Antioxidant activity of leaves of Salvia species in enzyme-dependent and enzyme-independent systems of lipid peroxidation and their phenolic constituents

The protective effects of eleven Salvia species native to Europe against enzyme-dependent and enzyme-independent lipid peroxidation were evaluated. The 50% aqueous methanolic extracts of the leaves of all tested plants were found to be more effective than the positive control ol-tocopherol acid succinate. The extracts of S. candelabrum, S. ringens, S. tomentoso, S. nemorosa, and S. glutinoso displayed considerable concentration-dependent antioxidative effects that were comparable to those of the medicinal and aromatic plant s. officinalis. The concentrations of flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids and total phenolic compounds in each extract were quantified with the aim of clarifying the connection between activity and chemical composition.