Work

Phytochemical characterization and bioactivity evaluation of extracts from different parts of Salvia ceratophylla

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: In this study, the phytochemical profile and biological activities of ethanol extracts of Salvia ceratophylla were comprehensively investigated. LC-MS/MS analyses identified numerous phenolic compounds, with rosmarinic acid determined as the dominant constituent across all extracts, reaching its highest level in the SCL extract (25140.57 µg/g). While hesperidin was consistently present in all extracts (336.37-361.91 µg/g), apigenin was found at notably high levels, particularly in the SCF extract (4720.14 µg/g). Additionally, malic acid (3430.91 µg/g, SCF) and caffeic acid (205.90 µg/g, SCL) were quantified at significant levels. GC-MS analyses revealed high concentrations of sterols and triterpenoids, including β-sitosterol (SCR: 5611.73 µg/g; SCM: 9733.81 µg/g), 7α-hydroxy-β-sitosterol (SCM: 8826.46 µg/g), oleanolic acid (38842.62 µg/g, SCM), and ursolic acid (74385.03 µg/g, SCM). These compounds are well-documented in the literature for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. When antioxidant activities were examined, the SCL extract exhibited the strongest effect in the DPPH (IC50: 45.14 µg/mL), ABTS (IC50: 5.68 µg/mL), and CUPRAC (A0.5: 3.33 µg/mL) assays. It was found that all extracts generally showed no toxicity in the healthy cell line (PDF); in fact, some extracts were found to have a cell-proliferation-promoting effect. It was found that they did not exhibit any cytotoxic activity in the Caco-2 cell line. In contrast, the SCM fraction exhibited moderate cytotoxicity in the SkOV3 cell line, with a viability rate of 68.12%. Enzyme inhibition activities were generally weak; however, the SCR extract displayed significant inhibition against BChE (52.01±1.33%), while the SCM extract exhibited limited activity against urease (5.25±0.22%) and collagenase (8.01±0.15%). In conclusion, S. ceratophylla extracts possess strong antioxidant capacity due to their high phenolic and flavonoid contents, alongside a rich sterol and triterpenoid composition, highlighting their potential as a source of bioactive compounds warranting further investigation. These findings support the utilization of the species as a source of natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

Source: International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences

DOI: 10.31015/jaefs.2026.2.21