Background: Resistance of microorganisms to chemical drugs makes the medicinal plants to be considered in folk medicine. Antidepressants, antimicrobials, antinociceptives and antioxidants effects of Salvia officinalis L. have been evaluated. In this study, the anti-inflammatory like effect of Salvia officinalis L. hydroalcoholic extract was studied on the inflammation induced byxylene in the right ear of male mice.
Materials and methods: In the experimental groups, 0.03ml of xylene was injected subcutaneously in the right ear of mice weighing 20-25 g. 30 minutes before xylene injection, Salvia officinalis L. extracts in doses of 10, 50, 100, 150 mg / kg and dexamethasone 15mg/ kg were administered intraperitoneally. The inflammation was measured according to the weight difference of a plug with 6mm of thickness in treated and non- treated ears of mice. After treatments, white blood cells of animal’s serum were counted.
Results: The results showed that Salvia officinalis L. hydroalcoholic extract reduces inflammation comparable with dexamethasone effect.
Conclusion: The hydroalcoholic extract of Salvia officinalis L. has anti-inflammatory effect and this effect may be due to flavonoid and terpene components in plant.