Phytochemical Composition and Multifunctional Bioactivities of Salvia syriaca L.: A Promising Natural Source for Antioxidant and Pest Management Applications

This study evaluated the phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity, and biological activities of the aerial parts (leaves, shoots, and flowers) of Salvia syriaca L. (Syrian sage). Samples were collected at the flowering stage during the 2024 vegetation period. The methanolic extract was analyzed by LC‐MS/MS, identifying nine phenolic compounds. Ferulic acid (2850.43 ± 65.55 mg/kg DW (Dry Weight), rutin (2014.45 ± 3.97 mg/kg DW), and rosmarinic acid (82.50 ± 3.52 mg/kg DW) were the predominant constituents. Total phenolic content (TPC) was 37.42, 34.07, and 14.40 mg GAE/g extract in ethyl acetate, methanol, and hexane extracts, respectively, while total flavonoid content (TFC) was 23.29, 21.71, and 7.91 mg QE/g extract. Methanol and ethyl acetate showed stronger DPPH radical scavenging activity than hexane. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited the highest FRAP value (1.13 µmol TE/mg extract), while methanol showed superior CUPRAC activity (6.89 µmol TE/mg extract). Biological assays indicated that the methanolic extract inhibited germination of weeds, growth of plant pathogenic fungi, and bacterial pathogens and caused high mortality in the stored grain pest Sitophilus granarius . These findings suggest that S. syriaca is a promising natural source of bioactive compounds for integrated pest management (IPM).