Chemical composition and biological activities of essential oils from Myrtaceae species growing in Amazon: an updated review

ABSTRACT The Myrtaceae family has 121 genera and about 3800 to 5800 species distributed throughout the world, especially in tropical and subtropical countries. Many plants in this family found in the Amazon region produce essential oils with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic activities. In general, essential oils from Amazonian species of this family contain substances from the terpene class, including the monoterpene α-pinene and sesquiterpene β-caryophyllene, in addition to phenylpropanoids such as eugenol. However, the chemical composition and concentration of the major compounds can vary depending on the geographic location of the plants. This work compiles the most recent information on the chemical composition and biological activities related to the essential oils of several species belonging to the Myrtaceae family from the Amazon region, thus guiding future research.