Cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of <i>Salvia officinalis</i> L. flowers

Abstract

In this study a comparison of the Cytotoxicity and antimicrobial action of the
aqueous and 70% methanol extracts from the flower of the herbal species Salvia officinalis L. (Lamiaceae), originating from Sudan was carried out.
Material and Methods:
Aqueous, and aquatic methanolic extracts of S. officinalis was investigated for its antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity using brine shrimps lethality assay.
Results:
The methanol extract was found to contain cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids. It exhibited antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Micrococcus luteus, Serratia mascences, Clostridium sporogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas fluorescence. It was also found to be potent against brine shrimps with LC50 value of 55.1- 55.6 ppm. The 70% methanol extract has a stronger antimicrobial activity than the aqueous one.
Conclusion:
This work has revealed further potentials of S. officinalis L flowers as an antimicrobial agent, especially against P. aeruginosa which is resistant to some antibiotics.

Keywords: Salvia officinalis L, Lamiaceae, extracts composition, brine shrimps, antimicrobial..

Sudan Journal of Medical Sciences Vol. 3 (2) 2008: pp. 127-132