METAL AND ANTIOXIDANT CONTENTS OF SAGE FROM SIĆEVO GORGE NATURE PARK

In this paper we have studied seasonal changes in metal and antioxidant contents of Salvia officinalis L. (sage) from Sicevo gorge Nature Park. Collected leaves were analyzed for iron, copper, zinc and manganese concentrations, quantities of malonyldialdehyde, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, guaiacol peroxidase). Also, the content of reduced glutathione, carotenoids, total flavonoids, soluble proteins, chlorophylls a and b was determined. The examined plant accumulates sufficient content of researched elements during vegetation, except for the iron in the seed-forming stage. A significant effect of growth stage on superoxide and hydroxyl radicals’ accumulation was observed, but there were no significant differences in lipid peroxidation levels during vegetation. Antioxidant enzymes in the low and middle range of activities in leaves of S. officinalis were correlated with protein, chlorophyll a and b contents, except for SOD. On the other hand, contents of non-enzymatic antioxidants varied greatly between different stages of growth, as well as the contents of protected molecules, with which they were positively correlated. Results from the present study suggest that antioxidant defense system of S. officinalis functions fully and protects target molecules of reactive oxygen species. The leaves of sage from Sicevo gorge Nature Park should be considered as an important source of iron, cooper, zinc, manganese and dietary antioxidants. Acta Medica Medianae 2015;54(1):27-33.