ABSTRACT
Inflammation is a host defense mechanism to get rid of injurious stimuli and to induce tissue healing process. In Jordan, Salvia species are traditionally used to treat inflammation and other ailments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of six Salvia species grown in Jordan to inhibit cutaneous inflammation. Topical anti-inflammatory activities of hexane [Hex], ethyl acetate [EtOAc] and methanol [MeOH] extracts from Salvia species aerial parts [S. ceratophylla, S. dominica, S. multicaulis, S. palaestina, S. spinosa and S. syriaca] were evaluated for the inhibition of croton oil-induced mouse ear oedema. Almost all extracts reduced oedema at the tested dose [300 microg/cm[2]]. Hex and EtOAc extracts exhibited the best anti-inflammatory effect in a dose-dependent pattern. Dose inducing 50% oedema inhibition [ID50] in vivo was found to be in the range of 87 - 300 microg/cm[2] and 47-146 microg/cm[2] for Hex and EtOAc extracts, respectively. In comparison with indomethacin [ID50 96 microg/cm[2]], S. palaestina and S. multicaulis EtOAc extracts were two folds more potent [ID50 47 and 50 microg/cm[2], respectively]. Whereas, the ID50 of S. syriaca Hex extract [87microg/cm[2]] was comparable to that of indomethacin. In conclusion, the results illustrated that S. multicaulis, S. palaestina and S. syriaca can be regarded as promising natural sources of anti-inflammatory drugs