Academic Journal
Ethnobotanical diversity of the genus Salvia L. (Lamiaceae): From medicinal and culinary applications to cultural importance of sage species across the globe.
| Title: | Ethnobotanical diversity of the genus Salvia L. (Lamiaceae): From medicinal and culinary applications to cultural importance of sage species across the globe. |
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| Authors: | Nicolescu A; Laboratory of Chromatography, Institute of Advanced Horticulture Research of Transylvania, Faculty of Horticulture and Business in Rural Development, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania., Frumuzachi O; Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, 'Iuliu Hațieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Gheorghe Marinescu Street 23, 400337, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Electronic address: oleg.frumuzachi@elearn.umfcluj.ro., Mocan A; Laboratory of Chromatography, Institute of Advanced Horticulture Research of Transylvania, Faculty of Horticulture and Business in Rural Development, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, 'Iuliu Hațieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Gheorghe Marinescu Street 23, 400337, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. |
| Source: | Journal of ethnopharmacology [J Ethnopharmacol] 2026 Mar 25; Vol. 359, pp. 121049. Date of Electronic Publication: 2025 Dec 14. |
| Publication Type: | Journal Article; Review |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: Elsevier Sequoia Country of Publication: Ireland NLM ID: 7903310 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1872-7573 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 03788741 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Ethnopharmacol Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Publication: Limerick : Elsevier Sequoia Original Publication: Lausanne, Elsevier Sequoia. |
| MeSH Terms: | Salvia*/chemistry , Medicine, Traditional*/methods , Ethnobotany*, Humans ; Ethnopharmacology ; Plants, Medicinal ; Phytotherapy ; Animals |
| Abstract: | Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Salvia L. (Lamiaceae) is a diverse genus encompassing numerous species used worldwide in traditional medicine and ritualistic practices. Beyond these uses, Salvia species also hold notable ornamental and culinary value, underscoring their broad ethnobotanical significance. However, a comprehensive perspective on the global utilization of the species remains absent from the literature. Aim of the Study: This review aimed to provide the first extensive global synthesis of the ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology of the Salvia genus, offering substantial insights into its worldwide applications. Materials and Methods: Data on ethnobotanical and traditional uses, along with other applications, were compiled through electronic databases (Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar) and supplemented with information from specialized ethnobotanical sources and reference books. Results and Conclusions: Ethnopharmacological evidence revealed 187 Salvia species with documented uses across Asia (Middle East, China), America (Mesoamerica and South America), Africa (Saharan and southern regions), and Europe (Mediterranean and Balkan areas). The most frequently cited ailments in which Salvia species are used were gastrointestinal (127), respiratory (86), dermatological (82), and genitourinary (80). Culinarily, the genus provides aromatic and nutritional properties, increasing the value of diverse dishes and beverages. Species such as S. apiana Jeps., S. divinorum Epling & Játiva, S. fruticosa Mill., S. officinalis L., and S. rosmarinus Spenn., as well as the mirto and ñucchu complexes within subgenus Calosphace, possess cultural prominence. Despite this diversity, there are critical knowledge gaps that future phylogenetic and cross-cultural analyses could address. (Copyright © 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.) |
| Competing Interests: | Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. |
| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: Cultural heritage; Ethnobotany; Folk medicine; Phytotherapy; Salvia; Traditional knowledge |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20251216 Date Completed: 20260108 Latest Revision: 20260108 |
| Update Code: | 20260130 |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.jep.2025.121049 |
| PMID: | 41401876 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
| ISSN: | 1872-7573 |
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| DOI: | 10.1016/j.jep.2025.121049 |