What is it about?
This study examines the biological activity of the wastewater generated during the hydrodistillation of Salvia officinalis L., a byproduct enriched in water‑soluble phenolic compounds. Using HPLC‑MS, the wastewater was shown to contain organic acids—particularly hydroxycinnamic acids—along with flavones and flavonols. Its anti‑inflammatory properties were assessed in two in vitro models of bacterial‑induced inflammation: • Raw 264.7 macrophages stimulated with E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and • Caco‑2 intestinal epithelial cells exposed to E. coli. The phytocomplex reduced NF‑κB nuclear translocation and downstream cytokine transcription (IL‑6, IL‑8, TNF‑α) in macrophages, lowered COX‑2 expression in Caco‑2 cells, and protected epithelial barrier integrity by restoring claudin‑1 and occludin levels.
Featured Image
Photo by stephan hinni on Unsplash
Why is it important?
The hydrodistillation of aromatic plants produces substantial liquid residues that are often discarded, despite being rich in bioactive polyphenols. This work shows that wastewater from S. officinalis retains significant anti‑inflammatory properties and can help counteract E. coli‑induced epithelial damage. These findings suggest that this extraction byproduct could be repurposed as a source of protective compounds with potential applications in preventing or mitigating intestinal inflammation. Enhancing the value of such residues also aligns with sustainable and cost‑effective production practices.
Perspectives
The study supports the potential of S. officinalis hydrodistillation wastewater as a bioactive phytocomplex capable of modulating inflammation and preserving epithelial barrier function. However, since the work was conducted using in vitro models, in vivo validation will be essential to assess physiological relevance and therapeutic potential. Future studies may also clarify whether the observed activity arises from synergistic interactions among phenolic constituents and explore how hydrodistillation parameters could be optimized to enhance both yield and biological efficacy.
Prof. Antonio Speciale
University of Messina
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Phenolic Profile and In Vitro Anti‐Inflammatory Activities of
Salvia officinalis
L. Hydrodistillation Wastewater, Chemistry & Biodiversity, January 2026, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202502271.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
