Investigation of morpho-anatomical, molecular, GC/QToF, and LC/QToF characterization of Salvia mellifera (black sage), Saliva apiana (white sage) and their varieties

Authors: ADAMS, SEBASTIAN - University Of Mississippi; LEE, JOSEPH - University Of Mississippi; AVULA, BHARATHI - University Of Mississippi; KATRAGUNTA, KUMAR - University Of Mississippi; Wang, Mei; PARVEEN, IFFAT - University Of Mississippi; TECHEN, NATASCHA - University Of Mississippi; CHITTIBOYINA, AMAR - University Of Mississippi; KHAB, IKHLAS - University Of Mississippi

Submitted to: South African Journal of Botany
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/24/2023
Publication Date: 12/2/2023
Citation: Adams, S.J., Lee, J., Avula, B., Katragunta, K., Wang, M., Parveen, I., Techen, N., Chittiboyina, A., Khab, I. 2023. Investigation of morpho-anatomical, molecular, GC/QToF, and LC/QToF characterization of Salvia mellifera (black sage), Saliva apiana (white sage) and their varieties. South African Journal of Botany. 164:77-90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2023.11.038.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2023.11.038

Interpretive Summary: A high degree of morphological variation or hybridization between black sage (S. mellifera) and white sage (S. apiana) causes confusion in the identification of these species in commerce and also in wild collection. The existing characterization of black sage and white sage is incomplete in identifying the key characters to differentiate between genuine S. mellifera and S. apiana and their varieties. Thus, a comprehensive study was made to provide reliable and supportive evidence based on histology, histochemical, chemical fingerprint analysis (both LC/QToF and GC/QToF), and genome sequences. This study will help to identify the correct species in the wild and in commerce based on morphological and chemical profiles.

Technical Abstract: Salvia mellifera (black sage) and Salvia apiana (white sage) are known for complex introgressive hybridization. Morphological variations between these two Salvia species and their varieties present overlapping characters that may cause confusion in identifying the genuine species in nature. Since these plants may be candidates for investigation of botanical-based drugs, this study aimed to differentiate the two Salvia species and to group the closely resembling varieties. With many Salvia species offering health benefits, the morphological analysis and chemical fingerprinting of these two species will benefit their potential consideration for further evaluation of their health benefits. Detailed histology, histochemistry, molecular, and chemical characterizations were used to identify distinguishing characteristics of genuine S. mellifera, S. apiana, along with other two varieties resembling S. mellifera or S. apiana. Macroscopic and microscopic characterization of leaf lamina and types of trichomes can differentiate the morphology of S. mellifera from S. apiana. The histochemical analysis of glandular trichomes revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenes, and other common secondary metabolites. Micropatterns of calcium oxalate crystals were identified as being characteristic and aiding in differentiation. Even though the external morphology characters of the varieties resemble an intermediate between S. mellifera and S. apiana, chemical qualitative analyses via LC/QToF and GC/QToF indicate a chemical fingerprint more similar to that of S. apiana. This is a detailed analysis using various approaches including morpho-anatomy, trichome micromorphology, molecular analysis, and chemical similarities to identify and differentiate between S. mellifera, S. apiana, and their close varieties.