Uses and pharmacological properties of Myrcia DC. (Myrtaceae) in Brazil: systematic review

Abstract

Recently Brazilian laws were created to protect medicinal plants and regulate their uses. Representatives of Myrcia (Myrtaceae) are widely distributed in Brazil and known for their pharmacological potential. However, the only work to compile information on medicinal species of the genus refers to savanna plants. Aiming to obtain a complete overview of the subject, we conducted a wide search, finding 52 publications mentioning 37 scientific names and 26 popular names. After investigating synonyms, we obtained 28 species from five geographic regions and six phytogeographic domains. Most species are arboreal, but five (M. guianensis, M. hirtiflora, M. magnoliifolia, M. palustris and M. selloi) can also have a shrubby habit, and one (M. guianensis) can also be represented by subshrubs. The most used part is the leaf. In the compilation, 15 pharmacological properties were listed, and the antioxidant property stood out the most, appearing 16 times in the table. The development of new research, focused on the efficacy of pharmacological activities is necessary, since some of the species mentioned in the consulted works do not have any type of work of this nature. In addition, awareness should be spread about the importance of its correct and responsible use as an herbal resource.