.