SALVIA OFFICINALIS AS A PHARMACOLOGICAL POWERHOUSE: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS, MOLECULAR MECHANISMS, AND EMERGING THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

Salvia officinalis L., commonly known as sage, is a medicinally significant plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, widely recognized for its extensive pharmacological and phytochemical properties. The resurgence of interest in plant-based therapeutics has positioned S. officinalis as a critical candidte in modern pharmacological research. This review comprehensively evaluates the phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, molecular mechanisms, and recent advancements in clinical and experimental research related to S. officinalis. The plant is rich in bioactive constituents, including phenolic acids (rosmarinic acid), flavonoids, terpenoids, and essential oils such as α-thujone and camphor, which collectively contribute to its diverse biological effects. Recent studies highlight its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, and cardioprotective properties. Mechanistically, these effects are mediated through modulation of oxidative stress pathways, inhibition of inflammatory mediators, regulation of glucose metabolism, and neurochemical interactions such as acetylcholinesterase inhibition. Furthermore, emerging research demonstrates its potential role in managing neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, metabolic syndromes, and microbial resistance. Despite its promising pharmacological profile, challenges related to standardization, dosage optimization, and toxicity due to compounds like thujone require careful consideration. This review synthesizes current scientific evidence and identifies future research directions to enhance the therapeutic application of S. officinalis. The integration of traditional knowledge with modern pharmacology underscores its potential as a natural therapeutic agent in contemporary medicine.