Phytochemical characterization and wound healing potential of Salvia veneris Hedge extract-based ointment

Salvia veneris Hedge (Krythean sage), an endemic species of Cyprus, was investigated for its phenolic compounds and wound healing through the development of an ointment. Phenolic constituents of S. veneris ethanol extract (SVEE) were characterised by LC-MS/MS, and total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Twenty-two phenolic compounds were identified, with caffeic acid as the major compound and a total phenolic content of 144.6 mg GAE/g. SVEE enhanced fibroblast proliferation in the MTT assay (IC₅₀ = 56.01 ± 1.34 μg/mL) while exhibiting low cytotoxicity. In vivo evaluation of SVEE-based ointment using an excision wound model demonstrated significant, dose-dependent healing activity, with increased re-epithelialization and accelerated wound contraction (91.17 ± 1.84% by day 15) compared with control groups. These findings indicate that the rich phenolic composition of S. veneris contributes to its potent wound-healing activity, supporting the potential of SVEE-based formulations as promising natural therapeutics for wound healing.