Salvia Officinalis Research Articles

Speciation, phytoavailability, and accumulation of toxic elements and sulfur by humic acid-fertilized lemongrass and common sage in a sandy soil treated with heavy oil fly ash: A trial for management of power stations wastes

Globally, power stations generate huge amounts of the hazardous waste heavy oil fly ash (HOFA), which is rich in Ni, V, Fe, S, and dumped into landfills. Thus, exploring new approaches for a safe recycling and sustainable management of HOFA is needed and of great environmental interest. The potential application of HOFA as an amendment to sandy soils has not been studied yet. This is the first research investigating the potentiality of using HOFA as a soil conditioner. To this end, we conducted a greenhouse experiment in order to investigate the impacts of HOFA addition (1.2, 2.4, 3.6 t ha−1) to sandy soil on the total and available content of nutrients (e.g., S, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) and toxic elements (TEs; e.g., Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, V) in the soil and their phytoextraction and translocation by lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and common sage (Salvia officinalis). We also assessed the impact of humic acid (HA) foliar application (50 and 100 l ha−1) on the growth and elements accumulation by the two plants. The studied HOFA was acidic and highly enriched in S (43,268.0), V (3,527.0), Ni (1774.0), and Fe (15,159.0) (units in mg kg−1). The X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) data showed that V in HOFA was composed primarily of V(IV) sorbed onto goethite, V(V) sorbed onto humic substances, in the forms of V2O3, and VCl4. Addition of the lower doses of HOFA (1.2 and 2.4 t ha−1) did not change significantly soil pH, salinity, and the total and available elements content compared to the unamended soil. Although the elements content in the 3.6 t ha−1 HOFA-treated soil was significantly higher than the untreated, the total content of all elements (except for Ni) was lower than the maximum allowable concentrations in soils. HOFA addition, particularly in the highest dose (3.6 t ha−1), decreased significantly the growth and biomass of both plants. Common sage accumulated more elements than lemongrass; however, the elements content in the plants was lower than the critical concentrations for sensitive plants. The foliar application of humic acid enhanced significantly the plant growth and increased their tolerance to the HOFA-induced stress. We conclude that the addition of HOFA up to 2.4 t ha−1 in a single application as amendment to sandy soils is not likely to create any TE toxicity problems to plants, particularly if combined with a foliar application of humic acid; however, repeated additions of HOFA may induce toxicity. These findings should be verified under field conditions.

Chemical and Bioactive Evaluation of Essential Oils from Edible and Aromatic Mediterranean Lamiaceae Plants.

The Lamiaceae family, which includes several well-known aromatic plants, is scientifically relevant due to its essential oils (EOs). In this work, four EOs from Mediterranean species, namely Origanum vulgare L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Salvia officinalis L., and Thymus vulgaris L., were evaluated for their volatile profiles and the biological activity in vitro to assess their potential use in the food and cosmetic sector. GC/MS analysis revealed dominant compounds, such as carvacrol, thymol, and eucalyptol. Regarding biological action, the samples exhibited antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal activities, with O. vulgare and T. officinalis standing out. T. vulgaris showed the lowest EC50 in the reducing power assay, and O. vulgare had the lowest EC50 in the DPPH assay. Most EOs also displayed excellent anti-inflammatory responses and antifungal properties, with O. vulgare and T. vulgaris also demonstrating antibacterial activity. All EOs from Mediterranean species showed cytotoxicity against tumoral cell lines. Overall, the selected EOs stood out for their interesting bioactivities, with the obtained results underscoring their potential as natural preservatives and bioactive agents in various industrial applications, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

A Review of Therapeutic Properties and Uses of <i>Salvia officinalis</i>

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is an aromatic perennial herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family, renowned for its culinary and medicinal applications. Its essential oil and various phytochemical constituents, such as α-thujone, β-thujone, camphor, 1,8-cineole, and phenolic compounds like rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and carnosol, contribute to its diverse biological activities. The plant exhibits potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-diabetic properties. Numerous studies have explored its potential in combating various diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer's, cardiovascular disorders, and diabetes. The essential oil and extracts have demonstrated cytotoxic effects against various cancer cell lines, suggesting their potential as anticancer agents. Additionally, sage has shown promising results in improving cognitive function and memory, potentially benefiting individuals with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Its anti-diabetic effects, mediated through the inhibition of α-glucosidase and enhancement of insulin secretion, make it a valuable candidate for diabetes management. However, it is crucial to consider the potential toxicity associated with the thujone content in sage, as excessive intake may lead to adverse effects. Regulatory bodies have established safe limits for thujone consumption, ensuring responsible use of sage-based products. In conclusion, Salvia officinalis presents a promising avenue for further research and potential therapeutic applications, warranting rigorous scientific investigation to harness its full potential while ensuring safety.

Salvia officinalis leaf extract-stabilized NiO NPs, ZnO NPs, and NiO@ZnO nanocomposite: Green hydrothermal synthesis, characterization and supercapacitor application

AbstractIn this study, NiO nanoparticles (NiO NPs) and NiO@ZnO nanocomposite were synthesized for the first time using a Salvia officinalis (S. officinalis) extract-assisted hydrothermal process. The S. officinalis leaf extract served as a natural reducing and capping agent. The synthesized NiO NPs, ZnO NPs, and NiO@ZnO nanocomposite were thoroughly characterized using various techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) mapping, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis. The direct and indirect band gap energies of NiO NPs, ZnO NPs, and NiO@ZnO were found to be 3.00, 2.28, and 2.71 eV, and 2.63, 1.91, and 2.23 eV, respectively. The crystallite sizes were analyzed using PXRD spectra through Scherrer and Williamson–Hall (W–H) methods. TEM analysis revealed that the average particle sizes of NiO NPs, ZnO NPs, and NiO@ZnO were 16.0, 207.5, and 31.0 nm, respectively. The magnetic properties of all nanomaterials were assessed via the VSM technique. Specific capacitance (Cs) values, determined from CV voltammograms, were 196.8, 632.4, and 785 Fg-1 at a scan rate of 25 mVs-1 for NiO NPs, ZnO NPs, and NiO@ZnO, respectively. These findings suggest that the green-synthesized NiO@ZnO nanocomposite holds significant potential as a high-performance electrode material for supercapacitor applications.

Biocontrol potential of essential oils from six Moroccan plants against the causal agent of Verticillium wilt of olives

In the realm of sustainable agriculture, biocontrol is gaining considerable attention for its focus on the development of safe, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional biocides. This study explored the potential use of essential oils as alternative biocontrol products for managing Verticillium dahliae, the causal agent of Verticillium wilt in olive trees. Essential oils (EOs) were obtained through hydrodistillation from six Moroccan aromatic and medicinal plants (Ammodaucus leucotrichus, Mentha spicata, Origanum majorana, Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis, and Thymus satureioides). These EOs were then subjected to chemical analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and evaluated in vitro for their antifungal properties against V. dahliae. The bioassays revealed that all tested EOs reduced mycelial growth of the studied strain, and tended to have dose-dependent effects. Compared with the various essential oils evaluated in this study, A. leucotrichus essential oils showed the most pronounced antifungal efficacy at low and moderate concentrations. These EOs stand out for their high content of two monoterpenes, perillia aldehyde (84.19 %) and limonene (14.15 %), which were not found in the other essential oils examined. Therefore, our results open up new possibilities for exploiting these plants and their chemical constituents to develop a natural biofungicide as a component of integrated management strategies for Verticillium wilt of olive and other crops.

The antibacterial, antioxidant, and insecticidal activities of essential oils from Thymus vulgaris L., Salvia officinalis L., and Ocimum basilicum L.

AbstractThe essential oils from Thymus vulgaris, Salvia officinalis, and Ocimum basilicum were extracted by hydrodistillation, characterized by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and quantified by gas chromatography/flame ionization detector. The principal constituents were thymol, ρ‐cymene and carvacrol (T. vulgaris); camphor, β‐pinene, and 1,8‐cineole (S. officinalis); and (E)‐anethole, linalool, and 1,8‐cineole (O. basilicum). The essential oil from T. vulgaris was the most effective, forming inhibition halos of 46.16 ± 0.16 and 26.38 ± 0.33 mm, respectively, for Salmonella choleraesuis and Listeria monocytogenes. This essential oil was also more effective against S. choleraesuis, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 8.85 mg mL−1, and a minimum inhibitory concentration of 17.71 mg mL−1 for L. monocytogenes. No bactericidal activity against S. choleraesuis and L. monocytogenes was observed for the essential oils from S. officinalis, and O. basilicum. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the addition of essential oils left the bacterial cells damaged and deformed. Significant 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging capacity and lipid substrate protection were observed in the β‐carotene bleaching assay for the essential oil from T. vulgaris, with IC50 of 231.13 ± 0.53 and 15.25 ± 0.38 μg mL−1, respectively. A dose‐dependent relationship between antioxidant activity and concentrations was observed in the tests. Toxicities of LC50 = 1.24, 3.51 and 1.19 mg mL−1 against Drosophila suzukii flies, respectively, were observed for the essential oils from T. vulgaris, S. officinalis, and O. basilicum. Results suggest that essential oils can be promising antioxidant agents, insecticides, and inhibitors of pathogenic bacteria.

Efficacy of Salvia officinalis Shrub as a Sustainable Feed Additive for Reducing Ruminal Methane Production and Enhancing Fermentation in Ruminants.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of dried Salvia officinalis (SO) shrub leaves on nutrient degradability, ruminal in vitro fermentation, gas production (GP), methane (CH4), and carbon dioxide (CO2) productions. Dried and ground SO shrub leaves were included at 0% (control), 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% DM of a diet consisting of (per kg DM) 500 g concentrate feed mixture, 400 g berseem hay, and 100 g rice straw. The diet was incubated for 48 h. The asymptotic GP and the rate of GP changed linearly and quadratically (p < 0.01), with the highest GP observed at 1% inclusion of SO and then decreasing thereafter with greater inclusion (i.e., 1.5% and 2%), while CH4 production and its rate decreased linearly (p < 0.01) with all levels of SO inclusion. A linear increase in CO2 production and its rate was also found with an increasing level of SO inclusion in the diet (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the degradability of DM, NDF, and the concentration of total short-chain fatty acids and acetate changed linearly and quadratically, with the greatest being found at 1% SO inclusion and then steadily declining after (p < 0.01) with the 1.5% and 2% inclusion levels. Meanwhile, the propionate, NH3-N, and microbial crude protein levels showed similar trends, with the plateau found at 1% inclusion of SO, where there was no change in butyrate concentration. Moreover, the pH, metabolizable energy, and partitioning factor (PF24) also changed linearly and quadratically (p < 0.05), where the pH and PF24 were considerably reduced and ME increased with a 1% inclusion of SO (p < 0.05). In summary, SO at 1% inclusion in the diet showed the potential to improve gas production kinetics, nutrient degradability, and the ruminal fermentation profile, with a more significant reduction in ruminal CH4 production suggesting that SO at 1% could be included in the ruminant diet to reduce their carbon footprint and increase the production performance.

Green synthesis of bimetallic AgZnO nanoparticles: Synergistic anticancer effects through regulation of gene expression for lung cancer treatment

Lung cancer is the foremost diagnosed cancer in men and the second most common cancer worldwide, highlighting the need for new treatment strategies. In the current study, AgZnO bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) with average size of 11 nm were successfully synthesized using Salvia officinalis (SO) extract. The as-synthesized AgZnO NPs were characterized by several microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. The distribution of AgZnO nanoparticle curve was ranged from 10 to 20 nm, and the average particle diameter size was approximately 15.6 ± 4.3 nm with zeta potential value of −31.1 ± 5.2 mV. Also, the EDX technique revealed that the weight percentage for Zn, O, and Ag was 5.9 %, 3.6 %, and 90.5 %, respectively. The cytotoxicity of AgZnO NPs was assessed against A549 lung cancer cells and human non-tumorigenic lung epithelial BEAS-2B cells. The as-synthesized AgZnO NPs showed biocompatibility with heathy cells, while they showed high cytotoxicity against A549 lung cancer cells. In addition, AgZnO NPs demonstrated higher cytotoxicity compared to AgNPs synthesized by SO extract, indicating the synergistic effect between Ag and ZnO in the structure of bimetallic nanoparticle. The percentage of apoptosis and necrosis for SO extract was 11.6 % (3.69 % early apoptosis and 8.07 % late apoptosis) and 2.79 %, respectively. On the other hand, the apoptosis and necrosis percentage for AgZnO NPs was 29.74 % (5.04 % early apoptosis and 24.7 % late apoptosis) and 9.09 %, respectively. The high cytotoxicity effect was found through apoptosis, owing to upregulation of proapoptotic genes (caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, P21, and BAX) and downregulation of antiapoptotic and migration genes (BCL2, cyclin E, cyclin D1, MMP-2, and MMP-9) in A549 cells. In addition, the A549 cells treated with AgZnO NPs illustrated lower migration ability compared to those treated with S. officinalis extract, indicating the role of AgZnO NP in cytotoxicity. Also, arrested cells during sub-G1 phase increased significantly after treatment with AgZnO NPs compared to SO extract (p < 0.05) (17.8 % for SO extract and 38 % for AgZnO NPs). The results of this study prove the enhanced anticancer effect of AgZnO NPs due to the synergistic effect between Ag and ZnO against the A549 lung cancer cells, which could be further investigated for cancer treatment application.

Polyphenols from Sage Leaves (Salvia officinalis L.): Environmentally Friendly Extraction under High Hydrostatic Pressure and Application as a Corrosion Inhibitor for Tinplate

Due to the diversity of organic molecular structures present in sage extract, sage extract is a promising potential source of a cheap and effective biodegradable green corrosion inhibitor for tinplate in 3% NaCl solution, which was evaluated in this study. HHP proved to be a new and emerging technology for the useful extraction of polyphenols from sage as a functional ingredient from natural sources. Analysis of variance among all tested independent factors (ethanol concentration, HHP parameters and temperature) revealed significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) in total polyphenol content as well as for rosmarinic acid as the major phenolic compound in sage extract, while extraction time had no effect (p ˃ 0.05). The optimum HHP conditions (600 MPa, 30% ethanol, 60 °C and 5 min) gave a maximum extraction yield of total polyphenols of 3811.84 mg/100 g. Sage-leaf extracts were found to be a mixture of phenolic acids, namely rosmarinic and salvianolic acid K, epicatechin and luteolin-7-O-glucuronide glycoside. The corrosion results show that the sage extract at a concentration of 0.6 g/L in 3% NaCl is an effective corrosion inhibitor (93%), forming a passivation layer of sage extract consisting of organic compounds such as polyphenols on the surface of tinplate.

Development of phytoactive essential oils-composed organogels against oral pathogens

Gingivitis, one of the most common periodontal diseases, is the inflammation of the gingival tissues that causes swelling, tenderness, redness and bleeding. The treatment should contain anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant agents to decrease the risk of dental plaque formation and periodontal tissue damage in the inflammatory process. In line with the antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant effects of the geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L'Hér.) herb, common sage (Salvia officinalis L.) herb, and mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus L.) leaf, in this work we propose their use as active pharmaceutical ingredients of periodontal gels. The organogel formulations were produced either by microwave-assisted irradiation method or by the conventional approach (microwave-free), and further characterized for their physicochemical properties, antimicrobial efficacy and cell viability. Among them, the gel formulation containing 4 % geranium essential oil obtained by the conventional method was identified as the best candidate to be developed as an effective and safe alternative suitable for oromucosal applications.

Allelopathic Effects of Essential Oils In Some Medicinal And Aromatic Plants on The Development of Oilseed Plants

Traditional methods used to increase plant productivity from the past to the present cause problems owing to their toxicological effects on organism resistance and living things. This has stipulated the creation of strategies to boost plant productivity without adversely affecting the health of living things. Essential oils secreted from various parts of plants stand out as, sustainable, and improvable alternatives and have been the subject of numerous types of research as they have many functional properties. The present research covers the investigation of the allelopathic effect of essential oils of Greek Oregano (Origanum vulgare L. subsp. hirtum), Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia), and common sage (Salvia officinalis L.) on oilseed plants (Cephalaria syriaca L., Camelina sativa L.) at different ratios. Inhibitory effects of the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation on the seeds of Cephalaria syriaca L. and Camelina sativa L. species at different concentrations were analyzed under sterile in vitro conditions. The inhibitory effects of essential oils and concentrations were analyzed using the Friedman test. The research revealed that essential oils were effective in weed control through their high inhibitory effect against Cephalaria syriaca L. seeds while reducing the germination power of Camelina sativa L.

Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) and Natural Remedies for Treatment of the Common Cold and Flu.

Traditional Iranian medicine is usually used for both prevention and relief of cold and flu symptoms in China, Iran, and many other Asian countries all over the world. There are 4 kinds of influenza viruses. Unlike type B, which may cause seasonal epidemics, type A viruses can cause pandemics, and influenza C may lead to mild human infection with little public health effects. A literature review was done by using multiple databases such as ISI Web of knowledge, PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. The most notable antiviral medicinal plants for flu and cold are honeysuckle flowers, thyme leaf, green chiretta, andrographis, peppermint oil and leaf and calendula. The most important expectorant medicinal plants for cold and flu are snake root, tulsi, licorice root, slippery elm, clove, and sage leaf. Recommended immunostimulant medicinal plants for cold and flu are eucalyptus, Echinacea root, ginseng, garlic, slippery elm, marshmallow, Usnea lichen, Isatis root, ginger root, and myrrh resin. Iranian traditional medicine, which is one of the oldest schools of traditional medicine, is one of the main concepts of disease and health, and it can be considered as an important complementary and alternative medicine, as in some cases, modern medicine has many side effects, low efficiency, and high costs. Medicinal plants and herbs, which are included in many traditional systems, have significant and promising bioactive components in organic life.

A Study of the Antioxidizing and Inhibiting Effects of the Alcoholic Extract of Sage Salvia Officinalis on Microorganisms

Objectives: A study of the antioxidizing and inhibiting effects of the sage salvia officinalis on microorganisms. Methods: Chemical constituents of sage leaves the percentage of the 98% ethanol extract of sage was 5.8% prepared in concentrations of 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/ml, Antioxidizing and inhibiting effects on microorganisms, and sensory characteristics of the sage added biscuits. Results: Scanning electron microscope images, the structure of powder sage leaves which appear as long tubes and round crystals, Hight percent concentration of minerals carbon and oxygen while low concentrations of (Zn, Al, Na, Mg, Si, K, Co, Ca, and Ce) were also found. the percentage of the moisture, protein, fat and ash (11.09, 6.89, 13.14, 9.64) % respectively, the inhibition effect of sage leaves ethanol extract prepared in concentrations of 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/ml on three bacteria and fungi species of disc method. maximum effect on all three bacteria species Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas sp. was found with the concentration 50 and 100 mg/ml. compared with 150 and 200 mg/ml. It has been found that the 150 mg/ml concentration has the most inhibition effect on the three species of fungi studied Aspergillus niger, A. carbonarius, A. flavus. All extract concentration inhibited A. flavus, it was that the antioxidant activity, iron ion bonding, reducing power and the ability capture the hydrogen peroxide of sage ethanol extract increases with high concentrations. Peroxide values decreased with increased sage added biscuits percentage (0, 0.5, 0,75 and 1) w/w% in stored for periods. However, the sensory characteristics of the sage added biscuits samples were good and close to the standard biscuit control. Conclusions: Finally, we conclude that the sage plant has medicinal and nutritional benefits due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.

Enrichment of olive oil with sage (Salvia officinalis) leaf essential oil extracted by ultrasound pretreatment followed by hydrodistillation to increase its shelf life

Olive oil (OO) is a valuable food product, compared with other seed oils, for its health benefits, sensory attributes and higher economic value. The demand for natural antioxidants has recently grown due to the potential toxicity and carcinogenicity of synthetic antioxidants that are utilized in food industry. This study aimed to investigate the oxidative stability of OO enriched with sage (Salvia officinalis) essential oil (EO). The sage EO was extracted from the leaves by ultrasound (US) as a pretreatment followed by hyrodistillation (HD). The effects of US power level (60 and 90 W) and time (10, 20 and 30 mins) on the EO yield, total extraction time and quality characteristics were studied. Compared to the HD extraction, the US pretreatments before HD shortened the total extraction time to ≤ 54 mins, with the same extraction yield, instead of 240 mins with HD. Various EO samples extracted by these US pretreatments followed by HD (US+HD) were analyzed for their chemical compositions by GC–MS and compared with that of EO obtained by HD. Compositional analysis revealed that the most prominent oxygenated monoterpenes of EO samples were camphor, α-thujone, 1,8-cineole, β-thujone, bornyl acetate and endo-borneol. The EO extracted by US pretreatment at 60 W for 10 mins followed by HD for 34 mins was characterized by the highest quality index [(α- + βthujone)/camphor ratio] and higher levels of antioxidant constituents (α-pinene and camphene). The sage EO obtained by this technique was selected to enrich OO at 200, 400 and 600 mg/Kg of OO. Quality criteria of the OO such as acidity, peroxide value, conjugated dienes and trienes besides chlorophyll and carotenoid contents and fatty acids composition were measured. Results revealed that the addition of sage EO at 200 mg/Kg of OO increased the oxidative stability of OO measured by Rancimat by 36% instead of 21% by using the synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) at the same level. Moreover, the sensory attributes of the enriched OO were maintained. From this study, it can be concluded that sage EO can be used to increase the shelf life of OO.

Developing Social Enhancements for a Web-Based, Positive Emotion Intervention for Alzheimer Disease Caregivers: Qualitative Focus Group and Interview Study.

Alzheimer disease is a degenerative neurological condition that requires long-term care. The cost of these responsibilities is often borne by informal caregivers, who experience an elevated risk of negative physical and psychological outcomes. Previously, we designed a positive emotion regulation intervention that was shown to improve well-being among dementia caregivers when delivered through one-on-one videoconferencing lessons with a trained facilitator. However, the format required significant resources in terms of logistics and facilitator time. To broaden the reach of the intervention, we aimed to develop the Social Augmentation of Self-Guided Electronic Delivery of the Life Enhancing Activities for Family Caregivers (SAGE LEAF) program, an iteration of the intervention in a self-guided, web-based format with enhanced opportunities for social connection. The aim of this study was to gather feedback to inform the design of social features for the SAGE LEAF intervention. In the absence of a facilitator, our goal with the self-guided SAGE LEAF intervention was to integrate various social features (eg, discussion board, automated support, and profiles) to maximize engagement among participants. Qualitative data were collected from 26 individuals through (1) interviews with participants who completed a previous version of the intervention via videoconferencing with a facilitator, (2) focus groups with dementia caregivers who had not previously experienced the intervention, and (3) focus groups with Alzheimer disease clinical care providers. We conducted a qualitative thematic analysis to identify which social features would be the most helpful and how they could be implemented in a way that would be best received by caregivers. Interview and focus group feedback indicated that participants generally liked the potential features suggested, including the discussion boards, multimedia content, and informational support. They had valuable suggestions for optimal implementation. For example, participants liked the idea of a buddy system where they would be matched up with another caregiver for the duration of the study. However, they expressed concern about differing expectations among caregivers and the possibility of matched caregivers not getting along. Participants also expressed interest in giving caregivers access to a podcast on the skills, which would allow them to review additional content when they wished. Taken together, the discussions with caregivers and providers offered unique insights into the types of social features that may be integrated into the SAGE LEAF intervention, as well as implementation suggestions to improve the acceptability of the features among caregivers. These insights will allow us to design social features for the intervention that are optimally engaging and helpful for caregivers.

Plant-derived bioactive compounds as key players in the modulation of immune-related conditions

AbstractThe immune system is a complex and fundamental network for organism protection. A minimal unbalance in the host defense system homeostasis can originate severe repercussions in human health. Fundamentally, immune-related diseases can arise from its compromise (immunodeficiency diseases), overactivation against itself (autoimmune diseases) or harmless substances (allergies), and failure of eliminating the harmful agent (chronic inflammation). The notable advances and achievements in the immune system diseases pathophysiology have been allowing for a dramatic improvement of the available treatments. Nevertheless, they present some drawbacks, including the inappropriate benefit/risk ratio. Therefore, there is a strong and urgent need to develop effective therapeutic strategies. Nature is a valuable source of bioactive compounds that can be explored for the development of new drugs. Particularly, plants produce a broad spectrum of secondary metabolites that can be potential prototypes for innovative therapeutic agents. This review describes the immune system and the inflammatory response and examines the current knowledge of eight plants traditionally used as immunomodulatory medicines (Boswellia serrata, Echinacea purpurea, Laurus nobilis, Lavandula angustifolia, Olea europaea, Salvia officinalis, Salvia rosmarinus, and Taraxacum officinale). Moreover, the issues responsible for possible biologic readout inconsistencies (plant species, age, selected organ, developmental stage, growth conditions, geographical location, drying methods, storage conditions, solvent of extraction, and extraction method) will also be discussed. Furthermore, a detailed list of the chemical composition and the immunomodulatory mechanism of action of the bioactive compounds of the selected plant extracts are presented. This review also includes future perspectives and proposes potential new avenues for further investigation.

Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils and Hydrosols from Oregano, Sage and Pennyroyal against Oral Pathogens

In this study, the chemical composition of essential oils (EOs) extracted from Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum Lamiaceae, (oregano), Salvia officinalis Lamiaceae (sage), Mentha pulegium Lamiaceae (pennyroyal), and respective hydrosols (HSs) has been investigated by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The antimicrobial activity was assessed against two oral pathogens: Gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus mutans and the fungus Candida albicans by determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal/Fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC). Three-fold diluted solutions were dispensed into each well of a 96-well microtiter plate and, after incubation, MIC was determined by visual monitoring. The MBC/MFC was determined by transferring a small quantity of sample contained in each replicate well of the microtiter plates to appropriate culture media using a microplate replicator. The EOs of the tested herbs showed antimicrobial properties, especially the EO oil of O. vulgare, which exerted the highest antimicrobial activity. HSs of S. officinalis and M. pulegium exerted no antimicrobial activity, in contrast to oregano HS, which displayed strong antimicrobial activity. In all cases, a higher number of compounds were detected in EOs than in the corresponding HSs. The major compounds of sage EO were detected to be α-thujone (25.1%), 1,8-cineole (15.8%) and β-pinene (10.0%), while the HS was characterized by the presence of 1,8-cineole (32.6%), borneol (22.6%) and α-thujone (22.4%). Pennyroyal EO and HS consists mainly of pulegone (62.1 and 50.6%, respectively). Carvacrol was the major component present in EO (63%) and HS (97.3%) of oregano, probably contributing to the antimicrobial activity. Further research is needed in order to elucidate the antimicrobial mechanisms of specific compounds present in essential oils and hydrosols of Lamiaceae grown in Greece against oral pathogens.

Clinical Effectiveness of Salvia officinalis in Periodontitis: A Split-Mouth Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that destroys the tissues supporting the teeth. Conventional nonsurgical treatments, such as mechanical scaling and root surface debridement (RSD), often require adjunct therapies to enhance outcomes due to their limited efficacy in completely eradicating pathogenic microorganisms. Given the adverse effects of standard adjunctive therapies, including antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Salvia officinalis (sage) presents a promising herbal alternative due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This study aims to assess the local application of Salvia officinalis gel as an adjunctive to scaling and RSD to manage periodontitis. Methods We conducted a randomized, controlled split-mouth clinical trial involving 14 systemically healthy periodontitis patients. We included patients with at least 20 natural teeth, a probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥5 mm, and attachment loss ≥4 mm at a minimum of five sites. Primary outcomes measured were bleeding on probing (BOP), PPD, and relative attachment level (RAL). The Salvia officinalis gel was applied to designated test sites post-RSD, while control sites received no adjunctive treatment. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and a one-month follow-up visit. Results The cohort consisted of 10 men and four women, with a mean age of 37.1 ± 5.46 years. At the follow-up visit, the test group demonstrated a significant reduction in mean BOP (P = 0.0004), whereas the control group showed no significant change (P ≥ 0.05). Both groups experienced significant decreases in mean PPD and RAL from baseline to follow-up, with the test group showing greater improvements. Conclusions Salvia officinalis gel, used as an adjunct to scaling and RSD, significantly improves clinical periodontal parameters in patients with periodontitis. Its anti-inflammatory properties likely underpin the observed benefits, offering an effective and safe alternative to traditional chemical pharmaceuticals. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and mechanisms underlying the therapeutic benefits of Salvia officinalis in periodontal treatment.

Salvia officinalis Improves Glycemia and Suppresses Pro-inflammatory Features in Obese Rats with Metabolic Syndrome.

Obesity is regarded as the main cause of metabolic diseases and a core factor for all-cause mortality in the general population, notably from cardiovascular disease. The majority of people with type 2 diabetes have obesity and insulin resistance. Some evidence indicates that an individual with obesity is approximately 10 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than someone with moderate body weight. One of the most significant therapeutic herbs, Salvia officinalis (Lamiaceae) (SAGE), possesses potent medicinal importance. The aim of this article was to evaluate the anti-diabetic and antiobesity activity of SAGEAE against HFD-induced obesity in rats. Thirty adult albino rats were randomly divided into five equal groups: control, High-fat Diet (HFD) administrated rats, HFD + Salvia officinalis Aqueous Extract (SAGEAE) (150 mg/kg.bw.), HFD + SAGEAE (300 mg/kg.bw.) and HFD + metformin (500 mg/kg.bw.). Body weight, plasma biochemical parameters, oxidative stress, inflammatory indicators, hepatic Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase 1 (PCK1), Glucokinase (GK), brain Leptin Receptor (LepRb), Glucose Transporter-4 (GLUT4), Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and mRNA33-5P gene signalling mRNA levels were all assessed after 8 weeks. A histological examination of the liver was also performed to check for lipid accumulation. The administration of HFD resulted in increased body weight, glucose, insulin, leptin, Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), Thiobarbaturic Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS), Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP1), Interleukine-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α) as well as hepatic PCK1, brain LepRb and adipose tissue mRNA33-5P gene expression. However, our findings revealed a significant reduction in adiponectin, High-density Lipoproteincholesterol (HDL-C), reduced glutathione (GSH) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) levels as well as the expression of hepatic GK and adipose tissue SIRT1 and GLUT4 genes. Also, administration of SAGEAE significantly normalized body weight, glucose, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, TC, TG, HDL-C, TBARs, SOD, IL-6, MCP-1 and TNF-α in plasma and liver tissue of HFD-treated rats. On the other hand, PCK1, GK, LepRb, SIRT1, GLUT4 and mRNA33-5P gene expression was enhanced in obese rats when administrated with SAGEAE. Histological and US studies support the biochemical, PCR and electrophoretic results. The findings imply that SAGEAE could be used as a new pharmaceutical formula in the treatment of obesity.

Characterization of Odorants in a Commercial Culinary Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) and Several Cultivars.

Culinary sage, Salvia officinalis L., is a popular spice plant commonly used throughout the world. In this study, 35 odorants were identified in dried sage via solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) and aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA), including 9 that were identified in sage for the first time. Fifteen odorants were quantitated by stable isotope dilution analysis (SIDA), and their odor activity values (OAVs) were determined. Odorants with high OAVs included (2E,6Z)-nona-2,6-dienal, 1,8-cineole, and β-myrcene. A formulated aroma simulation model closely matched the aroma profile of an aqueous infusion of dried sage. Enantiomeric proportions of selected odorants were determined by chiral gas chromatography. Furthermore, 6 different sage cultivars were grown in the greenhouse, dried under the same conditions, and analyzed. Sensory analysis determined that all cultivars were dominated by an herbaceous sensory attribute and had varying intensities of eucalyptus, mint, clove, pine, green, earthy, floral, and citrus notes. Cultivars with varying intensities of herbaceous, eucalyptus, pine, and green sensory notes correlated with the OAVs of α-thujone/β-thujone, 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, and (2E,6Z)-nona-2,6-dienal, respectively. This study identified the odorants driving the sensory profiles of different sage cultivars and serves as a foundation for future studies on the aroma chemistry of culinary sage.