Comparative Surveys of Tanshinone Components in Wild Salvia Species from Yunnan Plateau

The genus Salvia belonging to the Lamiaceae family is an important medicinal plant resource and taxon. Using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC) assay, DTI, CT, TIIA and TI as controls, tanshinone components were qualitatively and quantitatively determined in 8 selected wild species in the southwestern plateau. The significant differences in tanshinone contents were statistically analyzed. The results showed that DTI riched in the roots of S. grandifolia; and DTI was specifically detected in leaves of S. bradycardia, which contained DTI, CT and TIIA in its roots; all 4 tanshinones in S. bradycardia and S. miltiorrhiza were examined showing abundances in the roots. In conclusion, total tanshinone levels in S. Przewalskii were higher than that in S miltiorrhiza, prompting alternative raw sources for tanshinone extraction. S. yunnanensis, S. castanea, and S. digitaloides were primarily used for T-I extraction. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development, utilization, and conservation of endemic Salvia species in southwest China.