Investigation of studies involving the prospection of chemical compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial potential from maytenus guianensis Klotzsch Ex Reissek in the north region: a brief review

Abstract

Among the members of the Celastraceae family, the genus Maytenus stands out for having the highest number of species, and one of these species is Maytenus guianensis, popularly known as chichuá, xixuá, chuchahuasi, chucchu huashu, chuchuasi, and chuchasha. It is a medium-sized tree typical of the Amazon rainforest with various therapeutic properties. Despite its prevalent use in traditional medicine, there is a gap in the phytochemical exploration of the species in the Amazon, especially in the Alto Solimões region. Thus, this study evaluated the current state of research related to the biological activities and identification of chemical compounds in M. guianensis in the northern region. For this purpose, articles were selected from the Google Scholar and Scielo databases, covering the period from 2007 to 2022, as well as dissertations and theses within the same timeframe. A total of 50 scientific works were consulted, including 20 dissertations, 10 theses, and 20 articles. The analysis of the studies revealed, in general, that the roots, bark, stems, and leaves of M. guianensis exhibit various biological properties, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antidiarrheal, antioxidant, muscle relaxant, anticytotoxic, antimutagenic, antigyotoxic, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic actions. Regarding the isolated chemical compounds from the species, these occur in different parts of the plant, with the majority belonging to the terpene class, notably 3-oxo-friedelane triterpene, 29-hydroxyfriedelan-3-one triterpene, 16β-hydroxyfriedelan-3-one triterpene, tingenin B, and tingenone. Finally, the dissemination of this study is of utmost relevance as it encourages further research with medicinal plants, particularly focusing on M. guianensis. This effort will significantly contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge about medicinal plants in the Alto Solimões Region.