Salvira™ Does Not Modulate Estrogen Receptor: Reassessing Salvia officinalis Proposed Phytoestrogenic Properties

Background/Objectives: Salvia officinalis L. is widely used in food supplements, particularly those intended to support women’s health and alleviate menopausal vasomotor symptoms. However, the extent to which estrogen receptor signaling contributes to its reported clinical benefits remains unclear. Therefore, evaluating its potential endocrine activity is a key aspect of its toxicological characterization and overall safety assessment. The present study aimed to investigate the potential estrogenic effects of a standardized Italian Salvia officinalis L. extract (Salvira™), as well as its biological effects on estrogen-responsive breast cancer cells (MCF-7).

Methods

In vitro enzymatic assays and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) agonist- and antagonist-mode experiments were performed to assess its ability to modulate ERα signaling. Moreover, cell viability, proliferation, and clonogenic capacity were assessed in MCF-7 cells following exposure to increasing concentrations of the extract.