Planta Med 2019; 85(13): 1054-1072
DOI: 10.1055/a-0943-1908
Biological and Pharmacological Activity
Reviews
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Essential Oils in the Family Lauraceae: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Authors

  • Carolina Sette Barbosa Damasceno

    Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
  • Natasha Tiemi Fabri Higaki

    Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
  • Josiane de Fátima Gaspari Dias

    Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
  • Marilis Dallarmi Miguel

    Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
  • Obdulio Gomes Miguel

    Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
Further Information

Publication History

received 18 March 2019
revised 23 May 2019

accepted 28 May 2019

Publication Date:
01 July 2019 (online)

Preview

Abstract

The Lauraceae family is predominantly found in Asia and in the rainforests of the Americas, and consists mostly of aromatic trees. Being an essential oil producer, this family is used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. This work presents a systematic review of the chemical composition and bioactivity of the essential oils from the Lauraceae family. Medline, Scielo, Web of Science, Lilacs, and Scopus were employed to identify articles published between 2000 and 2018, using “Lauraceae”, “essential oil”, and “biological activity” as key words. From 177 studies identified, 53 met the inclusion criteria. These studies indicated a predominance of the compounds β-caryophyllene and 1,8-cineole in Lauraceae species, and highlighted the antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities. Essential oils extracted from this family thus have high potential for pharmacological applications.