The chemical compositions of essential oils (EOs) of 11 Salvia species collected from different localities in Iran were analyzed by GC-FID and GC–MS. Altogether, 58 compounds were identified. α- and β-Pinene, 1,8-cineol, β-caryophyllene and sclareol were detected as the major constituents. Moreover, the cytotoxic activity of the EOs were assessed against 3 human cancer cell lines (HT-29, MCF-7 and MOLT-4) using MTT reduction assay. The oils displayed weak to moderate cytotoxic activities. The antibacterial activities of the oils were assayed on three Gram positive and four Gram negative bacteria by microdilution and agar disc diffusion methods. The antibacterial activities of the oils were compared with those previously reported for some of the sage species. Among the tested bacteria, Bacillus subtilis and Salmonella typhi were the most susceptible organisms with MICs 0.312 and 2.5 mg/ mL media against all of the tested EOs. The authors reviewed ethnopharmacological information published on Salvia species of the world and compared them with the data of those species which were used in the Iranian folk medicine. Among the Iranian sages, S. mirzayanii and S. hydrangea are used by the inhabitants of the Southwestern towns of Iran as medicinal plants. Aerial parts of S. mirzayanii are used for the treatment of diabetes, stomach ache, infections, inflammatory diseases, spasms, gastrointestinal disorders, and as an astringent, carminative, antiseptic and smoke medicine, while the flowers of S. hydrangea are used for their anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, diuretic, sedative and carminative effects and are also used for treating cough, sore throat and fever.