Polyphenolic characterization and chromatographic methods for fast assessment of culinary Salvia species from South East Europe

► HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn methods for characterization of polyphenols in Sage were developed. ► Various extractions were performed and evaluated for their effectiveness. ► The selectivity of different RP C18 stationary phases for polyphenols was evaluated. ► Polyphenolic profile of 118 different Salvia samples was done. ► 68 populations of wild Salvia from South East Europe were examined.