Harnessing the Power of Salvia Species

In the quest for effective cancer treatments, both natural and synthetic compounds have been explored. Synthetic drugs often face regulatory hurdles and come with risks of unexpected side effects. On the other hand, natural compounds from dietary sources, known for their safety and acceptance, are gaining attention. Phytochemicals, found in plants, are particularly intriguing due to their cost-effectiveness and widespread use.

Remarkably, over 70% of small-molecule anticancer drugs developed from the 1940s to the early 2010s are non-synthetic, with around 50% originating from natural sources. Among these natural sources, the Salvia genus stands out.

Salvia, often referred to as "sage," is a plant genus with nearly 1,000 species. Its historical use as a medicinal herb is reflected in its Latin name, "Salvia," which means "to heal." These plants are known for containing flavonoids and terpenoids, making them valuable in both traditional medicine and culinary applications.

Salvia miltiorrhiza, known as "Danshen," has a rich tradition of use in Asian countries for treating various health issues, including heart and vascular problems. Tanshinones, compounds found in this species, have shown promise in medicine.

Salvia officinalis, another noteworthy sage variety, is widely used in Europe for its culinary and medicinal properties. It boasts high essential oil content in its leaves and has been linked to various health benefits, including anticancer properties.

Many other Salvia species have also been studied for their potential anticancer properties. In recent years, Salvia has gained recognition as a natural anticancer agent. This article explores the anticancer potential of phytochemicals from Salvia plants, shedding light on how they work against cancer.