Campomanesia genus – a literature review of nonvolatile secondary metabolites, phytochemistry, popular use, biological activities, and toxicology

Abstract

The genus Campomanesia belongs to the Myrtaceae family and has about 30 species. It is characterized by citrus-flavored fruits. Several articles describe the extensive use of its fruit, such as in the food industry, however, other parts of the plants are also used for food or pharmacological purposes such as the leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots. Analyzing works published on the genus in the period 2005-2019, we observed that the classes of main flavonoid compounds present are anthocyanins, chalcones, coumarins, tannins, and saponins. Species of this genus are also used as a medicine in the treatment of wounds, toothaches, fractures, and bruises. Therapeutic activities have also been detected for Campomanesia, such as antimicrobial, antiulcerogenic, antiprotozoal, anti-inflammatory, and antidiarrheal activity, antiproliferative and antioxidant potential, antiplatelet, antithrombotic, and fibrinolytic activities, as well as hypotensive effects. There are a small number of works demonstrating the low toxic potential of plant extracts. Thus, the Campomanesia genus presents pharmacological potential to be explored.

A review of essential oils and their properties in the genus Campomanesia (Myrtaceae) from the Brazilian Cerrado

“…Phenolic compounds are most widespread in the form of anthocyanins, chalconoids, coumarins, and tannins. Fruits are the most commonly used for extractions, yet leaves, flowers, seeds and roots are all used for food and medicinal purposes (Cardoso 2021;Duarte et al, 2020). Campomanesia adamantium was the most frequently studied species which seems to reflect interest, or perhaps local abundance.…”

Scientometric analysis of scientific production on the genus Campomanesia Ruiz & Pav. (Myrtaceae) and most studied species - research trends involving native Brazilian plants

“…Evidently there is phytochemical variation between species, but the presence of these classes of compounds could explain the traditional therapeutic use, which is why some species have aroused the interest of researchers, such as: Campomanesia xanthocarpa, Campomanesia adamantium, Campomanesia guazumifolia, Campomanesia reitziana and Campomanesia lineatifolia. Despite the growing publications showing the importance of the genus, not only in the food field, but also in pharmacological applications, there is still a vast field of research to be explored to investigate its potential, especially of native species (Duarte et al, 2020;Lescano et al, 2019).…”

Photoprotective action, antioxidant activity, and toxicity of aqueous extracts of Campomanesia sessiliflora O. Berg

“…The Campomanesia genus has species relevant to this biome [16], with its fruit being considered a symbol of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul as of November 2017, by way of law 5.082, which authorises the use of the fruit of this genus in the touristic dissemination of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul [17]. Studies have evidenced the presence of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in several species of this genus [18].…”