Chemical Composition of Essential Oil of Genus Pimenta (Myrtaceae): Review

Abstract

Myrtaceae Juss., the name derived from the genus Myrtus communis, is considered the eighth largest flowering plant family and of considerable importance on the ecological and economic area (by its production of essential oils). The species that belong to Myrtaceae with primarily tropical and subtropical distribution, with a greater diversity in the southern hemisphere, dispersed mainly in the regions of South America, Central America, Asia, East and Southwest of Australia and with a low representation in Africa. The Myrtaceae family includes more than 5500 species and approximately 150 genera, the genus Pimenta being one of the representatives of medicinal interest, which comprises 15 species (+6 varieties) located mainly in tropical America. Due to its economic and pharmacological importance, its best known species are Pimenta dioica and P. racemosa. Pimenta species can produce a volatile content of 1-5% from fresh leaves. To date, studies of this genus have been focused mainly on the content of volatile essences, used in formulation of cosmetics, analysis of chemical composition, and biological activities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, insecticidal, and anti-inflammatory activity, eugenol being the main compound responsible for their biological potential.

Assessment of Chemical Composition and Anti-Penicillium Activity of Vapours of Essential Oils from Abies Alba and Two Melaleuca Species in Food Model Systems

“…Myrtaceae family, including more than 5500 species and approximately 150 genera, is considered the eighth largest flowering plant family with ecological and economic importance related to its production of EOs [ 17 ]. Among them, EOs obtained from Melaleuca ( M. ) armillaris subsp.…”

Pimenta Oil as a Potential Treatment for Acinetobacter baumannii Wound Infection: In Vitro and In Vivo Bioassays in Relation to Its Chemical Composition

“…Pimenta genus is an important myrtaceous taxa that encompasses 15 species, mostly found in the Americas Caribbean area, and commonly used for several medicinal purposes [ 9 , 10 ]. Pimenta dioica and Pimenta racemosa are the most recognized in that genus to exhibit potential pharmacological effects owing to its rich essential oil composition [ 11 ]. Traditionally, different Pimenta plant parts have been utilized for the alleviation of common cold, viral infections, bronchitis, dental and muscle aches, rheumatic pains, and arthritis.…”

Metabolomics-Driven Discovery of an Introduced Species and Two Malaysian Piper betle L. Variants

“…Leaf essential oils of several species in the genus Pimenta (Myrtaceae), of which some are used as spices, were reported to contain chavibetol as major constituents. However, identification of acetate esters of phenylpropenes in the leaf essential oils of these species has never been reported in the literature [37,[61][62][63]. Acetic acid is a precursor of acetyl-CoA, which is a metabolic intermediate responsible for the biosynthesis of acetylated metabolites and isoprenoids in plants [64,65].…”