Anti-aging Effects of Salvia officinalis Extract via Telomerase Modulation and Oxidative Stress Reduction

Background: Aging is a biological process that reduces quality of life and is related to a time-dependent decline in cellular function. It is a primary risk factor for many disorders. Aging-related disorders have become a global healthcare challenge. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the impact of Saliva officinalis on aged tissues. Methods: In the current study, 30 aged male rats (twenty-month-old) were divided into three groups: Aging, aging-low S. officinalis (100 mg/kg), and aging-high S. officinalis (200 mg/kg). S. officinalis was gavage for 2 weeks. Finally, all aged animals were sacrificed, and the heart, liver, hippocampus, and right kidney tissues were collected for oxidative stress assessment. Blood samples were collected to measure the levels of urea, creatinine, liver enzymes, oxidants, and antioxidants, and telomerase enzyme activity. Results: The results showed that S. officinalis administration in high doses significantly decreased oxidative stress in aged tissues. Urea and creatinine levels in the aging-high S. officinalis group significantly reduced compared to the aging group. An insignificant change is observed in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), while the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) significantly decreased in the aging-high S. officinalis group. Using S. officinalis in low and high doses notably increased telomerase enzyme activity. Conclusion: This study suggests that administering S. officinalis, especially at a high dose (200 mg/kg), can be useful in reducing aging-related impairment.