Exploring the impact of seasonal variations on the chemical composition, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory properties of Pogostemon heyneanus Benth. essential oil.

Background: Pogostemon heyneanus leaves infusions are relevant in ethnopharmacology for treating colds, coughs, headaches, and asthma. Purpose: The essential oil chemical composition of a Pogostemon heyneanus specimen was monthly monitored from October 2021 to July 2022 to evaluate the climatic influences on its yield and chemical composition and antinociceptive, andanti-inflammatory properties. Methods: The leaves, collected monthly over a 10-month period, were submitted to hydrodistillation. The oils obtained were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer and gas chromatography coupled to flame ionization detector. The P. heyneanus essential oil (PhEO) was tested in vivo to evaluate its peripheral analgesic actions through the abdominal writhing test induced by acetic acid, and peripheral analgesia by tail immersion. Neurogenic and inflammatory pain were evaluated by formalin test, and acute oral toxicity of the oil was also verified. Results: PhEO presented 27 chemical constituents with the highest predominance of patchoulol (43.6%-76.9%), α-bulnesene (0.2%-12.7%), α-guaiene (0.4%-8.9%), seychellene (3.8%-5.1%) and pogostol (0.0%-8.2%). The climatic parameters insolation, humidity, rainfall, and temperature did not influence the essential oil yield or the main chemical constituents, except for pogostol, which presented a strong (r = 0.73) and statistically significant (p < 0.05) correlation with temperature. PhEO did not display toxicity at the maximum 300 mg/kg dosage. The oil showed low peripheral and central analgesic action at 100 mg/kg, while in the neurogenic and inflammatory pain inhibition tests, no actions related to PhEO were observed. In the carrageenan-induced peritonitis test, PhEO did not reduce the migration of leukocytes to the peritoneal cavity compared to the control group. Conclusion: Pogostemon heyneanus is a resistant plant to seasonal influences and a source of patchoulol. Despite ethnopharmacological indications, no in-vivo biological activities such as neurogenic or inflammatory pain were identified in the present work. So, the low influence of the climatic parameters on chemical composition can infer that the low pharmacological activity is also not subject to climatic variations, that is, it does not change due to the climate.

Essential oil Ageratum conyzoides chemotypes and anti-tick activities.

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus represents a significant obstacle to animal productivity in tropical and subtropical areas, leading to considerable economic losses for the dairy and meat production industries. Essential oils (EO) extracted from Ageratum conyzoides are known to cause death and induce morphogenetic abnormalities in several insect species. This plant, however, presents morphological flower variations, which range from white to purple, associated to different chemotypes. In this context, this study aimed to conduct a novel assessment on the effects of EO extracted from two A. conyzoides chemotypes in the control of the bovine tick R. microplus. The primary constituents of the oil obtained from white flower samples (WFs) were precocene I (80.4 %) and (E)-caryophyllene (14.8 %), while purple flower oil samples (PFs) contained predominantly ß-acoradiene (12.9 %), γ-amorphene (12.3 %), α-pinene (9.9 %), bicyclogermacrene (8.9 %), α-santalene (8.7 %), and andro encecalinol (5.6 %). Interestingly, only the EO chemotype from A. conyzoides PFs displayed acaricidal activity towards R. microplus larvae, with an LC50 of 1.49 mg/mL.

Chemometrics of the Composition and Antioxidant Capacity of Hyptis crenata Essential Oils from Brazil.

Hyptis crenata (Pohl) ex Benth is used in traditional medicine as an analgesic to treat general pain. Six Hyptis crenata samples (Hc-1 to Hc-6) were collected in Pará state, Brazil. The leaf essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation, and GC-MS and GC-FID were used to analyze their chemical compositions. The antioxidant capacity was measured in vitro using DPPH and carotene/linoleic acid assays. Chemometrics analysis (PCA, HCA, and clustered heat map) were used to identify the sample relationships between those collected in this study and those from the literature (Hc-7 to Hc-16) samples. According to the main chemical constituents identified in the samples described in this work and the literature, the sixteen samples were classified into ten groups. Group I was characterized by 1,8-cineole (31.0%), α-pinene (13.6%), (E)-caryophyllene (7.8%), and ß-pinene (7.6%); and Group IV was characterized by 1,8-cineole (17.4-23.5%), α-pinene (15.7-23.5%), ß-pinene (10.5-13.4%), and limonene (8.5-9.7%). Both groups are described for the first time. The total antioxidant capacity was expressed in Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity values (TEAC): TEAC of Hc-5 (551.9 mg.TE/g) and Hc-6 (475.1 mg.TE/g). In the ß-carotene/linoleic acid assay, the highest inhibition was from Hc-2 (40.0%), Hc-6 (39.0%), and Hc-3 (29.4%).

Stability and Antioxidant Activity of Pouteria macrophylla Fruit Extract, a Natural Source of Gallic Acid.

Pouteria macrophylla (cutite) fruits are rich in phenolic acids, resulting in antioxidant and skin depigmenting activity. The aim of this study, then, is to evaluate the cutite extract stability under three variations of light, time, and temperature using a Box-Behnken experimental design to analyze through the surface response the variations of the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA), and gallic acid content (GA). A colorimetric assay was also performed, and a decrease in the darkening index was noticed due to the high phenolic coloration in the presence of light, indicating less degradation to extract stability. The experimental planning showed variations in all responses, and second-order polynomial models were calculated and considered predictable, as well as the effects were significant. The TPC exhibited a variation in less concentrated samples (0.5% p/v) at higher temperatures (90 °C). In contrast, the temperature was the only influential variable for AA, where only higher temperatures (60-90 °C) were able to destabilize the fruit extract. Differently, GA showed only the concentration as the influential variable, exhibiting that neither temperature nor time of exposure could affect the gallic acid content stability of P. macrophylla extract. For this, P. macrophylla extract was shown to be highly stable, providing a great perspective on cosmetic application.

Aniba canelilla (Kunth) Mez essential oil and its primary constituent, 1-nitro-2-phenylethane, inhibits acetylcholinesterase and reverse memory impairment in rodents.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Aniba canelilla, distributed in the Amazon region, stands out for its diverse economic and medicinal applications. Studies of the A. canelilla essential oil and its primary constituent, 1-nitro-2-phenylethane, have confirmed its anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, anti-hypertensive potential, and anticholinesterase, among other therapeutic activities. AIM OF THE STUDY: In addition, the present work aims to evaluate the potential of oil and NPE in the learning and memory of rodents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The oil was hydrodistilled and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. The learning and memory action in mice was evaluated through the scopolamine-induced cognitive deficit model, followed by behavioral analysis using Morris's water maze paradigm. RESULTS: Oil provided a yield of 0.5%, and in its chemical composition, 1-nitro-2-phenylethane (NPE) (76.2%) and methyleugenol (19.6%) were identified as primary constituents. Oil fractionation furnished NPE with 99.4%, which was used to evaluate its effects in animal models. Wistar rats were submitted to the mnemonic impairment-scopolamine-induced protocol for 7 days. The oil, NPE, and the positive control donepezil were administered from the 8th to 12th days. Morris water maze results demonstrated that oil and NPE reversed spatial learning and long-term memory similarly induced by muscarinic antagonist scopolamine to donepezil, the positive control. CONCLUSION: These beneficial effects have led the work to further investigations of the oil and NPE to elucidate their pharmacological mechanism, focusing on the cholinergic pathway of the central nervous system and opening up to the knowledge of other adjacent mechanisms, whose results are still under analysis.

Chemical composition and antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oil of Hyptis crenata Pohl ex Benth. from the Brazilian Amazon.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The leaf tea of Hyptis crenata has its practical use in the Brazilian Amazon for treating gastrointestinal and liver disorders, sweating induction, and as an anti-inflammatory. AIM OF THE STUDY: Evaluation of the chemical composition, acute oral toxicity, and antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the H. crenata essential oil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The essential oil was hydrodistilled and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. The antinociceptive action in mice was evaluated for the peripheral and central analgesic activity (abdominal contortion and hot plate tests), and the xylene-induced ear swelling was carried out for the nociception test. RESULTS: Oxygenated monoterpenes (53.0%) and monoterpene hydrocarbons (38.9%) predominated in the H. crenata oil, being 1,8-cineo1e (35.9%), α-pinene (20.8%), camphor (10.0%), and ß-pinene (7.3%) their primary constituents. The oral oil administration in the mice did not display changes in behavior patterns or animal mortality at 300 and 2000 mg/kg doses. The control group's biochemical parameters (ALP, AST, ALT) displayed a statistical difference from the treated group, unlike the renal parameters, which showed no variation between the groups. Oil reduced the abdominal contortions at doses of 100 (79.5%) and 300 mg/kg (44.4%), while with endodontacin, the dose was 5 mg/kg (75.2%). In addition, the oil could not decrease the paw licking/biting time at doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg. However, it showed a significant antinociceptive effect on the second phase in the formalin test inhibiting licking time, with a reduction of 50.8% (30 mg/kg), 63.4% (100 mg/kg), 58.0% (300 mg/kg), and morphine (4 mg/kg, 78.3%). The oil administration produced significant inhibition of ear edema at all tested doses, with a better effect produced at 30 mg/kg (64.0% inhibition). CONCLUSION: The oil of Hyptis crenata, rich in 1,8-cineole, camphor, α-pinene, and ß-pinene, totaling 74%, displayed low acute toxicity and significant anti-inflammatory activity, with peripheral and no central antinociceptive action. Thus, these results show an actual perspective on using H. crenata oil in developing a phytotherapeutic product.

Essential Oil Chemotypes and Genetic Variability of Cinnamomum verum Leaf Samples Commercialized and Cultivated in the Amazon.

Cinnamomum verum (Lauraceae), also known as "true cinnamon" or "Ceylon cinnamon" has been widely used in traditional folk medicine and cuisine for a long time. The systematics of C. verum presents some difficulties due to genetic variation and morphological similarity between other Cinnamomum species. The present work aimed to find chemical and molecular markers of C. verum samples from the Amazon region of Brazil. The leaf EOs and the genetic material (DNA) were extracted from samples cultivated and commercial samples. The chemical composition of the essential oils from samples of C. verum cultivated (Cve1-Cve5) and commercial (Cve6-c-Cv9-c) was grouped by multivariate statistical analysis of Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The major compounds were rich in benzenoids and phenylpropanoids, such as eugenol (0.7-91.0%), benzyl benzoate (0.28-76.51%), (E)-cinnamyl acetate (0.36-32.1%), and (E)-cinnamaldehyde (1.0-19.73%). DNA barcodes were developed for phylogenetic analysis using the chloroplastic regions of the matK and rbcL genes, and psbA-trnH intergenic spacer. The psbA-trnH sequences provided greater diversity of nucleotides, and matK confirmed the identity of C. verum. The combination of DNA barcode and volatile profile was found to be an important tool for the discrimination of C. verum varieties and to examine the authenticity of industrial sources.

The Volatile Profiles and DNA Barcodes of Lauraceae Species from the Ocotea Complex with Occurrence in the Brazilian Amazon.

The Ocotea complex accommodates most of the taxonomic diversity of Neotropical Lauraceae with economic importance and biological potential attributed to their essential oils (EOs) and extracts. However, the botanical taxonomy has had limitations due to the difficulty of identifying and delimiting species and genera. The chemical and molecular markers of Ocotea complex species in Pará state, Brazil, were assessed according to their EO compositions and DNA sequences of matK, trnL-trnF, and ITS regions. The multivariate analysis of EOs constituents has classified them into two main clusters characterized by oils rich in (I) terpenoids and phenylpropanoids and (II) sesquiterpenes. We conducted a phylogenetic analysis of species based on DNA barcode sequences on the Bayesian Inference (PP: 0.70-1,0) and Maximum Likelihood (BS: 72-100 %). The comparison between the volatile profiles and phylogenetic data indicates two main groups for these species collected from the Ocotea complex.

Anthelmintic evaluation and essential oils composition of Hyptis dilatata Benth. and Mesosphaerum suaveolens Kuntze from the Brazilian Amazon.

Hyptis dilatata and Mesosphaerum suaveolens belong to Lamiaceae, are aromatic and medicinal subshrubs with antiparasitic potential and occurrence in the Amazon Region. The essential oils of both species were extracted, analyzed, and identified by GC and GC-MS and then evaluated their anthelmintic activities against the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Primary constituents of the samples of H. dilatata oils were limonene (72.6%), myrcene (11.5%), and p-cymene (10.3%) to PAMA19 sample, and camphor (25.5%), α-pinene (25.4%), 1,8-cineole (18.8%), ß-pinene (12.0%), and limonene (5.9%) to PAMA108 sample, while in the oil of M. suaveolens, PAMA131 sample, predominated bicyclogermacrene (23.5%, 1,8-cineole (23.0%), germacrene D (17.2%), and (E)-caryophyllene (10.4%). The sample oil of H. dilatata (PAMA108) exhibited the lower anthelmintic inhibitory concentration, with an IC50 value of 2.09 mg/mL for C. elegans Bristol N2 strain, while the oils of H. dilatata (PAMA19) and M. suaveolens (PAMA131) showed an IC50 up of 4 mg/mL for C. elegans IVR15 and Bristol N2 strains. These results suggest that the H. dilatata and M. suaveolens oils constituents' combination can be helpful as a nematicidal agent due to their synergistic action.

Linalool as a Therapeutic and Medicinal Tool in Depression Treatment: A Review.

Depression is a prevalent disease worldwide, limiting psychosocial functioning and thequality of life. Linalool is the main constituent of some essential oils from aromatic plants, representing about 70% of these volatile concentrates. Evidence of the linalool activity on the central nervous system, mainly acting as an antidepressant agent, is increasingly abundant. This review aimed to extend the knowledge of linalool's antidepressant action mechanisms, which is fundamental for future research, intending to highlight this natural compound as a new antidepressant phytomedication. A critical analysis is proposed here with probable hypotheses of the synergic mechanisms that support the evidence of antidepressant effects of the linalool. The literature search has been conducted in databases for published scientific articles before December 2020, using relevant keywords. Several pieces of evidence point to the anticonvulsant, sedative, and anxiolytic actions. In addition to these activities, other studies have revealed that linalool acts on the monoaminergic and neuroendocrine systems, inflammatory process, oxidative stress, and neurotrophic factors, such as BDNF, resulting in considerable advances in the knowledge of the etiology of depression. In this context, linalool emerges as a promising bioactive compound in the therapeutic arsenal, capable of interacting with numerous pathophysiological factors and acting on several targets. This review claims to contribute to future studies, highlighting the gaps in the linalool knowledge, such as its kinetics, doses, routes of administration, and multiple targets of interaction, to clarify its antidepressant activity.

Chemical Diversity and Therapeutic Effects of Essential Oils of Aniba Species from the Amazon: A Review.

Lauraceae families have great diversity in the world's tropical regions and are represented mainly by aromatic shrubs and trees with significant production of essential oils (EOs). This work presents a review of the EO chemical profiles from specimens of Aniba, including their seasonal variations, geographical distributions, and biological activities in the Amazon biome. Based on the survey, 15 species were reviewed, representing 167 oil samples extracted from leaves, twig barks, and woods. Brazilian Amazon was the most representative geographic area in the number of specimens, highlighting the locations Belém, (Pará state, PA) (3 spp., 37 samples), Santarém (PA) (3 spp., 10 samples), Carajás (PA) (3 spp., 7 samples), and Manaus (Amazonas state, AM) (3 spp., 16 samples). The main compound classes identified in oils were benzenoids and phenylpropanoids, represented by 1-nitro-2-phenylethane, benzyl salicylate, benzyl benzoate and methyleugenol, along with terpenoids, especially monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, such as linalool, α-phellandrene, ß-phellandrene, ß-selinene, and spathulenol. The EOs from Aniba showed considerable variation in the chemical profiles according to season and collection site. The hierarchical cluster analysis classified the samples into two main groups according to chemical composition. This review highlights its comprehensive and up-to-date information on history, conservation, traditional uses, chemosystematics, pharmacological potential of Aniba species.

Essential Oil Composition and DNA Barcode and Identification of Aniba species (Lauraceae) Growing in the Amazon Region.

Lauraceae species are widely represented in the Amazon, presenting a significant essential oil yield, large chemical variability, various biological applications, and high economic potential. Its taxonomic classification is difficult due to the accentuated morphological uniformity, even among taxa from a different genus. For this reason, the present work aimed to find chemical and molecular markers to discriminate Aniba species collected in the Pará State (Brazil). The chemical composition of the essential oils from Aniba canelilla, A. parviflora, A. rosaeodora, and A. terminalis were grouped by multivariate statistical analysis. The major compounds were rich in benzenoids and terpenoids such as 1-nitro-2-phenylethane (88.34-70.85%), linalool (15.2-75.3%), α-phellandrene (36.0-51.8%), and ß-phellandrene (11.6-25.6%). DNA barcodes were developed using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) nuclear region, and the matK, psbA-trnH, rbcL, and ycf1 plastid regions. The markers psbA-trnH and ITS showed the best discrimination for the species, and the phylogenic analysis in the three- (rbcL + matK + trnH - psbA and rbcL + matK + ITS) and four-locus (rbcL + matK + trnH - psbA + ITS) combination formed clades with groups strongly supported by the Bayesian inference (BI) (PP:1.00) and maximum likelihood (ML) (BS ≥ 97%). Therefore, based on statistical multivariate and phylogenetic analysis, the results showed a significant correlation between volatile chemical classes and genetic characteristics of Aniba species.

Monoterpenes and Sesquiterpenes of Essential Oils from Psidium Species and Their Biological Properties.

Psidium (Myrtaceae) comprises approximately 266 species, distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Psidium taxa have great ecological, economic, and medicinal relevance due to their essential oils' chemical diversity and biological potential. This review reports 18 Psidium species growing around the world and the chemical and biological properties of their essential oils. Chemically, 110 oil records are reported with significant variability of volatile constituents, according to their seasonality and collection sites. Monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes with acyclic (C10 and C15), p-menthane, pinane, bisabolane, germacrane, caryophyllane, cadinane, and aromadendrane skeleton-types, were the primary constituents. The essential oils showed various biological activities, including antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, phytotoxic, larvicidal, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties. This review contributes to the Psidium species rational and economic exploration as natural sources to produce new drugs.

Secondary Metabolic Profile as a Tool for Distinction and Characterization of Cultivars of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) Cultivated in Pará State, Brazil.

This study evaluated the chemical compositions of the leaves and fruits of eight black pepper cultivars cultivated in Pará State (Amazon, Brazil). Hydrodistillation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were employed to extract and analyze the volatile compounds, respectively. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were predominant (58.5-90.9%) in the cultivars "Cingapura", "Equador", "Guajarina", "Iaçará", and "Kottanadan", and "Bragantina", "Clonada", and "Uthirankota" displayed oxygenated sesquiterpenoids (50.6-75.0%). The multivariate statistical analysis applied using volatile composition grouped the samples into four groups: γ-Elemene, curzerene, and δ-elemene ("Equador"/"Guajarina", I); δ-elemene ("Iaçará"/"Kottanadan"/"Cingapura", II); elemol ("Clonada"/"Uthirankota", III) and α-muurolol, bicyclogermacrene, and cubebol ("Bragantina", IV). The major compounds in all fruit samples were monoterpene hydrocarbons such as α-pinene, ß-pinene, and limonene. Among the cultivar leaves, phenolics content (44.75-140.53 mg GAE·g-1 FW), the enzymatic activity of phenylalanine-ammonia lyase (20.19-57.22 µU·mL-1), and carotenoids (0.21-2.31 µg·mL-1) displayed significant variations. Due to black pepper's susceptibility to Fusarium infection, a molecular docking analysis was carried out on Fusarium protein targets using each cultivar's volatile components. F. oxysporum endoglucanase was identified as the preferential protein target of the compounds. These results can be used to identify chemical markers related to the susceptibility degree of black pepper cultivars to plant diseases prevalent in Pará State.

Composition and Larvicidal Activity of the Oil of Dizygostemon riparius (Plantaginaceae), a New Aromatic Species Occurring in Maranhão, Brazil.

Dizygostemon riparius (Plantaginaceae) is a new aromatic herbaceous species occurring in Maranhão State, Brazil. It is used as flavorings to remove domestic animal parasites and preventing mosquitoes. GC and GC/MS were used to analyze its essential oil, and a larvicidal bioassay was performed against Aedes albopictus larvae, a vector of arboviruses in Brazil. endo-Fenchyl acetate, endo-fenchol, (E)-caryophyllene, and caryophyllene oxide were the oil's primary constituents, totalizing 88.0 %. The two morphotypes of D. riparius, with purple and white flowers, did not present a significant difference in the oils' composition. From a chemotaxonomic point of view, D. riparius oil showed some similarities with other oils of Plantaginaceae, suggesting (E)-caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide as possible chemical markers. The oil larvicidal action displayed the lowest and highest mortality percentage at 50 mg/L (2.0 %) and 600 mg/L (88.0 %). The fenchyl acetate and fenchol standards showed a lower and higher mortality percentage at a concentration of 300 mg/L (42.0 % and 26.0 %) and 900 mg/L (96.0 % and 98.0 %), respectively. The present study results with the D. riparius oil point to a new bioproduct with significant larvicidal activity.

Essentials Oils from Brazilian Eugenia and Syzygium Species and Their Biological Activities.

The Eugenia and Syzygium genera include approximately 1000 and 1800 species, respectively, and both belong to the Myrtaceae. Their species present economic and medicinal importance and pharmacological properties. Due to their chemical diversity and biological activity, we are reporting the essential oils of 48 species of these two genera, which grow in South America and found mainly in Brazil. Chemically, a total of 127 oil samples have been described and displayed a higher intraspecific and interspecific diversity for both Eugenia spp. and Syzygium spp., according to the site of collection or seasonality. The main volatile compounds were sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated sesquiterpenes, mainly with caryophyllane and germacrane skeletons and monoterpenes of mostly the pinane type. The oils presented many biological activities, especially antimicrobial (antifungal and antibacterial), anticholinesterase, anticancer (breast, gastric, melanoma, prostate), antiprotozoal (Leishmania spp.), antioxidant, acaricidal, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory. These studies can contribute to the rational and economic exploration of Eugenia and Syzygium species once they have been identified as potent natural and alternative sources to the production of new herbal medicines.

Chemical composition and biological activities of two chemotype-oils from Cinnamomum verum J. Presl growing in North Brazil.

Chemical composition and antioxidant and antifungal action of the oils from leaves and wood bark of two chemotypes of Cinnamomum verum J. Presl were evaluated. Plants were sampled in the cities of São Luís and Santa Inês, state of Maranhão, Brazil. GC-MS and GC-FID, DPPH radical scavenging, and in vitro test against the phytopathogenic fungus Colletotrichum musae were used to perform these analyses. Cinnamomum verum is worldwide known as Cinnamon, highlighted for its extensive use in the cooking of diverse cultures of the world, and as a medicinal plant to treat environmental viral diseases. In the leaf oil of São Luís chemotype, eugenol (93.6%) was the main constituent, while in Santa Inês chemotype, it was benzyl benzoate (95.3%). In the bark wood oil of São Luís chemotype, (E)-cinnamaldehyde (89.3%) was the main constituent, while in Santa Inês chemotype, they were benzyl benzoate (23.3%), linalool (14.0%), (E)-caryophyllene (9.1%), caryolan-8-ol (7.2%) and borneol (4.7%). Leaf oils from both chemotypes showed strong to moderate antifungal activity, reaching 100% efficacy in eugenol-containing oils and above 70% in benzyl benzoate oils. In the antioxidant evaluation, the chemotype with a high eugenol content presented an inhibitory concentration higher than 80%, compared to Trolox. The leaf oils of the two C. verum chemotypes showed significant antifungal and antioxidant potential, considering their economic use as a functional and nutraceutical food supplement.

Aniba canelilla (Kunth) Mez (Lauraceae): A Review of Ethnobotany, Phytochemical, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Cardiovascular, and Neurological Properties.

Aniba canelilla (Kunth) Mez, popularly known as "casca preciosa" (precious bark), falsa canela (cinnamon-scented) Casca-do-maranhão (bark of maranhão), and Folha-preciosa (precious leaf), is an aromatic species of the Lauraceae family, widely distributed in the Amazon region. In traditional medicine, it is indicated for the treatment of a great diversity of diseases, including digestive, respiratory, inflam]matory, painful, and central nervous system disorders, it is administered mainly in the form of tea or decoction orally. Its essential oil is referred to as a natural antioxidant for food preservation and disease control, showing great potential for use in the cosmetics, perfumery, and pharmaceutical products sector. The present review aimed to discuss critically and comprehensively the ethnobotanical characteristics, phytochemical constitution, and scientifically tested biological properties of A. canelilla, systematizing the knowledge about the species and proposing new perspectives for research and development. The chemical composition of A. canelilla includes 1-nitro-2-phenylethane, metyleugenol, eugenol, safrol, anabasin, anbin, tannin, α-pinene, b-pinene, b-felandren, b-caryophyllene, b-sesquifelandren, p-cymene, linalool, α-copaene, and spatulenol. Researches with ethanolic extracts, essential oils, and major constituents (1-nitro-2-phenylethane and metyleugenol) have revealed antioxidant, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, cardio-modulating, hypotensive (vasorelaxant), hypnotic, anxiolytic, anticholinesterase, and antibiotic properties (trypanomicidal, leishmanicidal, and antifungal). Some of these effects are potentially beneficial for aging-related diseases treatment, such as cardio and cerebrovascular, chronic inflammatory, neurological, and degenerative diseases. However, it is necessary to advance in the research of its clinical use and development of therapeutic products.

Seasonal and Antioxidant Evaluation of Essential Oil from Eugenia uniflora L., Curzerene-Rich, Thermally Produced in Situ.

The essential oil of Eugenia uniflora has been attributed anti-depressive, antinociceptive, antileishmanial, larvicidal, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. It is known that the cultivation of this plant can be affected by seasonality, promoting alteration in the oil composition and its biological activities. This study aims to perform the annual evaluation of the curzerene-type oil of E. uniflora and determine its antioxidant activity. The oil yield from the dry season (1.4 ± 0.6%) did not differ statistically from that of the rainy season (1.8 ± 0.8%). Curzerene, an oxygenated sesquiterpene, was the principal constituent, and its percentage showed no significant difference between the two periods: dry (42.7% ± 6.1) and rainy (40.8 ± 5.9%). Principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses presented a high level of similarity between the monthly samples of the oils. Also, in the annual study, the yield and composition of the oils did not present a significant correlation with the climatic variables. The antioxidant activity of the oils showed inhibition of DPPH radicals with an average value of 55.0 ± 6.6%. The high curzerene content in the monthly oils of E. uniflora suggests their potential for use as a future phytotherapeutic alternative.