Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Antimicrobial Activities of Eugenia Species – A Review

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance is a critical health problem, and pathogens responsible for common infections have developed resistance to antimicrobials, posing a threat to global health and placing a huge burden on health services. During the past two decades, the search for new bioactive agents in nature has become extremely important for promoting health and in the development of more efficient antimicrobials. The genus is one of the largest in the Myrtaceae family, comprising approximately 1000 species from Mexico to Argentina, with a few species distributed in Australia and Africa. species are used in folk medicine, with antidiabetic, antirheumatic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. This study systematically reviews the species to compile the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial effects. In addition, we provide information regarding the traditional uses and cytotoxic activity of species. We conducted a systematic literature search of specialized databases (Web of Science, Scielo, Lilacs, Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus) and selected articles published between 1973 and 2015 using and antimicrobial activity, and toxicity, and and chemical composition as key words. Ninety-three studies were included, and the phytochemical analyses from these studies show that species are a rich source of flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes, and sesquiterpenes. Chemical constituents play an apparent role in the antimicrobial effects and reinforce the known antimicrobial potential of the genus. It is worth mentioning that some species cause significant cytotoxicity.

Structures and Bioactive Properties of Myrtucommulones and Related Acylphloroglucinols from Myrtaceae

“…Historically relevant and well-known for its already-introduced multiple usage, M. communis represents the type species, and probably the best studied with reference to its biochemical properties. However, investigations in the field are developing more and more, enlarging the panorama of secondary metabolites produced by the Myrtaceae [2,8,13,14,15]. Particularly considered are aspects concerning the antibiotic properties, which have even led to proposing the use of some species in soil sanitization [16].…”

The ultrastructural damage caused by Eugenia zeyheri and Syzygium legatii acetone leaf extracts on pathogenic Escherichia coli

“…Many Syzygium and Eugenia species have antimicrobial activity [11,12]. The fruits and leaves of Eugenia zeyheri and S. legatii are consumed by humans and animals as food [13,14].…”

Assessment of the Suitability of Pitanga Leaf Extract as a Natural Antioxidant for Enhancing Canola Oil Stability: Monitoring Lipid Oxidation Parameters

“…The phytochemistry of pitanga and its potential health benefits has been previously explained in details . For example, pitanga leaves have been utilized in traditional Brazilian medicine due to their therapeutic effects against several diseases including diarrhea, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and malaria .…”