Chemical Profiling and Hepatoprotective Potential of Chloroform–Methanolic Extract of <i>Salvia sclarea</i> L.: GC–MS Analysis and In Vivo Studies

Salvia sclarea L., commonly known as clary sage, belongs to the most popular species of Salvia. Traditionally, it has been utilized as a spasmolytic, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory agent. Many studies have evaluated its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic effects. Remarkably, no study has yet assessed its potential hepatoprotective activity. The evaluation of in vitro antioxidant activity was done using spectrophotometric methods. The extract's impact on biochemical markers of liver injury, antioxidant enzyme activity, and liver morphology was evaluated in Swiss Albino mice with paracetamol (PCM)-induced hepatotoxicity. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis of the chloroform-methanolic extract of S. sclarea L. roots (SSR-CM) revealed the presence of several phytochemicals, with ferruginol and its ester showing the highest retention time. SSR-CM exhibited significant, concentration-dependent antioxidant effect, though weaker than the standard antioxidants. Its oral administration at 200 milligrams (mg)/kg/day demonstrated a significant decrease in PCM-induced elevated alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin levels. Enhanced catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase activities were observed in SSR-CM and silymarin-treated groups, along with histopathological evidence of reduced hepatocellular damage compared to the PCM-only group. Overall, these findings suggest that SSR-CM holds potential as a natural hepatoprotective agent and offer valuable insights into its chemical composition.