Determination of essential oil, essential oil components and antioxidant properties of naturally growing sage (Salvia spp.) species in the flora of Bayburt

This study was conducted to determine the essential oil content, essential oil components, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of Salvia species naturally occurring in the flora of Bayburt Province. For the first time, 11 different Salvia species growing naturally within the borders of Bayburt Province were compared with the commercially available cultivated species Salvia officinalis and Salvia fruticosa in terms of the specified characteristics using these as plant materials. The study identified a total of 106 essential oil components. Salvia sclarea was found to be the wild species with the highest essential oil content at 0.154%. The highest total phenolic content (64.44 mg GAE/g) and the highest DPPH value (133.55 mg TE/g) were detected in Salvia bracteata. Among the species naturally occurring in the Bayburt flora, Salvia bracteata, Salvia multicaulis, and Salvia nemorosa were found to be particularly notable for their high values in terms of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The results obtained indicate that among the Salvia species naturally occurring in the flora of Bayburt Province, there are species of high value in terms of essential oil content, essential oil components, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity. Considering the region's climatic conditions and the diversity of cultivated plants, it is believed that species such as S. bracteata, S. multicaulis and S. nemorosa may have potential for cultivation, particularly following more comprehensive analyses. It has been concluded that further research on these species could generate economic revenue and create employment opportunities for the region.