Chemical Composition, Biological Activities and Uses of Anacardiaceae Species: An Updated Review

Abstract

The present review, with 169 references, describes a critical updated compilation of studies regarding the Anacardiaceae family. Firstly, it is shown a detailed report of the chemical composition (essential oils, terpenoids, flavonoids, alkyl and alkenyl phenols, and other compounds) of species of all studied genera, followed by the biological properties (in vitro and in vivo activities) of extracts, enriched fractions, and pure new isolated metabolites. Furthermore, it is reported herein that some deposited processes developed with Anacardiaceae spp. (cosmetic and pharmacological compositions, besides some technological applications) as well as new findings about the biosynthesis of phenolic lipids, the primary chemical marker of the family. Consequently, these outcomes highlight the relevance of this family in developing natural products’ chemistry from 2006 to now.