Salvia sclarea: chemical composition and biological activity

Abstract

Clary sage (Salvia sclarea L.) is native to Southern Europe and is cultivated worldwide, as ornamental, as well as essential oil bearing plant.Clary sage is well known for its high value essential oil, widely used in perfumery. Besides, the oil possesses high biological activity and because of that is used against stress, tension, depression, insomnia, etc. However, traditionally clary sage oil was used an agent against gingivitis, stomatitis and aphthae. Apart of that, recent studies reported analgesic, anti-inflamatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and cytotoxic effects. Studies on clary sage seed fatty oil show that it is a good source of edible oil rich in omega 3-linoleic acid. Clary sage is also used in alcoholic beverages, as well as in tobacco industry. Novel investigations indicated that clary sage have great potential in agriculture because of phytoremediation, allelopathic and insecticidal properties.