Biological Activities of Salvia santolinifolia Boiss. A Multifunctional Medicinal Plant

Background: Salvia species are used traditionally for treatment of many disorders all around the world. Salvia santolinifolia is a medicinal plant, traditionally used for treatment of inflammation, hypercholesterolemia, hemorrhoids and diarrhea. Methods: In this study, antibacterial, antioxidant, toxicity, acetylcholinesterase and μ- glucosidase inhibitory activities of several extracts of S. santolinifolia were evaluated. Total phenol and flavonoid contents of the extracts were also determined. Results: The MeOH extract showed high antioxidant activity in DPPH scavenging and ferric reducing power assays. All samples exhibited high acetylcholinesterase (IC50 = 42-89 μg/ml) and μ-glucosidase inhibitory activities (IC50 = 24-174 μg/ml). The MeOH extract showed great antibacterial and antifungal activities especially against Bacillus cereus and Candida albicans with MIC values from 10 to 200 μg/ml. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that S. santolinifolia is a rich source of natural compounds with strong antimicrobial, antidiabetic and anti-Alzheimer activities. This plant has great potential for several applications as pharmaceuticals and functional foods.