Effects of Salvia officinalis L. extract on experimental acute inflammation.

Unlabelled: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Salvia officinalis L. tincture on acute inflammation induced with oil of turpentine.

Materials And Methods: Oil of turpentine (i.m. 0.6 ml/100 g b.w.) was injected into male Wistar rats right hind paw. Salviae folium tincture and diclofenac as positive control (30 mg/100 g b.w.) were administrated i.p. The effects were evaluated by measuring total leukocyte count and differential leukocyte count expressed as a percentage, a test of in vitro phagocytosis and evaluation of nitric oxide synthesis by measuring the metabolites: nitrites and nitrates.

Results: Salvia officinalis tincture significantly reduced the total leukocyte and monocytes percentages and the activation of circulating phagocytes. NO synthesis had a slight decrease. Salvia officinalis tincture had a smaller inhibitory effect than diclofenac.

Conclusions: Salvia officinalis tincture had antiinflammatory effects by reducing marrow acute phase response and NO synthesis.