Planta Med 2022; 88(08): 604-627
DOI: 10.1055/a-1453-0964
Biological and Pharmacological Activity
Reviews

White Sage (Salvia apiana)–a Ritual and Medicinal Plant of the Chaparral: Plant Characteristics in Comparison with Other Salvia Species

Agata Krol
Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
,
Adam Kokotkiewicz
Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
,
Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
› Author Affiliations
Supported by: European Union through the European Social Fund under the Operational Programme Knowledge Education Development 2014–2020 POWR.03.02.00-00-I014/17-00

Abstract

Salvia apiana, commonly known as white sage, is an aromatic evergreen subshrub of the chaparral, commonly found in coastal plains in California and Baja California. It has been traditionally used by the Chumash people as a ritual and medicinal plant and used as a calmative, a diuretic, and a remedy for the common cold. However, until recently, relatively little has been known about the composition and biological activity of white sage. Phytochemical studies on S. apiana revealed the presence of substantial amounts of essential oil, accompanied by a variety of triterpenes, C23 terpenoids, diterpenes, and flavonoids. Extracts of the plant have been shown to exhibit antioxidative, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic effects. The influence of white sage constituents on the nervous system, including GABA, opioid, and cannabinoid receptors, has also been documented. The review aimed to compile information on the taxonomy, botany, chemical composition, and biological activities of S. apiana. White sage was compared with other representatives of the genus in terms of chemical composition. The differences and similarities between S. apiana and other sage species were noted and discussed in the context of their therapeutic applications. Reports on ethnomedicinal uses of white sage were confronted with reports on chemistry, bioactivity, and bioavailability of S. apiana constituents. Finally, a critical assessment of the available data was made and perspectives for the use of white sage preparations in modern phytomedicine were discussed.

Supporting Information



Publication History

Received: 01 December 2020

Accepted after revision: 16 March 2021

Article published online:
22 April 2021

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