Salvia extracts: Unraveling phenolic compounds and assessing their antiglycation, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties

Introduction: This study aimed to identify compounds present in the methanolic extract (ME) of four Salvia species S. aegyptiaca (SAE), S. verbenaca (SVE), S. barrelieri (SBA), and S. argentea (SAR), using HPLC ESI-QTOF MS/MS, and to evaluate their antiglycation, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic effects for both methanolic and decoction extracts (DE). The research focused on exploring the phytochemical profile and biological activities of Salvia species, which are known for their medicinal properties. Materials and Methods: HPLC ESI-QTOF MS/MS was employed to identify phenolic compounds in the extracts. Antiglycation activity was assessed using a model system, while cytotoxicity was evaluated using two cell lines: mouse fibroblast cells (3T3) and human cervical cancer cells (HeLa). Results: Four major phenolic compounds were identified in all four plants: caffeoyl-O-hexoside(glucoside), rosmarinic acid, derivatives of apigenin, and an isomer of p-coumaroylquinic acid. Additionally, luteolin-7-O-glucoside was detected in all extracts except SAE. All extracts demonstrated significant antiglycation efficacy, with inhibition efficiency exceeding 69% at 2 mg/mL. Notably, the methanolic extract of S. barrelieri (ME SBA) exhibited the highest activity, achieving an IC50 of approximately 35 µg/mL. Cytotoxicity testing revealed weak and insignificant effects for decoction extracts on 3T3 cells, whereas slight proliferation was observed with methanolic extracts. Similarly, most extracts showed no toxicity toward HeLa cells, except for the decoction extract of S. verbenaca (ED SVR), which exhibited some cytotoxicity. Discussion: The presence of common phenolic compounds across the studied Salvia species highlights their potential as sources of bioactive molecules. The observed antiglycation activity suggests these extracts could be beneficial in preventing glycation-related diseases. However, the cytotoxicity results indicate that further optimization may be required to enhance their therapeutic potential. Conclusion: This study successfully identified key compounds in Salvia species and demonstrated their notable antiglycation properties. While cytotoxic effects were minimal, the findings underscore the potential of these plants as natural remedies for specific health conditions, warranting further investigation into their pharmacological applications.