Ethnobotanical aspects, chemical considerations and biological activities of essential oils from Croton grewioides Baill.: An overview

The species Croton grewioides Baill is an aromatic shrub commonly known as “canela de cunhã,'' native to the Caatinga biome in Northeast Brazil. Its popular use is associated with gastroprotective activities, sedative, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, insecticidal, and natural repellent activities, typically administered as teas, infusions, and essential oil. Its essential oil contains numerous bioactive compounds, with anethole and estragole being the major components. In this study, 67 chemical compounds present in its essential oil were identified, belonging to the classes of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and phenylpropanoids. Among the main activities attributed to its essential oil, the following stand out: antioxidant, antimicrobial, insecticidal, cytotoxic, antispasmodic, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, sedative, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. Based on the data collected in this study, the essential oil of C. growioides shows potential for use in the treatment of diseases. However, further investigations into the toxicological characteristics of the species are necessary. Additionally, it is essential to deepen the understanding of the mechanisms of action of the essential oil and its constituents.