Advances in the Phytochemical Characterisation and Bioactivities of Salvia aurea L. Essential Oil

Abstract

The Salvia L. genus (Lamiaceae) is largely used in the pharmaceutical and food industry. Several species of biological relevance are extensively employed in traditional medicine, including Salvia aurea L. (syn. S. africana-lutea L.), which is used as a traditional skin disinfectant and in wounds as a healing remedy; nevertheless, these properties have not been validated yet. The aim of the present study is to characterise S. aurea essential oil (EO), unveiling its chemical composition and validating its biological properties. The EO was obtained by hydrodistillation and subsequently analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Different biological activities were assessed: the antifungal effect on dermatophytes and yeasts and the anti-inflammatory potential by evaluating nitric oxide (NO) production and COX-2 and iNOS protein levels. Wound-healing properties were assessed using the scratch-healing test, and the anti-aging capacity was estimated through the senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity. S. aurea EO is mainly characterised by 1,8-cineole (16.7%), β-pinene (11.9%), cis-thujone (10.5%), camphor (9.5%), and (E)-caryophyllene (9.3%). The results showed an effective inhibition of the growth of dermatophytes. Furthermore, it significantly reduced protein levels of iNOS/COX-2 and simultaneously NO release. Additionally, the EO exhibited anti-senescence potential and enhanced wound healing. Overall, this study highlights the remarkable pharmacological properties of Salvia aurea EO, which should be further explored in order to develop innovative, sustainable, and environmentally friendly skin products.

Plant Monoterpenes and Essential Oils as Potential Anti-Ageing Agents: Insights from Preclinical Data

“…For example, Thymbra capitata decreased SA-β-galactosidase activity in fibroblasts treated with the senescence inducer etoposide [82]. Similar results were reported for Santolina rosmarinifolia [83], Salvia aurea [84] and Ferulago lutea [85]. For the latter, additional senescence features (p21/p53 protein levels and the nuclear accumulation of γH2AX) were also decreased following essential oil treatment [85].…”

Multiplicative Effects of Essential Oils and Other Active Components on Skin Tissue and Skin Cancers

“…In addition, the Salvia species' essential oil is reported to possess anti-fungal [274] and anti-viral activities [275]. The major compounds of Salvia aurea L. EO (SA-EO) are 1,8-cineole, β-pinene, cis-thujone, and camphor [276]. Wound closure is increased by treatment with SA-EO in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts [276].…”

“…The major compounds of Salvia aurea L. EO (SA-EO) are 1,8-cineole, β-pinene, cis-thujone, and camphor [276]. Wound closure is increased by treatment with SA-EO in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts [276].…”