Variability in essential oil and valuable phenolic compounds in cultivated sage (Salvia officinalis) genotypes

Thirty-two sage (Salvia officinalis L.) genotypes cultivated in Türkiye under homogeneous environmental conditions at high altitudes, were characterised for essential oil (EO) compounds and main non-volatile phenolic acids (rosmarinic acid) and flavonoids (luteolin-7-O-glucoside). Cluster analysis of chemical data highlighted the occurrence of four main groups of populations: first group such as high levels of camphor, 1,8-cineole and camphene, a second group such as relatively higher levels of α-pinene, β-thujone and α-humulene, a third group such as high levels of bornyl acetate and borneol, and fourth group such as markedly higher levels of α-thujone and viridiflorol. In all analyzed genotypes, luteolin-7-O-glucoside content ranged between 1.73 - 3.17%, while rosmarinic acid content changed between 0.07 - 2.42%. Correlation analysis among compounds suggested that rosmaniric acid was positively correlated to luteolin-7-O-glucoside, but these two compounds had non-significant relationship with EO compounds, lower r values. The observed diversity can be used in breeding programs to design products and develop lines with better taste quality and functional characteristics, suitable for human health and various industries.