Influence of Climate-Related Environmental Stresses on Economically Important Essential Oils of Mediterranean Salvia sp.

Abstract

Salvia L. is the largest genus in the family Lamiaceae, with about 1,000 species and a nearly cosmopolitan distribution. Salvia species are used in both traditional and conventional medicines, and other numerous industries, such as spices and perfumes. The number of papers dealing with Salvia exceeds 12,000 and mostly investigates their chemical composition and bioactive properties. A smaller proportion of papers however consider environmental factors, mostly on the effects of microclimate conditions on its geographic distribution along an altitudinal or longitudinal gradient, and very few studies can be found on the effects of emerging stressors on the commercial production of sages of medicinal and economical importance. Here, we summarize available data on the essential oil composition of three economically important sages from the Mediterranean area, that is, Salvia officinalis, Salvia officinalis subsp. lavandulifolia, and Salvia fruticosa, and the effects of climate-related environmental stressors on their chemical profiles. Environmental stress factors, such as an increase in soil salinity and aridity, and changes in annual average temperatures, are going to impose a serious risk on the commercial production of sage essential oils, which are commercially produced in many European countries. This review highlights the already confirmed effects of these stressors on three selected Salvia species and consequently the importance of mitigating the effects of climate change on the commercial production of these essential oils.

Climate Influence and Essential Oils Composition of Salvia Officinalis in Populations of Southern Albania

“…The essential oil composition varies within a country depending on the microclimate conditions suggesting the significance of tracking the climaterelated conditions and their effect on plants (Karalija et al, 2022). Thus, the analysis of essential oil components of four natural populations of Salvia officinalis was carried out for five consecutive years 2017-2021 in order to investigate the variation of Essential Oils (EOs) chemical components in relation of the temperature and precipitation variations.…”

“…In addition, it is well known that the composition of essential oils and concentration of volatile compounds in Salvia sp. depends not only on genetic and seasonal factors but also on environmental conditions (Ramezani et al, 2020), although with the accelerating climate change this can potentially be problematic for the future production and use of these oils in the pharmaceutical and food industry (Karalija et al, 2022). There are limited reports on the variation of chemical oil composition of medicinal plants under different climatic conditions.…”

Anti-Candida activity of terpenes from Salvia ovalifolia, S. procurrens and S. uliginosa, native to South Brazil

“…In Brazil, 68 species were found being 47 endemics to the country (3). The phytochemical investigation of the genus Salvia indicates the presence of diterpenes (4)(5)(6) and essential oils (7) as the main constituents. Due to the presence of these important groups of natural compounds, Salvia species are used in the traditional medicine, as well as and in the manufacture of perfumes, cosmetic and toiletry products.…”

A Hormetic Spatiotemporal Photosystem II Response Mechanism of Salvia to Excess Zinc Exposure

“…The genus Salvia L., in the family Lamiaceae, consists of about 1000 species that are used in traditional and conventional medicines [ 58 ]. Among them, Salvia sclarea L. (clary sage) is cultivated worldwide as an ornamental and essential-oil-bearing plant, being used in the aromatic and food industry [ 59 , 60 ].…”