The effects of Salvia Officinalis leave on hyperlipidemia, glycemia, ulcer, inflammation, and bactericidal activity. (c2006)

Abstract

Salvia Ojficinalis plants, commonly known as Sage, possess a wide range of biological activities. Although many studies were conducted on S. Ojficinalis, the research interest in S. Officinalis plant is still justifiable because of its reputed medicinal value. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the aqueous extract of S. Officinalis leaves on blood lipid profile, glycemia, liver enzymes, gastric ulcer, inflammation and bactericidal activity. After one month of water extract intake (42, 167 and 420 mg/kg body weight) in drinking water in concomitance with a high fat diet, rats showed an increase in serum HDL cholesterol levels, but significance was reached at the highest dose only. This was accompanied with a small but important decrease in LDL cholesterol when the 167 and 420 mg/kg body weight doses were used. The extract also exhibited a dose dependent decrease in serum glucose level, where significance was attained at the highest dose. However, serum insulin was not significantly different from the control group. Extract intake did not appear to affect stool triglyceride and cholesterol content except for a significant decrease in cholesterol observed with the highest dose. At all doses, the extract, reduced significantly the water content in the stools of rats. Assessment of liver enzyme activities assured that the extract has no hepatotoxic effects over the study period. S. Officinalis leaves aqueous extract (l00 and 500 mg/Kg body weight) also exhibited a significant anti-ulcerogenic effect against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer, an inhibition comparable to that exerted by cimetidine, a proton pump inhibitor drug. Also, the extract (100, 250 and 500 mg/lg body weight) showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect in cases of both acute and chronic inflammation induced by carrageenan and formalin respectively. No anti-bacterial effect was observed with the different concentrations used. In conclusion, S. Officinalis leaves aqueous extract has a beneficial impact upon lipidemia, glycemia, and inflammation, and it plays a minor protective role against gastric ulcer. The extract can also be used as a remedy for the treatment of diarrhea.