Essential oil composition and biological activities of Aloysia gratissima (Gillies & Hook.) Tronc. (Verbenaceae): a systematic review

Abstract

Essential oils are secondary metabolites stored in different organs of aromatic plants. Among the plants found in the Pampa biome with potential for essential oil extraction, Aloysia gratissima, the garupá, stands out. The sustainable use of native plants is a strategy for conserving biodiversity. Therefore, by connecting research and the strategic requirement to value sociobiodiversity in South America, this review aimed to systematically analyze scientific studies about the biological effects, yield, and chemical composition of the essential oil of garupá. The review considered articles published between 2012 and 2022 based on the following inclusion criteria: a) publications in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, b) related to essential oils, and c) on chemical compounds and biological activities. Of the 99 articles obtained, 13 were included in the analysis based on the construction of the textual corpus. Similarity and descending hierarchical analyses were carried out using Iramuteq. The 13 articles presented data on the composition of A. gratissima oils, of which ten evaluated the biological properties and eight presented yield data. Thus, the yield varied from 0.25 to 1.14% and the main compounds found in the studies were: 1,8-cineole, β-pinene, guaiol, sabinene, ß-caryophyllene, α-pinene, bicyclogermacrene, spathulenol, trans-pinocamphone, and trans-pinocarveol acetate. Furthermore, the results show that essential oils have potential for use as phytomedicines and agricultural bio-inputs due to their antifungal, antibacterial, analgesic, and repellent activities.