Atividades terapêuticas do óleo essencial de melaleuca (melaleuca alternifolia) Uma revisão de literatura Therapeutic activities of melaleuca essential oil (melaleuca alternifolia) A literature review

The genus Pouteria, of the Sapotaceae family, is composed of plants that have representatives with great potential to be used in herbal formulations in order to combat pathogens and treat diseases that affect human health. Triterpenes and flavonoids are the most common constituents found in this genus. Despite the various uses of these plants in folk medicine to treat fever, inflammation, skin rashes, ulcers, diabetes, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, pain and promoting lactation. Few scientific studies proving their safety and therapeutic effectiveness. Studies found in the literature make references that the species of the genus Pouteria presents promising results as immunomodulator, antidiabetic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective and antimicrobial among other actions. This genus can be better investigated for use in herbal formulations that aim to combat or treat numerous diseases, including some like cancer and diabetes that still has no cure. In view of this and in view of the increasingly frequent search for natural substances that have effective therapeutic activities, this review highlights the great biotechnological potential, as well as the main therapeutic applications of species of this genus found in the literature and to stimulate new studies on the use of these plants in the treatment and even prevention of various diseases. For this, a survey was carried out on the topic in the main sources of scientific research in the period from 2010 to 2020, leading us to conclude that this genus can be a potent ally in the search for new phytotherapy drugs of great benefit to human health.

The genus Trichilia (Meliaceae family) has been attracting interest among Brazilian Flora, due to the biological activities of its secondary metabolites. This genus has species distributed throughout tropical America, recognized for its significant economic importance and high commercial value. Its composition consists mainly of terpenoids (triterpenes, sesquiterpenes, limonoids and steroids) and polyphenols (flavonoids and tannins). In folk medicine this genus is used in preparations such as antimicrobial, antimalarial, antiviral and antioxidant. Studies carried out with several species of the genus Trichilia show that these plants have antioxidant, anticholinesterase, antimicrobial activities against pathogens of great clinical importance, neuroprotective, anti-anaphylactic and anti-inflammatory. In addition, analgesic, antineoplasic, hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory activities have also been investigated and proven in the literature. Based on the great biotechnological potential of the genus Trichilia, from the few studies on its applications in human health and in view of the importance of searching for natural substances that have effective therapeutic activities, this review highlights the main therapeutic applications of species of this genus found in the literature, and stimulate further studies on the use of these plants in the treatment of various diseases. For this, a survey on the topic was carried out in the main sources of scientific research in the period from 2005 to 2020, leading us to conclude that this genus can be a potent ally in the search for new phytotherapic drugs.

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