Exploring the Potential of Myrcia Genus Essential Oils: A Review of Biological Activities and Recent Advances

• Published in: Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Vol. 29; no. 12; p. 2720
• Main Authors: Dos Santos, Eliza de Jesus Barros, Bezerra, Fernanda Wariss Figueiredo, da Silva, Luiz Renan Ramos, da Silva, Marcilene Paiva, Ferreira, Oberdan Oliveira, da Silva Martins, Luiza Helena, de Jesus Chaves-Neto, Antônio Maia, de Santana Botelho, Anderson, Kumar, Ravendra, Bargali, Pooja, do Socorro de Souza Vilhena, Karyme, de Aguiar Andrade, Eloisa Helena, de Oliveira, Mozaniel Santana
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01-06-2024; MDPI
• Subjects: Animals; Anti-Infective Agents - chemistry; Anti-Infective Agents - pharmacology; Antioxidants; biological applications; Cytotoxicity; Diabetes; essential oil; Flowers & plants; Free radicals; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents - chemistry; Hypoglycemic Agents - pharmacology; Insecticides - chemistry; Insecticides - pharmacology; Leaves; Metabolism; Methyl salicylate; Myrcia; Myrtaceae - chemistry; natural products; Oils & fats; Oils, Volatile - chemistry; Oils, Volatile - pharmacology; Plant Oils - chemistry; Plant Oils - pharmacology; Plant reproduction; Review; Seeds; Vegetation; volatile compounds; Brazil; volatile compounds; natural products; biological applications; essential oil; Myrcia
• ISSN: 1420-3049; 1420-3049
• DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122720

The present study provides a comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition of essential oils from species of the
genus and their applications. The compiled results highlight the chemical diversity and biological activities of these oils, emphasizing their potential importance for various therapeutic and industrial applications. The findings reveal that
essential oils present a variety of bioactive compounds, such as monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, which demonstrate antimicrobial activities against a range of microorganisms, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as yeasts. Furthermore, this study highlights the phytotoxic activity of these oils, indicating their potential for weed control. The results also point to the insecticidal potential of
essential oils against a range of pests, showing their viability as an alternative to synthetic pesticides. Additionally, species of the genus
have demonstrated promising hypoglycemic effects, suggesting their potential in diabetes treatment. This comprehensive synthesis represents a significant advancement in understanding
essential oils, highlighting their chemical diversity and wide range of biological activities. However, the need for further research is emphasized to fully explore the therapeutic and industrial potential of these oils, including the identification of new compounds, understanding of their mechanisms of action, and evaluation of safety and efficacy in different contexts.