1 Metformin-like effects of Salvia officinalis: useful in diabetes prevention? Authors: Cristovao F. Lima † , Marisa F. Azevedo † , Rita Araujo † , Manuel Fernandes- Ferreira, Cristina Pereira-Wilson Address: Department of Biology, Centre of Biology, School of Sciences, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal † These authors contributed equally to the work. Corresponding author: Cristina Pereira-Wilson; telephone +351 253604318; fax +351 253678980; e-mail cpereira@bio.uminho.pt Running title: Metformin-like effects of sage Keywords: Salvia officinalis L.; diabetes; metformin; Rat hepatocyte; hypoglycaemic effects