Extraction and determination of flavonoids in the leaf, extract, and in a pharmaceutical tablet preparation of Salvia officinalis by HPLC

This research was undertaken to attain a standard extract from the leaves of Salvia officinalis for use in a tablet dosage form, and to identify and determine the active components in the leaf, extract, and in Sweatosan as the standard tablet dosage form. It has previously been reported that an aqueous infusion and a dried aqueous extract, in an open study with 80 patients comparably reduced sweat secretion. The internal use of Sage leaf has been approved by the commision E for dyspeptic symptoms and excessive perspiration. Therefore, a simple and rapid method for determining the amount of Luteolin and Apigenin using RP-HPLC and UV-detection was applied. Luteolin and Apigenin were identified and determined in the leaf, leaf extract, and in a standard tablet form. The amount of Luteolin and Apigenin in the leaf and the extract were 0.24 (0.05% w/w), and 0.48 (0.01% w/w) respectively. The Sweatosan tablet contained 0.386 mg Luteolin and 0.086 mg Apigenin. Extraction from the powdered Sage leaf was performed using the method of percolation with water as solvent. The solvent was evaporated by vacuum and the extract was dried up. A dried extract (15-25%) was prepared from the Sage leaf. The dried extract was then used in determining the amount of flavonoids. Complete hydrolysis was achieved one hour after employing methanol and hydrochloric acid. A good separation was obtaind in less than 40 minutes with a methanol-water gradient.