Unveiling the Chemical Composition and Biological Properties of <i>Salvia cacaliifolia</i> Benth. Essential Oil
Jorge M. Alves-Silva,
Emma Cocco,
Alessandra Piras,
Maria José Gonçalves,
Ana Silva,
Danilo Falconieri,
Silvia Porcedda,
Maria Teresa Cruz,
Andrea Maxia,
Lígia Salgueiro
Affiliations
Jorge M. Alves-Silva
Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
Emma Cocco
Laboratory of Plant Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Viale Sant’Ignazio, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
Alessandra Piras
Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
Maria José Gonçalves
Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
Ana Silva
Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
Danilo Falconieri
Laboratory of Plant Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Viale Sant’Ignazio, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
Silvia Porcedda
Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
Maria Teresa Cruz
Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
Andrea Maxia
Laboratory of Plant Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Viale Sant’Ignazio, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
Lígia Salgueiro
Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
Salvia is widely recognized for its therapeutic potential. However, the biological relevance of some species remains unknown, namely Salvia cacaliifolia Benth. Therefore, the aim of this study is to unveil the chemical composition and relevant properties to its essential oil (EO). The EO was characterized by GC and GC-MS and its antifungal effect was evaluated according to the CLSI guidelines on dermatophytes and yeasts. The anti-inflammatory potential was assessed on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages, by assessing the production of nitric oxide (NO) and the effect on the protein levels of two key pro-inflammatory enzymes, iNOS and COX-2 by western blot analysis. Wound healing capacity was determined using the scratch wound healing assay, and the anti-aging potential was assessed by evaluating the senescence marker β-galactosidase. The EO was mainly characterized by γ-curcumene, β-bisabolene, bicyclogermacrene and curzerenone. It is effective in inhibiting the growth of dermatophytes and C. neoformans. The EO significantly decreased iNOS and COX-2 protein levels and concomitantly reduced NO release. Additionally, it demonstrated anti-senescence potential and promoted wound healing. Overall, this study highlights relevant pharmacological properties of the EO of Salvia cacaliifolia, which should be further explored envisaging the development of sustainable, innovative, and environmentally friendly skin products.
