Chemistry and Pharmacology of the Genus Salvia: An Updated Review

Abstract

Introduction: The genus Salvia, encompassing over 900 species, is one of the largest and most diverse within the Lamiaceae (mint) family. It is widely distributed across temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions. Salvia species have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and culinary applications. This genus has been the subject of intensive study over the past decades for its antioxidative components, such as carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid, and flavonoids, as well as its antiviral activity against vesicular stomatitis virus. Salvia is used as an antitumor agent due to diterpenoid quinones like taxodiol and taxodene, and also serves as a treatment for hemorrhoids, an astringent, anti-diabetic, and antispasmodic agent. Current research has focused on exploring the chemical composition, pharmacological activities, and ethnobotanical significance of this genus from historical times, particularly from 1900 to 2025. Future in vivo studies in humans will enable researchers to thoroughly examine the potential of the Salvia genus to improve human health and well-being. Methods: First, a search was performed across several databases, including Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and PubMed, covering the period from 1990 to 2025. Second, articles were selected based on specific inclusion criteria, as outlined below. As this is a review article, most types of publications relevant to the subject and published in peer-reviewed journals were included. Finally, the relevant information for the review was systematically organized. Inclusion Criteria: Inclusion criteria were: Original research articles, short communications, and comprehensive reviews published in peer-reviewed journals. Studies focused explicitly on Salvia species, reporting phytochemical profiling, biological activity assessments, or both. In vitro or in vivo pharmacological evaluations conducted under standardized conditions Exclusion Criteria: Exclusion criteria were: Non-peer-reviewed materials (e.g., conference abstracts, editorials). Articles with inadequate methodological detail or irreproducible protocols. Non-English articles without verified translations. Case reports or opinion pieces without original data. Results: The search yielded 112 articles, of which most were selected as the basis for the review. Diterpene and flavonoids are cited and discussed due to their important antioxidant activities. Discussion: This literature review discussed the biological constituents and pharmacology of the genus Salvia due to its rich flavonoidal and diterpene contents. Conclusion: The Salvia genus shows promising potential for human health and well-being, owing to its diverse molecules that exert remarkable pharmacological activities.