Comprehensive phytochemical and biofunctional evaluation of Salvia huberi (endemic): green-synthesized silver nanoparticles, methanol extract, and essential oils

This study integrates phytochemical and biofunctional evaluation of Salvia huberi with plant-mediated green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (NPs) using its aqueous extract as a source of reducing and capping agents. Structural and spectroscopic analyses confirmed the successful formation of crystalline, quasi-spherical NPs ranging from 10–50 nm with a silver-rich composition. Biological activity assays revealed that methanol extract (ME), essential oil (EO), and S. huberi-derived silver NPs (SHAgNPs) exhibited distinct yet complementary properties. The essential oil showed strong acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, indicating the role of volatile phytochemicals. In contrast, SHAgNPs demonstrated pronounced multifunctional enzyme inhibition, particularly against α-glucosidase and carbonic anhydrase II, suggesting relevance for metabolic disorder targets. SHAgNPs also contained higher phenolic and flavonoid levels and exhibited stronger antioxidant activity than crude extracts. LC–MS/MS analysis revealed an unusual phenolic profile characterized by the dominance of ferulic acid and the absence of rosmarinic acid.