Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Potentials of Methanol Extract of <i>Salvia Officinalis</i> (Common Sage) Leaf

Abstract

Background: Food-borne microbial infections continue to pose a significant public health burden, particularly in low-income nations, where they contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality. Their management is increasingly hampered by the spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens, hence the aim for the study. Methods: The study evaluated the antimicrobial and wound healing potentials of methanol extract of Salvia officinalis leaf (MESoL). Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the Mueller-Hinton agar well diffusion method against selected bacterial strains. Wound healing efficacy was investigated using an excision wound model in Wistar rats. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Dunnett's post hoc test. Results: MESoL and 1% silver sulfadiazine demonstrated sensitivity against Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium ulcerans, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella typhi . The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of MESoL for these organisms were 30mg/ml, 30mg/ml, 60mg/ml, 15mg/ml and 60mg/ml respectively. In vivo studies revealed a significant reduction in wound area (p &lt; 0.05, p &lt; 0.001) over 11 days compared to control groups. The extract promoted wound contraction and tissue repair, indicating both antimicrobial and healing potential. Conclusion: The methanol extract of Salvia officinalis leaf exhibits dual functions as a natural antimicrobial and wound-healing agent. These findings support its potential application as a complementary therapy for microbial infections and wound management.