Laurus nobilis Leaves and Fruits: A Review of Metabolite Composition and Interest in Human Health

Abstract

Laurus nobilis belongs to the family Lauraceae and is characterized by its evergreen nature. It is well known because of its traditional use in cooking and folk medicine. Many studies have been performed regarding its chemical composition and the pharmacological potential it exhibits. It has been reported to have antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, biocidal, antidiabetic, antiulcerogenic, neuroprotective, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anticholinergic properties, making this plant of great clinical importance. The main chemical compounds that show bioactive properties in L. nobilis are terpenoids, phenolics, and fatty acids. The purpose of this review is to describe the main use of L. nobilis, notably of the leaves and fruits, and to relate their metabolite content with their pharmacological and toxicological properties.

Bay Laurel of Northern Morocco: A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Phytochemical Profile, Mineralogical Composition, and Antioxidant Potential

“…The oxide composition of Laurus nobilis was revealed by WD-XRF analysis, with calcium oxide (CaO) and potassium oxide (K 2 O) being the two most common oxides, with a concentration of 1.36% and 0.763%, respectively. This supports the plant's prospective nutritional value by indicating a significant contribution from these elements to the plant's total mineral makeup [2,19]. Smaller concentrations of sulfur trioxide (SO 3 ) and silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) were also found; these compounds may have a role in the structural or metabolic traits of the plant [20].…”

“…Laurus nobilis has a significant mineral content that highlights its potential as a nutritional supplement and in pharmaceutical uses [2,19]. This mineral richness includes important elements, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium.…”

Nutraceutical Aspects of Selected Wild Edible Plants of the Italian Central Apennines

“…Many phenolic acids have been detected: rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 2-hydroxycinnamic acid, and others (see Table 2). Several cyclic terpenoids were found in L. nobilis, such as gazaniolide, spirafolide, reynosin, costunolide, santamarine, and lauroxepine [139]. The chemical composition of the EO from laurel leaves has been analyzed in different studies, and 1,8-cineole was found to be the major component [139].…”

“…Several cyclic terpenoids were found in L. nobilis, such as gazaniolide, spirafolide, reynosin, costunolide, santamarine, and lauroxepine [139]. The chemical composition of the EO from laurel leaves has been analyzed in different studies, and 1,8-cineole was found to be the major component [139]. Other compounds were present in appreciable amounts, such as camphene (0.05-13.4%), linalool (0.37-47.21%), methyl eugenol (3.3-7.8%), D-limonene (21.6-32.4%), sabinene (0.34-14.05%), neoiso-isopulegol (2.5%), eugenol (0.22-2.47%), γ-terpinene (0.23-3.48%), α-pinene (1.39-8.92%), β-pinene (3.0-6.22%), and terpinen-4-ol (1.21-5.2%).…”

“…α-terpinyl acetate (5.9-15.33%) and α-humulene (0.51-8.58%) were major constituents [141,[230][231][232][233]. Anthocyanins were found in berries from L. nobilis with cyanidin 3-O-glucoside (41%) and cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside (53%) [139]. The main compounds of berries' EO were 1,8-cineole, α-phellandrene, β-pinene, α-pinene, α-terpinyl acetate, sabinene, camphene, germacrene D, and β-caryophyllene [139,141].…”