Review of chemical constituents and biological properties in species of the genus Eugenia (Myrtaceae)

Abstract

The Myrtaceae family which includes 175 genera and 5970 spp., is one of the most important families with wide distribution in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In folk medicine, the infusion and decoction of the leaves of various species of Eugenia have been used in different diseases being the most common in digestive diseases, anti-inflammatory, respiratory and urinary tract infections. In non-polar extracts chemical compounds that have prevailed were monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes and in the polar extracts, flavonoids have been highlighted. In the present study, carried out a review of the chemical and pharmacological studies of the genus Eugenia, in the period from 1988 to 2020, highlighting a wide range of chemical compounds and biological properties.