Salvia sclarea: A comprehensive review of its pharmacology, phytochemistry, ethnobotany and traditional uses

Salvia sclarea (Lamiaceae), commonly known as clary sage, belongs to the genus Salvia , one of the most species-rich genera within family Lamiaceae, comprising more than 1024 species distributed across temperate, tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The greatest species diversity occurs in Central and South America, which together host over 500 species. This is followed by Central Asia and the Mediterranean region with more than 250 species, and Eastern Asia with over 90 species. The name Salvia is derived from the Latin word “ salvare ” which means "to heal" or "to be healthy" summarizes the popular belief in its “magical” health-promoting properties. This review provides a comprehensive exploration of the pharmacological activities, phytochemical composition, ethnobotanical significance, and traditional uses of S. sclarea . The plant is rich in bioactive compounds, including essential oils, flavonoids, terpenes, and phenolic acids, which contribute to its therapeutic properties such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. Essential oil of clary sage is rich in oxygenated monoterpenoids and monoterpenoid hydrocarbons, with key constituents such as linalool acetate (49.1%), linalool (20.6%) with other components like (E)-caryophyllene (5.1%), p-cymene (4.9%), α-terpineol (4.9%), and geranyl acetate (4.4%). Traditionally, S. sclarea has been employed in the treatment of digestive disorders, skin ailments, menstrual irregularities, and as a relaxant in aromatherapy. The core aim of this review is to synthesize and critically evaluate available ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological information on Salvia sclarea , with the objective of linking its traditional uses to scientific evidence and assessing its potential for therapeutic and industrial applications.