The antioxidant effects of aqueous methanolic extracts from three medicinal Lamiaceae species were investigated in enzyme-dependent and enzyme-independent lipid peroxidation systems. All these extracts caused a considerable concentration-dependent inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Phenolic components present in the plant extracts were evaluated for antioxidant activity and were found effective in both tests. Their concentrations in each extract were determined by TLC-densitometry.

The protective effects of eleven Salvia species native to Europe against enzyme-dependent and enzyme-independent lipid peroxidation were evaluated. The 50 % aqueous methanolic extracts of the leaves of all tested plants were found to be more effective than the positive control α-tocopherol acid succinate. The extracts of S. candelabrum, S. ringens, S. tomentosa, S. nemorosa, and S. glutinosa displayed considerable concentration-dependent antioxidative effects that were comparable to those of the medicinal and aromatic plant S. officinalis. The concentrations of flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids and total phenolic compounds in each extract were quantified with the aim of clarifying the connection between activity and chemical composition.